10 Questions with ... Phil Becker

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WPYO, CKEY, WCXT, WSNX, WJFX, WBCD and so many more!

1. What drew you into radio, initially?

I was drawn into radio while still in high school. I was the "mixer" at a teen club and the radio station from my hometown used to do remotes from the club. By the way, remotes weren't effective back then either.

2. What excites you about your job everyday?

I am very blessed to be working as a partner in my own group of radio stations every day. For me that means freedom to do radio they way it was done before the Wall Street took over. Working independently, we are able to look at what is best for the listener and products as the #1 factor to consider when making our decisions.

3. Taking a broader view for a moment...what do you think of Rhythm radio as you peek around the country?

The Rhythm format has been in an interesting place over the last 18-24 months. On the same panel you have stations that play Rick Ross and Waka Flocka Flame as Powers along with stations that are listed in the same format as another station that plays Ke$ha and Katy Perry as Powers.

I see two types of Rhythm stations playing out "Urban" and "Suburban". Dependent on your market one of the two is the lane you should drive in.

Additionally, the high energy dance record sound will be fading over the next six months.

4. You're married now. Has being married been helpful to your management skills?

I think it has allowed me to have more empathy to employees that have families. I used to work them 18 hours an day. Now after being married I cut it down to 12. ;)

5. You have a keen eye for radio talent. What tends to catch your ear when listening to a good aircheck?

I want to "remember" you the moment you finish talking. Too often I hear talent that is polished and smooth with good technique, however nothing about them "sticks" with me. Sounding solid is good...Sound unique is great.

6. You mentioned before that you wanted to do stand-up comedy. Have you moved closer to pursuing that?

Unfortunately running a 3 station cluster I have had to sacrifice stand-up at this time.

7. I often ask programmers and personalities who their mentors are. As a more seasoned programmer, what do you think you bring to the table as a mentor?

I think in a mentor capacity my greatest strength is sharing the "why" with the "what". Often times mentors tell you what to do but forget to share the why and how. If we leave out the why and how it will just lead us down a path of robot radio.

8. Who are some of the programmers that stand out to you in your peer group?

I think Jill Strada is good (not because I trained her...ok maybe that's why), Dan Hunt is strong and Mark Adams is someone that each time I listen to his properties I enjoy them.

9. In 2010 we saw some new music stars develop. Who stands out to you in the "class of 2010"?

Bruno Mars, Mike Posner, Jason Derulo and Ke$ha

10. What's the best song that you aren't playing now?

Edward Maya "Stereo Love"

If you could add one element to life in Ft. Wayne, what would it be?

Warm weather

What's sitting at the top of your Christmas wish list?

Apple TV