10 Questions with ... Cameron Moore

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started out in radio at Appalachian State University, working for our campus station, WASU, for two years. After graduation, I took my first full-time job working as afternoons on-air and Imaging Director for KOMG/Springfield, MO. After 2 ½ years with Midwest Family Communications, I moved to Charlotte, and started working for Beasley Media Group. I was brought on as MD, and nidday on-air talent. In early 2019, I took on the role as Music Director for WSOC as well. Earlier this year, I was named Program Director of WNKS. I still do middays for WNKS, and also work as the APD and weekend on-air talent for WSOC.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

My first real radio gig was doing afternoons and working as the Imaging Director at KOMG/Springfield, MO. I had never been to Springfield, nor even heard of it. It was terrifying to move so far from home, to a place where I knew no one. While scary, and hard at times, it taught me so much. Working in a smaller market, I got to wear a lot of hats, which was influential for me. I was able to learn a lot, quickly. I also learned that no one job is too small when it comes to making a station run smoothly.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I randomly came across a flyer for the college radio station while walking on campus at Appalachian State University. I went to the interest meeting, took the class, and had my first ever on-air shift, Fridays at 5a for WASU. After that, I was hooked. I love storytelling, I love entertainment, and I love music, so radio is really a perfect fit.

3. Twenty-two-year programmer John Reynolds is still a big part of the company and radio stations in Charlotte, and you replaced him as the hands-on PD for KISS a couple of months ago. What has that transition been like for you?

The transition has been very smooth to PD. It can be difficult juggling all my duties sometimes, which has been the biggest adjustment for me personally, but John and I have worked together for almost five years. There is a certain level of trust and understanding when you work together that long. John is also in the office right next to mine, so if I ever need help, or have a questions, he’s right there! I would say the transition to PD has been very smooth, all things considered!

4. You’ve been holding down middays for five years at this point. What do you still love most about being on the air every day?

The thing I love most about being on-air every day is that I feel so connected to the community. Every morning, I wake up and read about everything happening around our community. I then get to share those stories and happenings with our listeners. That brings me so much happiness; interacting with my community and being so involved locally.

5. Who would be a “dream guest” to have on your show?

Ryan Reynolds or John Krasinski… Attractive, and funny? They can sit in my studio any time! On a music level, I’d love to pick Ed Sheeran’s brain, and figure out how he is so good at writing music.

6. You’ve also got some programming and on-air duties across the hall at Country sister WSOC. What’s that like for you?

Working on both the Country and Pop sides has been eye opening. It’s interesting to see how each genre operates differently in terms of radio, streaming, labels and the charts. I can then use those differences to see how they may benefit or hinder the opposing genre, and offer fresh ideas. I find it a big advantage to have more than one genre to look at, as it often gives me a broader perspective.

7. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep yourself visible and involved in the community?

As a station, we stay local in many ways: everything from being out and about at local events with the station gear, to blogging about local stories, to our imaging. There is no doubt, we are a Charlotte radio station! I think a big responsibility falls on the talent when it comes to being involved in the community. Our talent is all very involved. We’re all out at different Charlotte events each week in our own personal lives. We post about it on our socials, and talk about our experiences on-air. There is something to be said about listeners seeing you out and about, enjoying your own life in the same city as them. It makes it much more authentic.

8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Anyone can learn the equipment, you set yourself apart by your work ethic. Drive and the passion to work is probably the most important thing you can possess in any career, but especially radio. Anyone can learn how to do a specific job, but the person that goes that extra mile to learn more, and do more, will always stand out.

9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Favorite jock(s)?

I grew up in Winston-Salem, NC, and my favorite station growing up was definitely 107.5 KZL. I remember listening to Murphy in the Morning on the way to school if it was up to me. I also remember listening to the mix shows on the weekends with my friends on KZL. If it was up to my mom, we would listen to Two Guys Named Chris on Rock 92 [WKRR] on the way to school, and if it were up to my dad, we would listen to NPR, which was definitely my least favorite of the three at the time as a 14 year old girl trying to be “cool.”

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

My first real mentor in radio was Dan Vallie. He was the first person to really believe in me while I was in college. He gave me all the tools and foundations I still use to this day. John Kimmons was the first PD to give me my first full-time, paid job. He also believed in me when I definitely didn’t have the resume to back me up. Lastly, John Reynolds and Jack Daniel here at Beasley Media Group are mentors to me. Those two are some real radio legends in Charlotte. I’ve been lucky enough to learn from their years of experience, and styles of leading. It’s helped me create a method that best works for me as a leader moving forward.

With the Spectrum Center at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a station bash?

My DREAM concert would be Beyoncé, Adele, and Sam Smith. I would happily take my protective concert earplugs out and let those singers bust my eardrums with their incredible voices. Hands down! It’d be worth it, haha.