10 Questions with ... Dennis Mitchell

NAME:Dennis Mitchell POSITION:Program Director / morning drive STATION:WLAN-FM MARKET:Lancaster, PA OWNER:Clear Channel (for now)

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Lewistown, Pennsylvania at CHIX 105, the home of the chicken! The on-air studio was the bathroom in a remodeled house. Enough said.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I still have tapes of me as a kid talking up songs like Casey Kasem.

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

Take 6.

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

We're like a fraternity. Most of us drink like it, too. A very tight group of brothers and a sister (Liz).

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

WQKX in Sunbury, PA. Monster signal.

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

I like to kill things. I'm an avid hunter, so screw you, PETA.

7) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

Everything and anything.

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

I frequently ask, "I'm getting paid for this?" Also, the hope for a return to live and local radio.

9) What advice would you give to people who are new to the business?

Be hungry. Not enough newbies have the drive that we did back in the day.

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

There are some talented people out there. The pool may be a little smaller, but there's enough out there to keep live and local radio on the air.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

The next Howard Cosell.