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10 Questions with ... Bruce Warren
October 26, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started in the music biz as a freelance music journalist, then I began my career at WXPN as an overnight volunteer DJ. First full-time paid job was at 'XPN when "World Café" host David Dye hired me as a producer for the show. Then I became the MD. I have been PD for the last 12 years. I am also a music blogger.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I grew up listening to and loving AM radio and always dreamed about being a DJ.
2. Who are your mentors?
My former boss, and now COO/EVP of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Vinnie Curren. Plus, my current boss Roger LaMay and, of course, David Dye.
3. What do you like best about your job?
The people I work with and the mission-based focus of it.
4. What has been your biggest career highlight?
Definitely being a part of the team that started "World Cafe." It was crazy, innovative and creative. I thrive on that. My life highlights include meeting my wife Beth, having two incredible boys and my getting my Masters degree from Penn in Organizational Development and Business last year.
5. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______.
Listening to music as a "fan" and not as a programmer.
6. You have been very active in connecting WXPN with new media. Is it working?
Absolutely. We're seeing a lot of success engaging with audiences and building our community on a variety of platforms and channels.
7. Do you see Triple A growing as a format within the public radio sphere?
Absolutely. I'm still amazed at how many stations in public radio don't see the opportunity, in their markets, to make a go at noncomm Triple A. Bottom line is that for many public-radio decision makers, they don't take noncomm Triple A seriously because it's just not high-brow enough. Fine by me. To them I say, "Great. Keep playing obscure jazz and old classical music until your audiences completely fade in to the ocean." I'm being somewhat facetious and probably a tad obnoxious here to make my point, which is noncomm Triple A offers a legitimate audience service, much to the denial of some folks at other public stations across the country.
8. Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
I used to love the commercial AOR format until they started playing generic crap and forgot about new releases from classic artists. I also love stations like Q-102 in Philly; through my kids I have been re-taught the joy of a total mainstream pop hit -- whether it's Drake or Taylor Swift or The Fray -- and its impact on music fans. I still like to hear great songs eight times a day sometimes, which is both the good thing and not-so-good thing about commercial hit radio!
9. What new bands are you most excited about?
White Denim. Fanfarlo. Girls. Sarah Siskind. Passion Pit. Free Energy. I could go on and on.
10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?
Go to law school or be a salmon fisherman in Alaska.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Cooking in a restaurant
First record ever purchased:
It was a 45 single of "There Is" by The Dells.
First concert:
The Supremes at the Latin Casino when I was 9. My parents took me.
Favorite band of all-time:
Sorry, I don't have just one. But the ones who sit in the pantheon are Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, The Clash and Radiohead.
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