10 Questions with ... Bayley Brown

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my career in 2004, while attending high school, at WCLG/Morgantown,WV --one of the few mom & pop stations left. From there I became the GM of my student-run college station, WVYC, where I managed 16 department heads and over 170 volunteers. While studying in London, I produced a show for a non-profit community radio station, Resonance 104.4 FM. Additionally, I completed a graduate internship with West Virginia Public Radio and wrote several news stories that were picked up by The Associated Press and one aired on All Things Considered.

After grad school I became the Programming Assistant/evening jock for WCLG before eventually moving to Charleston, WV to become the midday host for a short while at Rock 105 (WKLC). Then the opportunity of my dreams opened up and I found myself moving across the country to work at one of the last free-form stations, KHUM. It's been two wonderful years and I've recently been lucky enough to be promoted to PD.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

My middle school had different career modules. Radio happened to be one of them. I loved hearing people's reactions when I introduced them to new music. After that, I just had to do it.

2. When did you join KHUM?

About two years ago. I've known about the station for several years because of its fabulous reputation as a great free-form station. The station hadn't had an opening for years. When one opened up in the Summer of 2015, I jumped at the opportunity. It's the most challenging job I've ever had, but also the most rewarding.

3. What is the signal reach of the station?

We cover Humboldt, Del Norte and Mendocino counties. Our online stream also reaches a substantial amount of people.

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

That's a tough one. Sometimes you'll hear jazz, funk, blues, indie, (a lot of) folk, hip-hop, jam bands and other weird things. However, if you listen -- rather than look at the playlist -- it all makes sense. The hosts are musical tour guides for the listener. They are enthusiastic, in touch with the community and great at improvising. That said, most of the currents we play are on the Triple A charts. It just works out that way.

5. How are your music meetings conducted?

We have meetings once a week. First we cover all the station business, then we share the new music we're excited about for the second half. Usually by time the meeting comes up, we're somewhat familiar with the tunes because we regularly listen to each other's shows.

6. How do you feel about the current climate of music?

There is so much good stuff! It's really hard to find the time to play everything that's worthy.

7. How much freedom do the jocks have in picking music to play?

Complete and total freedom. I just ask that they aim to serve the audience.

8. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Oh my! That would take several pages for me to answer. In short, the mass consolidation that happened after the Communications Act of 1996 did tremendous damage that the industry is still trying to recover from.

9. What would surprise people most about you?

I am taking a three-week vacation to take a clowning course!

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...

... a little humor :)

Last non-industry job:

Stagehand work for theater.

First record ever played out:

Bobby Pickett and the Crypt Kickers "Monster Mash"

First concert:

Santana (My aunt won tickets on the radio. I was 8).

Favorite band of all-time:

Less Than Jake (guilty pleasure) or The Smiths (not as guilty although maybe it should be)

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

Goofing off with my friends.