10 Questions with ... Chuck Whitaker

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

I ran the board at a small AM in my hometown. I first went there to just hang around after school. The station manager got tired of me watching him work and gave me something to do.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I was fascinated by radio at a young age. When I grew up and discovered having to work for a living really sucked, I knew radio was for me!

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

When I first came here, there were many different owners. Today three companies own virtually everything in the market, yet there's more competition than ever.

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

Yes, a lot more "hats!" The good thing is those many hats cover the many-less hairs that I have now.

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

Touching people's lives in small ways. Playing a song someone loves, helping a charity, or just hearing a listener sound thrilled about winning a prize makes me think this is such a cool job.

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

Getting everything done! Programming a radio station, maintaining the website and social networking pages, executing promotions, air shifts, production, covering events with less bodies, etc. ... I think everyone here knows the drill.

7) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?

They're all cool! It's all we do here.

8) What's the coolest promotion you've EVER been involved with?

That would have to be the "Mattress Stacking Pool Party!" Wait. I thought you meant strangest promotion. I'm still trying to figure that one out.

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

Johnny Cash.

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

I would love to have my evening shift live and local again. I might be able to cut a deal for a restaurant trade. Does anyone want to work for free shrimps?