10 Questions with ... Reid "On The Radio"

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WDCG/Raleigh: Promotions intern, night show Intern for Geller, and weekends, 2007-2009

WABB/Mobile: nights, 2009-present

1) What led you to a career in radio?

I actually never even thought about being in radio until I was in college and needed an internship. I was a PR major at the time, so I applied to be a promotions intern for Clear Channel/Raleigh. I walked into the G105 studio with some prize sheets one day and Randi West told me to go stand by the mic. We did a break about ringtones. I was hooked from that moment! A few months later I started interning with Geller on the night show. Every week I would go to Randi asking to be airchecked ... and one day she gave me a shot.

2) What is your favorite part of the job?

That there is something new every day, and that I'm lucky to be doing something that I love and am passionate about. I get to be myself and talk about the story I read on the Internet, or what I saw while I was downtown over the weekend. I try to find things that are relatable to the listener because chances are they may have seen someone do the same thing, or read the same story on the web.

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

This summer we gave away a pimped-out car. Listeners got to come out and see it in person at various remotes and enter their names in the drawing. These days, that's HUGE! People called, came out and stuffed the registration boxes. You could tell people were excited ... and we got people talking in the market.

4) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

I can't actually pick one; I would say Geller from G105 and Kane from Hot 99-5. Geller in one word is awesome. Something as simple as someone calling for Justin Bieber can become one of the best calls you've ever heard. He's a genius and even though I don't work with him anymore, I still learn tons just from talking and listening to him. Kane, I have always enjoyed listening to because he's a good mix of funny, edgy and smooth. He makes you feel like he's one of your friends just telling you about something he read or saw.

5) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

Jay-Z, hands down. He's an icon, and to pick his brain about music and entertainment would be priceless. To understand where he draws his creativity from and how he comes up with songs would be something I would never forget.

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

G105. I remember when it was "Bob and Madison." I had to sneak it because my parents didn't want me listening to Bob, but it was funny and what everyone at school talked about. Funny thing is now my parents are crazy P1s ... lol. I used to sit with my tape recorder by the radio for hours waiting for my favorite song to come on because I didn't want to go buy the tape. I always wanted to go to the G105 Big Shindig when they still had it, 'cause it sounded like a blast! All these artists in one place sounded awesome.

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

A little bit of everything. It's a mix between the songs we play on the station, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Crossfade, Breaking Benjamin, Jay-Z, T-Pain and Kanye.

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

Definitely. Production came pretty easy because I edited music in high school for my mom who was coaching cheerleading. I've also been helping schedule music and it's great to listen and hear the flow from song to song. Doing more helps you to understand your station and radio as a whole 10 times better than you normally would.

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

That it's F-U-N. You connect with so many people around you and become part of their lives. You hear their stories, their opinions on what is going on that day, or that one funny comment over a ramp keeps them coming back to you. I wake up every day with a smile because I am lucky to love what I do and to essentially be a complete stranger's best friend.

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

That you determine your own success. If you stay positive, give it 150% and be yourself, you will always succeed.

For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see?"

Mardi Gras! Despite what you might hear, it started here in Mobile. You get sucked into the culture and end up standing on the parade route or in the street trying to catch as many beads as you can. It's something that everyone should experience at least once. You will never forget it!