10 Questions with ... 'Russ' Francis

NAME:'Russ' Francis POSITION:PD/MD/Afternoons STATION:WAEV MARKET:Savannah, GA OWNER:Clear Channel

Please outline your radio career so far:

It all started eight years ago, right here in Savannah at WAEV, when we were Hot AC (Mix 97.3). I was hired by PD Scotty Snipes, in part because my home phone was just one digit off from the station hotline. Not that working in callout research required a long resume! From there I did everything I could, becoming a street teamer for events, learning to run the board and eventually voicetracking overnights.

In December '01 we flipped to Top 40 (KISS-FM) and with a new PD, "Cruz," came new opportunities. Soon, I had a live shift and more responsibility. It wasn't until January '03, when Chris Alan returned as PD, that I was named APD/nights. I was like a sponge and soon got the MD stripes -- all while being the CC/Savannah Webmaster. Later, I would segue to middays.

In January '06, I was named Interim PD and subsequently Program Director. Last June, I moved to afternoons.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Callout research operator ... right here in Savannah.

2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

It's a very Urban market with four of the top-six stations doing some variety of it. Thanks to a few flips, there's now a glut of AC-leaning stations as well.

3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

I own a hat shop! On-air, web design, promotions, planning, music, meetings....

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

The competition ... which is a shame, since our competition just flipped out of the format. Also, "making a difference." Savannah recently had a sugar refinery explosion, killing many and injuring even more. We were at the heart of it all, from the moment it happened to the aftermath and fundraising to help the families.

5) What is the most challenging part of the job?

Trying to do as much as ... and sound as ... big as stations in top-10 markets, but with a limited staff and budget.

6) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?

Kidd Kraddick - great syndicated morning show, solid cast, always inventive.

Jennifer Beale - also the entertainment reporter for the ABC/Fox affiliate and the queen of celeb gossip! Has come a long way and developed into a solid midday talent.

T*Lovely - a hidden gem. Though locally voicetracked, produces an amazing night show ... always witty, high energy and a great attitude. Market #157 has one of the top females in the country ... I always get comments about her when people are driving down I-95.

Spanish Michael ... our swing guy. Hardest working guy around and always does it with a smile. Perfect sidekick for your morning show (hint, hint).

7) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?

APD!

8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

93.3 The Power Pig / 93-3 FLZ. Growing up in Tampa Bay, EVERYONE lived by that station. It wasn't until years later I found out they were setting the standard nationally.

9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Good people (and stations) rise to the top. Hard work is rewarded.

10) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool"?

It's pretty sad right now. There are some great part-timers, but there's a lack of full-time positions to train future MDs and PDs.

Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?

Dexter ... ha ha ... just kidding. In some ways I'm like Conan O'Brian. Other times I'm Larry David, questioning everything and sometimes saying things that get me in trouble!