-
10 Questions with ... Bethany Kent
April 30, 2013
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Graduated from Emerson College in 2006 with a degree in Marketing Communications. Interned at Def Jam Records, Fuse TV in New York and Citadel Broadcasting Providence (WPRO, WWKX). Did a brief stint in NYC doing freelance production for Fuse TV and Vh1 before taking a full time gig as Promotions Director at WWKX in 2007. Worked as Marketing Director and Interim Program Director for WWKX. Moved to Philly in November 2011 as Promotions Director at Beasley Broadcast Group/WRDW.
1. How has your daily routine changed since your move from Providence to Philadelphia?
It's MUCH busier! I think everyone who has moved around in radio knows the gig is similar in most places but moving to a Major market things are just on a different level... instead of one station vehicle, we have five... instead of four gigs in a weekend, sometimes we'll have twenty. I rely heavily on our team and work super closely with Dan (PD), Buster (MD) and our superstar Promo Coordinator Samantha Sylvia.
2. When you were a kid, did you ever imagine yourself working in radio or any other area of entertainment?
I always loved music. I wasn't big into clubs or sports (shocking), I spent my time in high school going to shows and making epic mix CDs. I didn't realize it was something I could make a career out of until college. I was lucky enough to intern in radio at 18. There was no looking back after that.
3. What will get your attention first with new members of your promotions team?
They can definitely do a few things to gain attention in a good or bad way right off the jump. I think first impressions are huge in this business. One of my biggest pet peeves is being embarrassed in front of an artist or record rep. I like to run a tight ship at events, keep things professional but at the same time treat artists and their teams as members of our extended family.
4. What big promotions are coming up for Wired 96.5?
Working for Beasley, and being "Philly's Party Station", we're really lucky to have the ability to do crazy, creative promotions. We just did a 4/20 Film Fest complete with munchies provided by our new morning show host Chunky which was high-larious. We're about to launch a "Restore The Shore" type fundraiser party to benefit our neighbors in the Jersey Shore. We're on-air with "Wired 96.5's Wayne Fest" with Lil' Wayne, TI and 2 Chainz.
5. I've always heard how tough Philadelphia sports fans are. How are the radio fans?
They are a passionate people! I'm from New England though, so I can keep up with the best of them.
6. Self evaluation time...what makes you so good?
Stop flattering me Pete Jones. I'm already your number one fan.
7. Best artist visit at Wired 96.5?
We've had a ton of big names but I love quirky stories. Meek Mill came in during Hurricane Sandy because we were live and local and he had to cancel some dates and was stuck home here in Philly. Prior to the storm, we had stocked the station kitchen with canned goods, bottles of water, bread, etc. in case it was so severe the jocks could not leave. As any good rapper should, Meek rolled in with a crew of 20-ish people. I walked out of the studio after the interview and found his crew making peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and Ramen noodles in our kitchen. They ate almost all of the hurricane survival food within a 20 minute period. LOL.
8. What do you like to do to take a break from the frantic pace of your job?
To be completely honest, sometimes I like just being alone in my apartment since my job is so "go go go". I've been having fun exploring Philly. Buster has been a great partner in crime for checking out restaurants and drinking holes.
9. What could Philadelphia use a little more of?
None of the Starbucks have a drive-thru or much parking. Is it weird that's the first thing I thought of? LOL.
10: Several recent additions to the air staff at Wired 96.5. Who is the biggest pain in the ass or will that always be Dan?
Dan, always Dan.
Bonus Questions
Not too long ago, you were in Los Angeles for the MTV VMAss. What did you think of Los Angeles?
I think going to the VMA's was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I was a TRL kid so MTV ruled my world. I've actually been fortunate enough to go to two Grammy Awards and the VMA's representing WRDW. LA is great. I have a lot of friends there. There's so much going on in our industry. I was able to check out a really cool AMP/KROQ event at the Grammy Museum with The Lumineers. Having things like that available to you is what every promotions person dreams of. I know the city isn't for everyone but I dig it.
Who wins in a MMA-type fight...Chunky, Tingle, Ghia or JP?
Tough one. They're all nuts. Just kidding... maybe Chunky on sheer volume alone? I could see Ghia being scrappy though. Plus, Tingle & JP would make a hell of a tag team. So I think it's a toss up! Let's make it happen!
-
-