10 Questions with ... Harry Wareing

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I graduated from Syracuse in 1999 as a radio management major, and got my foot in the door doing traffic at 1010 WINS in New York. I always knew I wanted to be involved in the operations and programming of a station. Looking back, this job gave me a real insight into the inner workings of a station. I got to learn from two very talented radio professionals, Scott Herman and Mark Mason.

From there I went to do nights and music for a Hot AC in the Hamptons, 101-7 The Beach. While there I became Program Director, and was there until a format change in 2004. The station was part of the cluster with WEHM.

From 2004-2007 I worked doing on-air work and Promotions Director at WBZO and WMJC on Long Island.

In 2007, 'EHM PD Lauren Stone, who I had known since my days at the Beach, brought me in as the morning show host and Music Director of WEHM.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I became involved at my high school's (Sachem) radio station WSHR. From there I went to Syracuse as a Radio Management major, and fell in love with the student station WJPZ.

2. How would you describe the music on the station?

WEHM's is a very balanced mix of music. Because of our location and lack of corporate influence, we are able to take a lot of risks. I've always loved how Lauren has stated our goal is to play "cool music."

3. What are the music meetings like at your station?

Lauren and I communicate daily on what music is out there. We are always trading thoughts on songs via e-mail or telephone. Because Lauren is now based in Chicago most of the year, we use technology to our advantage.

4. You are in a unique situation being so close the Manhattan. How do you differentiate your station from the big guns?

WEHM has a very non-radio station feel. It's closest in sound locally is probably WFUV. While we are a commercial station, we are unlike all of the other slick big-city stations. We focus on the music. People know what they get when turn us on, something that doesn't feel like the typical radio experience in 2011.

5. What do you like best about your job?

I love working in a place that allows us to have so many unique experiences. Normally, being in a small market could be considered boring, but that couldn't be further from the truth here in the Hamptons. You never know who will walk through the building; from Alec Baldwin to Howard Stern, it's always interesting. For instance, this afternoon, comedian Colin Quinn is sitting in on my show, talking about the music he loves. Turns out Colin has a huge love of 'EHM music. I'm extremely appreciative of what being out here offers me.

6. If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?

Promotions Director. My job seems to shift from programming to promotions as soon as Memorial Day weekend rolls around.

7. What have been the station's biggest accomplishments?

We have cemented ourselves as the East End's radio station. Triple A works very well in this community. I've never worked for a station that elicits such a response as WEHM does. People are passionate about WEHM, and that is a big accomplishment in today's radio culture.

I'm also proud of the fact that we are consistently named Top East End radio station in local publications.

8. You are also overseeing WWCT in Peoria. How is it different and/or the same as WEHM?

Night and day ... the markets are so different. It's truly a unique opportunity for me to grow as a programmer. I'm appreciative of the opportunity that Lauren Stone gave me here at WEHM. WWCT gives me an opportunity to use what she has taught me, and grow my programming experience. Compared to WEHM, WWCT is more Alternative leaning and is still developing its identity. So far it's been very well received by the central Illinois audience.

9. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I want to be running a group of stations, while continuing to bring people into the industry. Teaching and educating a new crop of radio people is very important to me. I think radio needs to think about the future. We've lost the ability to excite a generation about radio ... and need to change that.

10. What would surprise people about you?

Well maybe it's not really a surprise to some, but I love fixing computers. I like taking things apart and putting them back together.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?

Gadgets and sports -- I'm a big sports fan. Mets (Yeah, I know ...), Jets, Knicks and Rangers. Plus I love trying out the latest tech gadgets, such as iPads, cameras, etc.

Last non-industry job:

I worked at CVS in college to pay the bills ... been working in some facet of radio ever since.

First record ever purchased:

Nirvana "Nevermind"

First concert:

Smashing Pumpkins

Favorite band of all-time:

Counting Crows