10 Questions with ... Bill Baker

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've worked at a bunch of stations here on the shore, in Wilmington, DE and been on air all over. It’s all about POWER 101.7 and my podcast Bill Baker LIVE! now.

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

I've always wanted to be on the radio. Loved radio as a kid, used to call my favorite radio stations and request songs and try and get on air. I'm living the dream : )

2. What would you be doing now if you weren't in radio?

As far as work, doing everything I can do try and get on air. I've done TV and I currently also have my own podcast so most likely that. But there's just something about radio.

3. What would you like to do better as an air personality?

We have a lot of freedom on our morning show (which is why we're VERY lucky because I know a lot of shows and people who don't) and I'm at a point in my career now where I've lived and learned a lot of stuff the hard way. There's always room for improvement of course (as my old bosses have said.). So, we're always looking to make our show better. Just have to listen!

4. What would you like to do better as a programmer?

More patience. I have none. I want things done and fixed right away if there's a problem. Other than that, again, I've been through anything you can think of as a programmer as I'm sure most have. So, you're always changing your mindset with the times. I think way different about radio, the business and employees in 2023 than I did even before the pandemic.

5. Where is your first social media stop in the morning? Do you have a favorite place to post?

Some would call me old school but it’s Facebook. I know a lot of people would say Instagram, and that’s another stop, but I'm still a Facebook guy.

6. What would probably surprise most people about living and working along the Maryland shore?

I don't know what would surprise people but I love where we live. My goal as a radio guy used to be to get a big market job in Philly or New York or DC but as I get in my 40s with my family and, of course, once May/June comes around I gotta have my beach! I'm a beach guy. Love summer on the Eastern Shore.

7. Youth sports are a huge part of your life. Which sports are the kids playing?

Yes! I have one son still playing. Our other three kids are adults now. My older son is graduating (shout out to the class of 2023!) But he's a three-sport kid. Travel baseball and basketball. And he's starting back at football this August. I’ve got to get him ready for high school! I love it!

8. Got any hobbies?

Yes, radio and my son’s sports. Outside of that, I love MLB, NBA and NFL. We're season ticket holders for the Commanders this year. I love going to games with my son. Also, I have my podcast, Bill Baker LIVE! on all platforms. Hopefully that'll be more than a hobby one day. And we LOVE going on the beach in the summer. I bought a truck this past year for the drive-on beach at Assateague. It’s my happy place.

9. Who were/are some of your mentors, both in radio and outside of radio?

In radio, I came up listening to Don & Mike, Opie & Anthony and still listen to all those guys on their individual podcasts and shows. I miss the WJFK, WNEW and FREE-FM days. I also love sports radio, also.

10. Who's on the staff at Power?

Jessica Martinez is my morning show co-host and APD. We have Bianca Fort, who does afternoons, Tops Cut off DJs KP & Cash and Dee-Lite at night.

American Idol, The Voice or America's Got Talent?

How about the Bill & Jessica Shore Awards

If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

I'm a foodie so I like a lot of things, but I'd say Italian. That’s my fave.