10 Questions with ... Dave Adams

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My illustrious career in radio began as a weekend board-op running a Finnish language religious program at my hometown radio station, WSOO-A. From there, I moved across the hall to our Classic Rock sister FM, WSUE, where I did a number of things including hosting the night and afternoon shows as well as a stint in sales. Next, I crossed the street to our local Top 40, WYSS, to host the night show. I also worked as an AE before taking a position at WGRD/Grand Rapids, MI.

Eventually, I ended up back at WYSS as a Senior AE and stayed there for the next several years. I ultimately realized that my love for radio outweighed my love of money and took a pay cut to go back on air as the midday host and Promotions Director at WYSS, where I was later promoted to APD. From that point, I accepted the APD/afternoon position at WHZZ in Lansing, MI and for the past four years I've been the Program Director for WBNQ in Bloomington, IL where I've also handled both middays and morning co-host duties.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Probably the worst "radio" I've ever done, but the most fun I ever had in the biz. I was too new to know the rules and too young to care. Good times ... bad radio (Feel free to use that as your new positioning statement.)

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I was lured by the promise of big money, easy women and free food.

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

Absolutely! Ever since this male pattern baldness thing set in a few years ago I've really had to expand my hat collection. Ha ha. Seriously, though, I've worn multiple hats since the day I started. Even though I think everyone is doing more now than ever before, it really doesn't seem that much different to me.

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

The most challenging part is also the most exciting part of it. We have such an amazing opportunity to develop and expand our brands through HD, mobile and digital platforms as well as social media outlets among others. The possibilities seem endless, but the challenge is to truly embrace these ideas and utilize them effectively in order to compete in this new media landscape.

5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I can grow a thick, full head of hair anytime I choose, but prefer to shave my head as a fashion statement. I am also in denial.

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

It's a toss-up between Personal Massage Therapist and someone who could help me manage our digital platforms and online brands. There are so many opportunities in that area but, as a PD, it's hard to juggle those responsibilities along with everything else; especially with all that tension in my upper back.

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

A former GM of mine once said that radio is like the "Island of Misfit Toys" and that people in this business just don't belong anywhere else. Good times or bad, I really can't imagine any other career.

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

If you truly care about your headphones, don't let anyone borrow them ... ever.

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

Run! Run as fast as you can! Well, either that or I would tell them to be realistic with their expectations and be flexible in their approach. I see too many radio newbies who think they should have their own morning show and a six-figure salary two months into their career. It's a great industry, but you need to work hard, be patient and be willing to adapt in order reach your end goal.

10) What would you like to do to save radio from its "dying-industry" image?

I think the "dying industry" image is largely an insider perception as opposed to that of the general public. The first thing we need to do is to stop viewing ourselves in this negative light and start adjusting to the realities of competing in the digital media age. Sure, we have our challenges, but over 90% of people 12+ still listen to radio on a weekly basis. Many of our competitors can only dream of having that kind of usage.

We are no longer the most efficient music delivery system available, so in order to remain relevant, we need to become better content providers. We must adapt and stop being one-dimensional. We must embrace new technology, digital platforms and expand our brands beyond the terrestrial signal. We must understand our audience, how we fit in to their lives and, most importantly, we need to deliver to those expectations.

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

I wanted to be a rock star and had the Bon Jovi hair, leopard-print spandex and fringe leather jacket to prove it. Unfortunately, I guess you need something called "musical talent" as well. Oh, well ... those who can't rock ... jock.