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10 Questions with ... Ken West
July 24, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
1990-1994: On-air and Programming at 88.9 WERS and 640 WECB at Emerson College.
1992-2002: 100.7 WZLX/Boston: Started as an intern and worked for 10 years in Programming, Promotions, Production, and On-Air.
2002-2022: Programmed and brand managed 105.7 WROR.
2009-2022: Programmed and brand managed 92.9/WBOS.
1. How does it feel to be back at WERS – your college alma mater?
I'll use the phrase "full circle." Our General Manager, Howard "D" Simpson and I both were students at WERS at the same time, but only knew each other peripherally as he did 88.9 at Night and I did Coffeehouse. We both graduated in 1994 and worked at different Boston stations. He came back to WERS 15 years ago and I watched him grow into the GM role from afar. Fast forward to October 2022: I was downsized after 20 years at the same place. I saw WERS was expanding and looking for a Brand Manager. Right place, right time, right job. D used the phrase "Coming back home to WERS" and it feels exactly like that. WERS has evolved so much since I was here but still remains such a vital station for both the Boston and Emerson College communities.
2. This is your first go around programming Triple A. How is this different from your previous gigs?
I feel honored to bring my 30 years of commercial experience. Not to change what WERS is doing, but to enhance, sharpen, and amplify the excellent work the station is already doing using my knowledge and industry relationships. Musically, it's similar to my classic rock and alt days, with some cool new artists I'd only "heard" of until now. Overall, it's much more refreshing with bigger artist rosters, more creative flexibility, and truly connecting music fans to music and the artists who create it.
3. This is also your first time at Non-Commercial radio. How does the audience differ?
They are so engaged! I've always been amazed at the rabid level P1 fans have for commercial stations and personalities. But non-com fans are on another level. They're so passionate about music, culture, and learning. They go to shows, they discover new artists, and they are active members of their communities because they care deeply about being part of something bigger than just a radio station.
4. What programming/experiences are you providing to keep the audience engaged.
We're "Boston's Uncommon Radio" and live up to it every day. Our members' donations keep the station running, so we can't offer them the same programming other stations do. There's an awesome sense of responsibility to create an experience that meets their eclectic and diverse music tastes while reflecting their values. We have our AAA format all day, All New From 8 to 9 and "The Secret Spot" (slow jams and soul and R&B) at night, and specialty weekend shows like the CoffeeHouse, Standing Room Only (Broadway & Showtunes) and Chagigah (Jewish music, humor, and schmoozing.) Also, special programming days: all Female playlist on International Day, all Black playlist on Juneteenth, etc. And we connect the audience with the music by sending our student staff to interview national and local artists as well as having them stop by our student run performance to play live.
5. How is it working with a student staff?
It's awesome! They're smart, buttoned up and creative. One way to get young people interested in radio is staffing a station full of them. I learn a lot from them while teaching them at the same time. We have ten professional staffers and during the semester up to seventy-five students. They do everything: on-air hosting, news, music, programming, promotions, marketing, fundraising, photography, video, music writing, underwriting, social media, live mix engineering, and local music.
6. What does the station do to support local music?
Local music is WERS' secret weapon! For years I sat in station meetings about how to embrace local music but only in ways that wouldn't hurt the brand. AT WERS, local music is a huge part of our brand. We host a weekly local show called "Wicked Local Wednesday" where local bands come in to play live sessions hosted and engineered by students. We regularly play local artists that aren't being played nationally in regular rotation. We also have 617 Day on June 17th (6-1-7 was the OG area code for Boston, get it?) where we play only local music and stage live events with local bands and local businesses. The local music community is aware of WERS's support and are very generous to us when we need acts to play our events. Fun fact: all artists that played WERS 617 Day in 2022 played the Boston Calling Festival in 2023.
7. Who were your mentors along the way?
So many to name! I've been truly blessed to work with so many people who taught me so much. So, if I didn't name you here, it's because they edited you out, ok? My two most important mentors were Buzz Knight and Charles Laquidara. They both pushed me to be my best, shaped my professional work habits, and offered invaluable personal advice. I also learned from thinkers like Cadillac Jack, Fred Jacobs, Ted Rusciti, and Kevin Cassidy. And the air talent! I was humbled to work with legends like George Taylor Morris, Loren & Wally, Dave & Chuck the Freak, Adam 12, Carter Alan, and Chuck Nowlin. Not just programming people, either. Great GM's, sales reps, traffic directors, imaging directors have all helped me!
8. What was the biggest highlight of your career so far?
My highlight is I'm still lucky enough here doing what I love. Sure, I could laundry list a bunch of other stuff. But the real highlight is a kid who's loved music since he was six is still working in music. It's an honor and a privilege.
9. If you were to leave the music business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
Easy: Park Ranger. You get to experience, learn (and teach) about the beauty of our country. And how stressful could it be? "Whoa, calm down, I've got enough maps for everyone."
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without …
Music. Cliche? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
Bonus Questions
What will you miss most about All Access?
The joke answer is guessing whether the "Special Bulletin" was something serious I had to act on or a "you got me to open that even though I could care less" story.
The real answer is the comprehensive and timely coverage of all facets of the music business written by hardworking people who cared. It's the part of the business I've never loved: when passionate hard-working people are forced out. This business has shown me how many caring people there are, and I care deeply when I see any of them phased out. RIP All Access. Thanks for the years of support.
What advice do you have for me while I am "on the beach?"
- Take a breath. Actually a few of them. And some walks.
- Do something fun you've been putting off.
- Talk to at least 1-2 people per day in or outside of your network.
- Don't get too down.
- Use your mind for something creative. Write, design, sing, cook, whatever.
- Use LinkedIn, but don't live there.
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