10 Questions with ... Russ Allen

NAME:Russ Allen POSITION:PD STATION:WKHT MARKET:Knoxville COMPANY:Journal Broadcast Group BORN:Washington, D.C. RAISED:Hyattsville, MD

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WPGC (2x), WIOQ, KSOL, WJHM, KTHT, WJBT, WKHT.

1. You've been in KNOXVILLE for a bit. Do you have a snappy suit in the Tennessee Volunteer orange yet?

That's a tough color to find. A lot of times, you have to have it dyed to match that shade of orange... but dye isn't advisable, since Tennessee fans spend all that time crying about how the Vols get screwed. Colors run.

2. What has been the most pleasant surprise about working in KNOXVILLE?

The endless supply of thoroughly entertaining natives. Never in a million years, with a full staff of writers and a fridge full of beer could I come up with the material they provide just by being "dey selves".

3. In your mind, what's been the biggest change in Radio since you first cracked a mic?

The groupies are definitely hotter...and younger! Or, maybe I'm just getting older.

4. What did you see as your biggest challenge when you accepted the job as PD at WKHT?

Translating Knoxvillian to English....and dealing with the fact that the closest Popeye's is in Chattanooga. Franchisers take note...a large black man is driving almost 2 hours just to get some chicken...hook a brutha up local!!

5. What secret about RUSS ALLEN might surprise even those that know you well?

I am secretly a highly trained government agent, specializing in tracking terrorists who tamper with the country's alcoholic beverage supply. There is no way to calculate how many lives I have saved by confiscating tampered drinks and safely disposing of them into my super-safe alcohol disposal unit...I like to rub it and call it Herbie.

6. What are you looking to hear as you hit "play" on an aircheck for a gig?

I used to be really tight on clear speaking voice...but here; people somehow can make sense of most anything and call it English. So now, I just looks for some one who can put a thought together or sounds like they wouldn't be bright enough to realize I'm hustling them for free drinks.

7. I know a few PDs and MDs in the South that do music research in strip clubs. Should programmers in other regions be following suit?

Hell yes! Just the other night, I was watching Shawnee do her thing, and I was thinking "This song never sounded this good before"... then the club jock shouted "The more you throw, the further she'll go..." and I MADE IT RAIN UP IN THAT PIECE!!

8. Give me one line on the members of your air staff and programming team?

What staff? I got a box car runaway from IOWA on at night and a delusional narcissist on middays calling himself the Reflection of Perfection. I pray for full automation...then I can schedule, drink, and play golf when the weather breaks.

9. What's your greatest strength as a manager?

My ability to realize the magnitude of me. (Props to Reggie Jackson for the quote that truly defines me and all that I have come to be). You should lucky I'm even doin this...I could be up in the club...you know, the more I throw the further she'll go....that is a lot of responsibility for one man.

10. Who will be the most notable names in music in 2007?

50 CENT, if he ever comes out with another CD; DR DRE - see 50 CENT; JA RULE, for making the most ill-advised comeback; MICHAEL JACKSON and WHITNEY HOUSTON, who will quickly take that title from JA RULE. And finally, anyone who gets power rotation on WKHT. Make BIG DADDY bob his head, and I'll make your ass a star!

Bonus #1. What song, in rotation now, always seems to make you want to smile whenever you hear it on the station?

I'm in Luv (Wit A Stripper) by T. PAIN (see above answer to #7)

BONUS #2. Is there a song on the station now that makes you want to jam a sharp pencil in your ears when it comes on?

That would have to be "Show Stopper". Every time I hear that I think "Uh, oh".