10 Questions with ... Stacy Owen

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Was part of the team that created one of the first Triple A stations in the country, WNKU, at Northern KY University. Left MD position there to become WFPK’s APD. I hosted mid-mornings and played an integral role in founding and organizing the annual NonCommvention – a national convention for non-commercial Triple A radio stations. As WFPK PD , my focus has been to build a strong community around a talented and passionate programming team and produce and book our award winning WFPK Waterfront Wednesday concert series among other events.

1. How long have you been at WFPK?

Valentine’s Day will be 21 years.

2. It is exciting to hear the station has been Triple A for 25 years! Tell us about that.

It was a dramatic switch from Classical to Triple A in 1996. Our listeners and members trust us to curate a mix of music they're passionate enough about to support directly with their hard-earned dollars. That blows me away! Early on it was seen as a grand experiment. Today it's a proven format and that's been very gratifying.

3. How has the station evolved over that time?

As the years progressed, we became less songwriter focused and more alt and college leaning. In more recent years we’ve focused on making the mix more equitable and diverse. We also have a clearly defined video strategy and produce a daily podcast, WFPK Music News.

4. What plans do you have for celebrating this year?

It was hard to plan anything big during a pandemic, so we’ll have lots of fun in small doses. We’ll air special programming, post photos and do some reminiscing on social media. We’ve also asked listeners to do the same and share pictures of themselves in their vintage WFPK t-shirts or attending favorite WFPK events.

5. WFPK was one of the first Triple A noncoms to have a first-class studio and performance room. How did that come about so early?

It was all part of the merger of the three public radio stations in town in the mid ‘90s. Louisville Public Media's building also houses an NPR news/talk (WFPL) and classical station (WUOL). The community got behind the capitol campaign in a big way allowing us to move into this beautiful building in the black. LPM is still one of only a few non-profit radio groups in the country to combine staff and resources.

6. The station has always done well during fund drives. Any insights on how that happens?

We're always trying new ways to engage and educate our listeners -- not just during fund drives, but all year round. The sustainer program has worked incredibly well for us -- 68% of our members give ongoing monthly contributions, and their memberships renew automatically every year!

7. What efforts has the station been doing these past several months to support your community during the pandemic?

WFPK Mental Health Days! The first few months of the pandemic we set aside every Wednesday to take requests from 6a till 6p, then transitioned to the first Wednesday of each month. We ask listeners to request songs that lift them up, help them cope or give them hope. We air the audio from their voicemail messages and also solicit song suggestions on social media and via email. We’ve also invited mental health care professionals on air to offer advice and suggestions on how to help ourselves and others.

8. Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

I’ve been listening to our Classical music station, WUOL, much more during the pandemic.

9. What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Stay community focused and demonstrate genuine care and interest for your audience so they’ll feel invested in your radio station.

10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Never fear change.

Last non-industry job:

Desk clerk at Days Inn motel

First record ever purchased:

Peter Frampton - Frampton Comes Alive!

First concert:

Shaun Cassidy at Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati. My best friend and I were 13 ... big deal when Mom dropped us off on our own!

Favorite band of all-time:

Then...Beatles. Now...My Morning Jacket

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

I'm a dog mom, movie buff, fan of live shows.