10 Questions with ... Ray Michaels

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Since I've been in the biz for over 30 years, I'll just hit the programing stints.

• 1994 - 2001: PD KHTO & KZRQ Springfield, MO
• 2002 - 2004: OM KSYN, KIXQ, KJMK, KXDG Joplin, MO
• 2004 - 2011: PD KICT & KFXJ Wichita, KS
• 2012 - 2014: OM KLAZ, KHRK, KBHS Hot Springs, AR
• 2014 - 2016: PD KCVV, KWIC Topeka, KS
• 2016 - 2019: OM KEKB, KMXY, KKNN, KBKL Grand Junction, CO
• 2019 - COVID: OM KTOE, KXLP, KATO, KDOG, KXAC, KRRW Mankato, MN
• 2021- 2022: OM KHOK, KBGL, KVGB, KVGB-AM Great Bend, KS
• Current: PD KOSP & KOMG Springfield, MO

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

My first fulltime job was in the tiny market of West Plains, Missouri. It was on a pop station. This was live radio and the early days of CD's. I started as the night guy. Within 6 months, I was doing the morning show!

2. What led you to a career in radio?

Growing up in rural Missouri listening to the radio stations from miles away, it seemed like magic to me. I hadn't given a career in radio much thought until a college professor said to me "…if I had a voice like yours, I'd be in radio." I've been a music fan all my life and this seemed like the best way to be in "the music biz" without playing or singing.

3. How does The Julie Wilson Show set the table for the rest of the day at The Beat?

One of the hardest things to do in this biz is host a solo morning show. I have a tremendous respect for those that do it. Julie's great because she's from the region and knows the market. She also uses staff, friends, local personalities - her dad's a regular on the show - anyone she can find to bounce stuff off of. Even though her topics may be national in nature, she finds a way to connect them back to Springfield. She's also a social media monster! And that's absolutely vital in connecting with today's audience.

4. What would you say to the naysayers that insist that radio is a "dying" industry?

It's different today for sure. Back in the ol' days there were only 3 media outlets. Now there are dozens of ways to find music and information. It comes back to making a local connection. Including everything you can, on the air, the website, your social content and making it all about your community. Making what's happening in your market a priority is what keeps radio relevant.

5. How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z and Generation Alpha audiences?

Invite them to be a part of what you're doing. Today, it takes much more than getting the songs playing in the correct sequence and giving away concert tickets. It's about getting them interacting on your social sites, being a part of what they're interested in, and using what unites us all, the music, to connect with each other. We can be relevant in their world if we put our effort in the right places.

6. You also program and do afternoons on Country sister KOMG (105.1 The Bull), how do you keep everything pulled together?

I also host a podcast. With this job, time management is what's most challenging. Even more so today with smaller staffs. It comes down to having a daily, weekly, and monthly check list and sticking to it. Also, be willing to delegate what you can, to who you can. We all understand "it's not a job, it's a lifestyle," but it can become a bit taxing given it's a 24/7 operation that requires continuous effort and attention.

7. "Local, local, local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your stations visible and involved in the community?

We can't go out and do the weekly van hits like we did in the past. With less staff you've got to be strategic on what you do when. Look at your market's calendar and see where you can make the most impact. Springfield has a few "signature events." There's the Chili Cookoff and "Wing-A-Palooza" charity fundraisers that draws hundreds. Holiday parades, Christmas and St. Patrick's Day are ways to get in front of people. Try and be on stage at every show and event possible. Now that shows are back, there's nothing like being in front of a crowd at a concert to add credibility and get maximum visibility.

8. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?

The most memorable was at an Ozz-Fest show. Most that know me know I've spent years programming Rock radio. At a show at Sandstone, an outdoor venue just outside of Kansas City, a few of us given the opportunity to say "hello" to The Great and Powerful Oz! While waiting in the green room, down the hall a makeup dresser was set up with a folding chair in front of it. Ozzy popped out of the dressing room and sat down to do some work on himself. Of course, we took notice. He turned around to grab something from someone in the doorway behind him. As he reached back, him and the chair fell straight backwards! We couldn't help but laugh! It was like something right out of an SNL skit! A couple folks ran out of the dressing room and helped him back into his chair. As he came over to meet with us later, he asked "You guys didn't see me bust my ass, did you?" We were all like "ugh...no, not really'. "You f*%#king liars!", he said smiling, "I heard you guys laughing." We all cracked up! I've got the picture from that evening on the wall in my office. It makes me smile every time I see it.

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

I'm from Kansas City but went to live with my grandmother when I was in grade school. At night, I'd listen to WLS Chicago. As I got older, my friends and I loved Kansas City's KY102. We lived on the fringe of the signal's reach. I had to install an external FM antenna attaching it to our TV antenna to get it in my room.

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

Dave Alexander gave me my first programming opportunity so it starts with him. The list is too long to thank everyone that's helped me along the way. I will tell you this, I've learned more from the talent I've had the pleasure to work with, than anyone. You have to always be listening and learning to improve.

With the venue of choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 6 acts would you pull together to throw a massive listener concert?

Since it's a "listener concert" I'd make it a show they'd never forget! Of course, Taylor Swift would have to headline. Since Madonna's back on the road, we'd toss her on the bill for the "upper end of the demo". Of course, her and Taylor would have to do a couple of songs together. Ed Sheeran is ridiculous, so he's in. Can't have a massive pop show without The Weeknd. How about a little country crossover with Morgan Wallen and Kane Brown for good measure? Finally, I'd have Harry Styles open the show.