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10 Questions with ... Rob Wagman
February 21, 2006
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NAME:Rob WagmanPOSITION:PDSTATION:WIBT, 96.1 The BeatMARKET:Charlotte, NCCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:Elgin, IllinoisRAISED:Crystal Lake, IL
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
PD: WIBT, 96-1 The Beat Charlotte
APD/Nights: WNTQ, 93Q Syracuse
WEZB, B97 New Orleansv
WFBC, B93.7 GreenvilleMarketing Dir: WFLZ, Tampa
WEQX, Manchester
WWKX, ProvidenceAll Access Music Group, 2000 - 2004
1. Have you been intrigued or tempted by any of the major market PD gigs that have opened up as of recent?
It's been exciting to watch the holes slowly get filled, and first, PROPS to JEFF KAPUGI for the move to RVPP in DC/BALTIMORE. JEFF is a loyal friend, but better still, phenomenally talented. As for me, CHARLOTTE is my only focus for the time, as I work for a company that recognizes the successes we're having here, and I'm confident when I'm ready and when it is time, I would make a move. I need to first get a morning show in place, and secondly, be secure that they will rule the roost in CHARLOTTE. Once that's accomplished, then I'd say, "Yes, the time is near."
2. So then, where is that search for a morning show at WIBT?
I made a huge mistake when I was in NEW ORLEANS. My GM wanted a morning show in place by the Spring book. That forced us to make some snappy decisions, and wrong decisions. I had talented people that could not work together, at all. I should have said, "No" to that GM, but I didn't and I paid a price.
This search at WIBT has been more than a year long, and patience has been the key. I assessed the market place, dreamed up a vision for the perfect CHARLOTTE morning show, and then went out to fulfill that vision. In doing so, I've been sure on two parts of this proposed team, for over 8 months now. The battle has been finding that right host. And, even in that we've been patient. The search is now down to 2 people.
3. How is it that you can go this long without a morning show? What are you playing in morning drive now?
We are in a very rare place as far as that is concerned, because our music is winning, and after a year continues to win in large ways with our target demographic. In the Fall book, we maintained our #1 place with Women 18-34, were 2nd with Men 18-34, and 2nd with persons. In morning drive we are presently playing music only. There is no host, only "sound like" live jock inserts, and 3 times each hour we do report on traffic. That's been good enough to secure 3rd place in our core demo, and has bought us all the time in the world to secure the best morning show for this market, soon to be unveiled.
4. Talk about your staff. Where did you find them?
I was hired for this job on SEPTEMBER 27th of 2004, while I was working for you guys at ALL ACCESS. While I didn't officially start until OCTOBER 19th, I asked my OM/RVPP, BRUCE LOGAN if I could make an offer to a night guy immediately. He said, "It's your station!"
So, I was hired on the 27th, CJ "CHRIS" LUSK was hired on the 28th for nights. He was tearing it up in MEMPHIS at WHBQ, and had done well in GREENVILLE, SC at WFBC as well. At ALL ACCESS, you tend to hear a lot of talent, so I had him in the back of my mind for a while. He's from NC, so it made a lot of sense in many ways. He's been up for a couple of major market gigs as of late, and there is no doubt in my mind that he's in the top 5 best night jocks in the country, right now.
The first weekend of OCTOBER, I went to Detroit for a wedding and heard DOM THEODORE's station, WKQI. His midday girl blew me away, so I hired her to voice track afternoons for me, knowing eventually I'd put her into middays. MICKI GAMEZ is by far, the greatest voice track talent in the CLEAR CHANNEL VT bank, and I am lucky to have her. She stayed in afternoon drive until FEBRUARY of '05.
That's when I hired CHUCK "DZL" (pronounced DEEZL) THOMPSON from WKGI/ROCHESTER for afternoons. DZL has since become my MD, and virtually PD in training, as he's one of those people that doesn't just learn SELECTOR and programming skills, he absorbs it completely.
During that search for afternoons, I met two people that I keep in the back of my mind for future gigs, because their talent is Huuuuuuuuuuuuuge. MONTI CARLO is now with CC in WEST PALM BEACH, but I interviewed her for afternoon drive, and liked her so much, that when I hired DZL, I put MONTI on my overnights, VT'ing from WEST PALM BEACH. BROTHA FRED at KISS in AUSTIN was the other one that impressed me greatly. He's one of my high profile weekend talents courtesy of VT'ing, but a guy I've been eyeing for other potential gigs inside the building. My staff is top notch!
