10 Questions with ... Murph Dawg

NAME:Murph Dawg POSITION:APD/MD/Nights STATION:WHZT The New Hot 98.1 MARKET:Greenville, SC COMPANY:Cox Radio BORN:Queens, NY RAISED:Queens, NY

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started interning at WLIR on LONG ISLAND for MD LYNDA LOPEZ, and PD JEFF LEVINE. The company signed on a new Top 40/Rhythmic station in the market (WXXP) and I then began my radio career with my first parttime gig. I co-hosted Nights with VIC LATINO. When VIC left for WPYO in ORLANDO, I then moved to 2nd Janitor under Melvin who was head Janitor or as he liked to call it Custodial Engineer. Program Director, SKYY saw something in my mopping talents that he decided to put me on the air again. I was Full Time Overnights/Imaging Director/AMD (try fitting that on a business card). I then moved down to Greenville, SC to work with Fisher at WHZT, and have been here for the past 4 1/2 yrs.

1. What was your last non-radio job?

I had two at the same time. I bartended at a Jewish Catering Hall, where I got to learn all of the Jewish Prayers, and get drunk with the hot brides maids. I also delivered auto parts all over Long Island. The good parts, Roosevelt, Hempstead, Uniondale. (If you know LI you know those aren't the good parts)

2. What got you into radio?

I was originally going to school to get my Bachelors in Architecture. I went to a special HS for it and spent two years of college in it. My profs didn't agree with my chaotic theories and turned me off towards Architecture. I then majored in Communications and was geared towards TV more than radio until I interned at WLIR. That changed my whole mind.

3. You are the Music Director at HOT 98-1, you do nights and you're also the APD. How do you make the time for everything?

I do spend a lot of time here at the station doing nights and APD/MD as well, and at times you do get flustered with work. However, my PD, FISHER, helps me balance out my day by giving me even more duties that I'm responsible for. Honestly, I try to plan out my day as best as possible. From running into a meeting to programming the next day's music to air checking my part timers, it all has to be done and I make sure I take the time out to do it.

4. What's the highlight of your career radio to date?

It would have to be when I was awarded APD/MD of the year in 2003 at BILLBOARD MONITOR in MIAMI. It wasn't a solo achievement. That award was for my PD FISHER as it was for me. We have a great team here at the New Hot 98-1.

5. Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

Man. I listen to it all. I even started getting into some Country. Love everything from Alice and Chains to GangStarr. I guess its because I played the piano for many years and I play the guitar now.

6. What area of your radio "game" do you want to see improvement in?

There's always room for improvement, and I am always open to suggestions from my PD, Format Coordinator, Consultant, or even fellow programmers that I am friends with. These people continue to help me step up everything from my on air skills to my managerial skills.

7. What was the last CD you listened to in the car?

Juelz Santana. That CD is the truth.

8. A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours?

Add more music before I get phone calls saying we are running early. But I would like to play some Flag Football. I'm in a flag football league down hurre. We're G's Finest on our Saturday league, and the Def Squad on my Sunday League.

9. What's your favorite part about living in Greenville?

It really is a beautiful city. Especially during this time of the year. But it would definitely have to be CLEMSON UNIVERSITY. It's about 30 minutes away from the city of GREENVILLE and it's an awesome party town. And the Women? WHAT!!!

10. You work with a small but great staff at HOT 98-1. What has surprised you the most about your PD FISHER?

My biggest fear coming down here was, "is it going to be a family atmosphere here as it was up in Long Island?" FISHER answered that question right away. He has such a drive and passion for his station and his employees and he is still so young. To be programming in a medium market at 22 is phenomenal. Now, at 26, he has grown and gained such leadership skills, yet he still is able to keep it in a fun atmosphere.

If you were to leave Radio and music today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

I would get involved in Real Estate. I heard there is a lot of money to be made in it.