10 Questions with ... Dana McDonald

NAME:Dana McDonald POSITION:Mornings STATION:WSTW MARKET:Wilmington, DE OWNER:Delmarva Broadcasting

Please outline your radio career so far:

I started "working" in radio in college at WSSC (Salisbury, MD), then on to WQHQ (Q-105, Salisbury, MD) for eight years. From there, I spent four years in Fredericksburg, Virginia at WBQB (B101.5), and in 1993 made 93-7 WSTW my home!

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Abusive poverty-level compensation and psychologically damaging ...you know, typical first radio gig. I was doing overnights, babysitting an automated FM music station (changing TM reels every three hours!), and on weekends, engineering our AM's Sunday morning church programming. At the time, though, it was the greatest job ever ... because it was a foot in the door!

2) What led you to a career in radio?

No parental advice, a lack of mentors ... and groupies!

3) What is your favorite part of the job?

Working with and learning from some of the most creative and talented people in the industry!

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

3am! Enough said...

5) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

Enya ...she rocks!

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

DC-101 and "The Greaseman."

7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

Drumming. I'm not very good. That's why it's still only a hobby!

8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

It always has been, and still is, just plain FUN!!

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

Don't take yourself too seriously ... and don't burn bridges! (Sorry, that's two...)

10) What's the biggest gaffe you've made on air?

I recorded a phone call to air a little later in the show, and totally forgot the caller dropped the "S" word. As I'm playing back the call, my co-host and I looked at each other like deer in headlights wondering if I edited the call. By then, it was too late! I was waiting for the phones (and the hotline!) to blow up, but they never did ... WHEW!