10 Questions with ... Stacy Cunningham Moreland

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I began my radio career at KKBT (92.3 The Beat)/Los Angeles, as an intern in the Promotions Department where I worked my way up to Assistant Promotions Director. In 2001, I relocated to San Francisco to work as Assistant Promotions Director for then Clear Channel's 106 KMEL. From 2002-2005, I was promoted to Director of Promotions for KMEL and KIOI. In 2005, I earned my Programming stripes and became Program Director for 106 KMEL. Throughout my tenure at Clear Channel, I oversaw programming duties for KMEL, KIOI, and KISQ. In 2012, I crossed the street to Entercom Communications and became Program Director for legendary station 102.9 KBLX and Director of Operations for Entercom/San Francisco. Currently, I'm enjoying my journey in the record label industry as Director of Strategic Radio Marketing and Events for EMPIRE in San Francisco.

1. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

Anything having to do with music or entertainment. I was obsessed with TV, movies, and music. From actors, musicians, producers, film techs, engineers. I LOVED the entertainment world. I used to read the TV Guide from, beginning, to end every week and could tell you what time and channel every TV show was on the air. I also used to read the liner notes from CD's inserts and test myself on the production credits. Oh ..did I mention I was an only child?

2. Growing up, who were some of the people you admired or were role models for you?

I was raised by a single mother who worked fulltime and was in the military reserves. She managed to always keep food on the table, clothes on our back and a roof over our heads. She taught me what it was to work hard for what I wanted. Also, I really admired/coveted Whitney Houston's wig from the "How will I Know" video. Does that count as admiration?

3. How did you get started in radio?

I started as a street team intern at 92.3 The Beat in Los Angeles. I loved every minute of it. The Beat was a massive radio station in LA at the time, and it was a dream to be a part of that legendary station. I learned so much just being around so many talented individuals. That time was magical.

4. What was the biggest change in the move from radio to music promotion?

First off, I want to apologize to any record promo reps that I might have made their jobs harder in the past. I get it now. Trust. I have a totally new respect for music promotion teams. Secondly, as programmers, you are usually concerned with your own market but I now look at the records from a bird's eye view and how different markets react in various ways to the same record.

5. How did your experience in radio best prepare you for the move to music promotion?

I think I have the unique view to see things from both sides. I understand the politics behind radio programmers' decisions.

6. What would probably surprise most people about living and working in the Bay Area?

I'm not completely broke! LOL! But seriously, the Bay Area is one of the best places to live and work. It's culturally diverse and musically rich. It's not like any other market in the United States. I know everyone says that but really, it's true.

7. From somewhat of an outside looking in perspective, what can radio do better today?

I understand playing the ratings game but there are artists that your audience is already engaging with and can be given a shot. Anyone born after 1995, will be a challenge to gain as a listener to terrestrial radio in the near future. Radio doesn't hold a ton of influence on that generation. Radio must innovate and take cues from other industry influencers that aren't sticking to the norm.

8. From the perspective of a former radio programmer, what can the music industry do better to serve radio's needs?

I still wonder why radio industry leaders are spending so much energy trying to hold onto an aging demographic and not enough time trying to figure out how to reach the younger or next generation of listeners. It's a little crazy to me that radio sometimes can't see what's going on outside of their own bubble. It can be a spinning wheel of the same thing over and over.

9. What's on the way from EMPIRE?

Continuing to shatter industry standards and norms. EMPIRE is made up of a unique group of individuals and free thinkers that have no idea how things have been done the past. Which means folks aren't stuck in the "old' way of how to move the needle and that's exciting.

10. What do you like to do in spare time you have?

Spare time??? Don't quite understand that question.

If you weren't in the music business or entertainment, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

I would care for shelter or abandoned dogs. OR the former wig caretaker for the late Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. Real Talk!

If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

I would definitely be on a Real Housewives of Something show. You mean I get to be filmed/paid for shopping, drinking expensive wine with my girlfriends, throwing drinks and tossing tables? I'm in!