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10 Questions with ... Paul McCoy
November 3, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
G105/Raleigh, 102Jamz/Greensboro, WNOK/Columbia, Z104/Norfolk, 2WD/Norfolk, Hot 100.5/Norfolk.
1) What led you to a career in radio?
Every time I get asked that question, I never know quite how to answer it, other than to say even as a kid I was more interested in what was happening between the records.
2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Quite competitive, yet stale. This market is almost 35% Urban, so you have four or five variations of the Urban format, basically four ACs, and its completely OVER-syndicated. But there hasn't been a Mainstream Top 40 here in years, so since our launch in late April, we're seeing a tremendous response. It's clear it was time for something new.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
Surrounding the music with creative and fun ideas! Picking the hits is (mostly) easy, but really giving the listener something else is key to winning.
4) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Time management. And meetings that go in circles: FAIL.
5) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?
I do middays; in afternoons we have Kendall. She came to us from Movin' in Dallas by way of 'DVD in Detroit. She's one of the most compelling afternoon talents I have ever heard. She totally lives the lifestyle and is a hilarious hot mess! For nights, we just brought in Corey Moran from Kiss in Albany. He's so incredible at being relevant and funny in a short amount of time. Clutter-free Corey! We're currently on the hunt for a new kind of morning show...
6) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
"... Cocktails? ... anyone? ... drinks?"
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Hands down, Sean Sellers (formerly APD/afternoons of now-defunct Z104/DC, currently PD of 98.7 Simon in Greensboro). He's that guy who makes EVERY break compelling and funny where you think "damn ... I wish I woulda thought of that."
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I grew up in Orlando listening to all the variations of XL106.7. At night I could pick up the Ape in Jacksonville, but my favorite station back in the day was Power99 in Atlanta. That was inspiring radio.
9) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I started messing around with brewing my own beer at home but its such a tedious and exact process that I usually end up saying "the hell with it" and head to Gordon Biersch.
10) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool"?
With all the recent massive layoffs you'd think it'd be vast. Where are those people? But we've reached a point where there's room for finding raw and real personalities outside of radio who are entertaining to listen to and who can really connect ... of course with a little technical training.
Bonus Questions
What ringtone do you have on your cell?
The Swedish Chef from the Muppets is currently in power rotation.
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