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10 Questions with ... Don Black
July 18, 2006
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NAME:Don BlackPOSITION:PD/MorningsSTATION:Power 92 (WZPW 92.3/WRPW 92.9)MARKET:Peoria And Bloomington/Normal, ILCOMPANY:AAA EntertainmentBORN:ChicagoRAISED:Chicago
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KRNA/CEDAR RAPIDS-Every shift imaginable including mornings-3 years KKRQ/IOWA CITY-Part-time/Nights-2 years.
Interned and worked for two of the greatest PDs in WBBM's TODD CAVANAH and WGCI's ELROY SMITH. I always mention this because it's cool! (2 years)
1. What got you interested in Radio?
My grandmother took me to very first radio station (Kennedy-King College--WKKC). I was there to learn how to spin records but wound up auditioning for a teen radio show.
2. You're pretty well established in the market. What surprises have you seen in the market recently?
Just the lack of hip-hop and R&B shows in PEORIA. They keep getting canceled or acts are not coming here. If anybody wants to help me put on a free concert...holla at me!
3. What's the highlight of your radio career to date?
Probably where I am right now. Programming Power has been a labor of love. Lots of growing pains and sleepless nights but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
4. What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio?
I don't think there is any disappointment. Every day in this business is a blessing! I get to listen to music all day.
5. Why do you think the Gnarls Barkley track becoming such a big record?
The main reason is that it is something different. No disrespect to leaning, rockin, snappin but we needed this record. Plus the GNARLS BARKLEY appeals to so many different types of people. Older people like it because it has an old soul sound to it and younger people like it because they saw them on MTV as the next big thing. I'm proud to say we were one of the first rhythmic stations in the country to play Crazy. Thanks Darnella!!
6. Do you have a consultant?
Steve Smith----who knows everything there is to know about the rhythmic radio business. Before I started working with him I was think the my next career move would be in a bigger market doing mornings but he has made me believe in my strengths as a programmer. So I guess I'll keep the PD power....ha ha!!!
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
ELROY SMITH (WGCI, JOE NUGENT, GREGG SCHARNAU (KRNA), JAMES KELLY, ERIN BRISTOL(K945) and FRANKIE "HOLLYWOOD" RODRIGUEZ
8. How can record companies work better with stations and programmers?
Don't forget about the smaller markets. We are breaking records here as well. From artist interviews, drops, product, etc.....make sure you look out for us, too. (Big shouts to SUJIT, NOAH, DAVE, VICTOR and DONTAY--thanks for remembering us)
9. If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
Stand up comedy....another job that I can drink while doing it.
10. Your VP/GM tells you that you've got an additional $50,000 in the programming budget for 2006. Where do you spend it?
I'd put on that free concert...but I'm not going to get it. SO SOMEBODY OUT THERE GET AT ME SO WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
Bonus Questions
A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours?
That's video game time--FIFA 2006. I got to get an XBOX in the office---damn!
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