5. Tell me about the syndicated show you're now consulting. Is it DAWSON MCALLISTER LIVE?
Yes, it is. You want to talk about a huge ratings winner, DAWSON MCALLISTER LIVE has it, not to mention public service credit and high quality programming that hits the same targeted audience that we shoot for with Rhythm and Mainstream Top 40s. This show airs live SUNDAY nights on just under 20 Top 40 affiliates around the country including NASHVILLE, DAYTON, NORFOLK, OKLAHOMA CITY, SAVANNAH and others. DAWSON MCALLISTER LIVE is a forum for teens and young adults to air their problems, whether its drugs and alcohol, relationship, parental, loneliness or any issue that they are facing.
I first heard DAWSON on the radio when I was the marketing director of WFLZ/TAMPA back in the POWER PIG days. DAWSON was on a Christian station in LAKELAND FLORIDA, and I remembered that I couldn't turn the show off. That's the same thing we're seeing with the TSL now that the show is on these Top 40 stations. When I was at WNTQ/SYRACUSE, we ran a show called "Teen Talk," which garnered 35 shares with the 18-34 audience in that same time slot, so when DAWSON called me in to discuss a consulting opportunity, I was already well aware of the show's potential.
Pete, will you let me plug the contact for this show, so others can reap the huge Sunday night ratings?? Pete Jones Comment: SURE!! Ok, email JUNE COLBERT for a DAWSON MCALLISTER LIVE demo at jcolbert@dmlive.com.
Thanks Pete! Pete Jones Comment: NP!
6. Who are tomorrow's great PD's?
I believe DZL, my MD/Afternoon Jock will be a great PD. I already gave him props, but I truly believe that. I could leave CHARLOTTE tomorrow and the station would stay on course, because of him. TOMMY CHUCK in BIRMINGHAM, smart, calm, calculated and strategic. MICHAEL BRYAN, newly appointed PD at WNVZ/NORFOLK, very similar qualities. Neither of these guys is high on his own fumes, which makes it that much greater.
7. Who do you credit for where you are?
God first, as He set my feet on a path, and the ride has been like a story in the Bible. I've had fans and foes from the beginning days of my career and I believe I was my biggest foe. JEFF KAPUGI and I went to college together and went from great dislike of each other to huge mutual respect and love. JEFF was the mouthpiece that got me to the POWER PIG in the early 90's, and a huge reason why I landed back in radio and in CHARLOTTE.
8. Do you think your faith hurts you in this business or does it help you?
When I got the job in CHARLOTTE, MARC CHASE, the SVPP for the region, and my old boss from the POWER PIG proposed a toast with BRUCE LOGAN and the other CHARLOTTE PD's, and we all had a shot of some tasty citrus tequila, and MARC said, "To Born Again Christian, Indian, Jewish, comedians running hip hop stations!" And we all drank!
I think, at that point, my faith has just become a part of who I am. It's not something that's going to change, much like my Jewish and Chippewa heritage. To answer you fully, it helps, because in faith there is loyalty, and a quote from the good book says, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord."
9. You mentioned comedy. Where is your comedy career these days?
I continue to do MC work at the COMEDY ZONE in CHARLOTTE, but it's a goal for this year to do more, and maybe even hit the road on weekends. I've financially invested into a new club to be opening in the GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG market. We could have the doors open on that place by April. I can see doing more investments into comedy clubs, where I feel they will see profit, and just continue honing the skills I have, at this point.
10. HD Radio, what's your take?
Sell your Sirius and XM stock NOW!! That's my take. Terrestrial radio will win, and Big!
Bonus Questions
Name two songs on your station right now that are surprising you.
BOW WOW - Fresh Azimiz
BUBBA SPARXXX - Ms. New BootyBoth songs got on the air early in CHARLOTTE by winning numerous nights in the battle, and just this past week, both popped into Powers. Sometimes listening to your audience and NOT the charts or research, pays off. I think RAY J proved that earlier this year.
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