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10 Questions with ... Rita Houston
June 15, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Longtime public radio DJ and now PD at WFUV. Life-long New Yorker who is honored to have lived and worked here for my entire career.
1. First off, how are you feeling health wise these days?
Thanks for asking. I am doing OK. I’m back in chemo treatment and recovering well from latest spine surgery. It has been a lot to deal with but my strong will, and passion for my work keep me going strong! (For those who do not know, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer six years ago).
2. What prompted you and GM Chuck Singleton to create this EQFM Initiative?
One of our staffers, Kara Manning, presented the idea and we both immediately agreed it is a fight worth engaging. WFUV is on the right side of this issue but we acknowledge there weas more work we can do. For example, our music mix is 35% female coded. That is higher than most but needs to be at 50% for true parity.
It is part of our DNA as open-minded music lovers. Good songs come from everywhere, across race, age and gender. Good radio should celebrate that, without bias.
3. Tell us more about its goals.
We hope it inspires a conversation for listeners in their line of work and in our Noncomm world. We all need to look out for ways to make this more balanced — in Hollywood, in politics, in museums, in festivals and on the radio.
4. Who will be included in the roundtable discussion to help promote EQFM?
We assembled a group from all sides of the music industry to discuss this issue of gender balance on the radio and in the music industry generally. We are still deciding when the right time is to have it. The moderator will be Julianne Welby (WNYC). The panelists will include, myself, Amanda Shires (recording artist), Leslie Fram (CMT), Margi Cheske (Fantasy/Concord Music Group), Alan Light (music journalist) and Ann Powers (NPR Music)
5. In what ways do you plan to implement it at WFUV and hopefully at more Triple A radio stations?
It will be a soft touch on-air. We have developed dynamic features to highlight this initiative including one called Album ReCue highlighting an iconic album for a weekly deep dive-playing tracks, talking about it on-air and via online posts. Everyone from Blondie to Lauryn Hill, Indigo Girls to Billie Holiday.>
6. Do you think it can eventually reach beyond public radio and get into the commercial realm of broadcasting?
I hope! It would make the world a better place.
7. Perhaps even beyond radio by partnering with other organizations in the creative fields?
We will build this also with partnerships with concert promoters, arts organizations, museums and so on.
8. How have you and your fellow staff been handing the COVID-19 lockdown in-house?
It has been challenging. Our entire staff is working remotely. All our DJs are now equipped with remote kits and doing their shows from home.
9. What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Get out! (Funny thing to say during pandemic) Go to shows, go to dinners, build relationships and most of all listen to the music!
10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Good question! Work hard, play hard! Second answer-it is a privilege to have my job and I treat it as such.
Bonus Questions
What charities are near and dear to you?
Human Rights Campaign - we are longtime supporters. And our local LBGTQ organization - Rockland County Pride.
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