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10 Questions with ... Erik Bradley
September 27, 2005
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NAME:Erik BradleyPOSITION:APD/MDSTATION:WBBM B-96MARKET:ChicagoCOMPANY:Infinity/ CBS Channel RadioBORN:Lancaster, PARAISED:Cherryville, NC
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
MD, WCKZ/Charlotte, NC; MD KBEQ/Kansas City, MO; APD/MD WBBM-FM Chicago, IL
1. You're a big sports fan in a great sports city. The city has seen better times, sports-wise. How are you coping?
I'm coping just fine 'cuz the only CHICAGO team that I am a "real" fan of is the CHICAGO BULLS (partly because I do the music at their games!) However, as a proud Chicagoan, it is not pretty at all. Let's put it this way, THE SCORE (INFINITY's Sports AM) is interviewing psychologists on-air to help SOX fans deal with their current collapse. I just hope they can somehow win a few games as the season winds down and make their way into the playoffs, but what does it mean if they get swept in the first round? CUBS - they are bleak! BEARS - who knows? At least we have a hungry, young, and talented BULLS team to look forward to. And, the FIRE are heading in to the MLS playoffs again, too!
2. How many wins for the Bears this year?
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED picked 'em 32 out of 32 in the NFL with a 3-13 prediction. I thought they'd be a little better with that strong D. BRIAN URLACHER is a monster! I was thinking 6-7 wins. If they are gonna lose though, I hope they can be in a position to grab MATT LIENART (USC) or VINCE YOUNG (Texas) in the draft. They need a stud QB to run that team!
3. You're a respected programmer, known for having sharp ears. Who makes your list for Best New Artist of 2005?
In-format, CIARA. Ya gotta respect the year she has had. I also want to mention JOHN LEGEND. He's gonna be around for a minute, that's for sure! Without question my favorite album of the past year (excluding MC) is THE KILLERS "Hot Fuss". And, if there was an award for "Best Song Titles" it would have to go to FALL OUT BOY. Those guys are a trip!
4. Do you think CHICAGO can handle another Rhythmic radio station?
With B-96, a Top 40 that leans rhythm, and TWO successful mainstream Urban stations (WGCI & WPWX), I don't see where the hole is OR how in the world another station in this genre could turn a profit. If someone were considering changing formats, there are a couple others that certainly would be more profitable.
5. What record has been the biggest surprise hit of 2005?
Surprise hit? Hmmmm...a couple come to mind. Not that they were "surprises" but because they didn't start off as true hits and wound up becoming powerful songs for B-96. "Lose Control" by MISSY ELLIOTT and "Cater 2 U" by DESTINY'S CHILD were both on the verge of being certified as "stiffs". Each turned a corner around the same time and have been in power rotation since. Glad to have them, too, especially when our format has been at or near the doldrums. Thank goodness for MARIAH and BOW WOW!
6. Where do you see yourself in 2010?
Here in CHICAGO, enjoying the greatest city in the world and loving my position at B-96. The minute I don't love what I do I will not be doing it.
7. What complaints do you hear from other programmers about their jobs?
There are a few that I hear ranging from too many corporate duties // loads of unnecessary paperwork // not getting along with their GM, PD, MD // or lack of support from their company. No situation is perfect and the grass isn't always greener, so if/when you find a position that you are happy with, it's best to stick it out as long as you can!
8. Hypothetical situation...and money is no object. You are put in charge of creating two supergroups for a CBS TV and an INFINITY radio special. They'll have plenty of rehearsal time. We're looking for 4 female and 4 male vocalists to form a female and a male 4-part harmony groups. Give me your 4 women and 4 men.
In that case, I'd choose my favorite singers...MARIAH CAREY, CELINE DION, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, and STACEY FERGUSON (from BEP). For the dudes, I'd pick BRIAN MCKNIGHT, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, SLIM from 112, and USHER. Now, who in the WORLD could manage all of those strong personalities? And WHO would sing leads?
9. Is radio as much fun to you now as it was when you started?
Yes, or at least it's darn close. I still love waking up every day and coming in to work at B-96. I love radio and breaking new music, hearing a hot promo, listening to EDDIE & JOBO in the morning, doing the music rotations with TODD, meeting with the artists we play, and the many other facets of my job. I definitely consider myself very blessed and lucky to be in this business, to be programming a legendary radio station with one of my best friends (TC) and to be living in the great city of CHICAGO.
10. Looking back, is there anything you might do differently in your career?
I don't really think so. One very small part of me perhaps wouldn't have minded working in a few other markets before winding up here in CHICAGO. It would have been awesome to work at KMEL back in the early 1990's with KEITH NAFTALY, whom I consider to be a genius. Or, to work in MIAMI at any station! To me, there is something to be said for stability and being able to maintain a certain level of success and I feel that we have been able to do that here in CHICAGO.
Bonus Questions
Anyone that you know that has left the radio or record industry, that you really miss having around?
There are a handful of promotion executives that, back in the day, I used to talk to ALL the time when they were working at labels and as much as I miss working with them on a more regular basis, I'm proud of each for moving up the ladder or on to better things for themselves (the two that immediately come to mind are ROB STONE and JERRY BLAIR.) I also miss having people like KEITH NAFTALY, MICHELLE SANTOUSUOSSO and HOSH GURELI in radio. Not only were they all gifted radio programmers but they each had and still have a passion for music that won't soon be matched. I learned SO much from all of them!
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