10 Questions with ... David Hall

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 1972-1976: DJ/MD WNBS-AM Murray KY (Top 40);
• 1976-1980: DJ/PD WABD-FM Ft. Campbell, KY (AOR) ;
• 1980-1988: DJ/MD/APD WKDF-FM Nashville (AOR);
• 1988-1993: DJ/MD/APD WGFX-FM Nashville (Classic Rock);
• 1993-present: DJ/MD/PD/OM WRLT-FM (AAA).

1. How did you become interested in radio?

By listening to the great AM stations in the mid-to-late '60s. WLS in Chicago was my favorite. WNBS in Murray, KY was very good, too. DJs there before I came along included Pat Sajack! I had a three-inch reel-to-reel tape recorder long before cassettes hit the market and I would tape the DJs and jingles along with songs I liked. Seemed like a good, fun job.

2. You have spent most of your career in Nashville ... how has the market changed?

Corporate ownership for most stations is the biggest change. When I arrived in 1980, most stations in Nashville were owned by local or small regional companies. Now it's quite unusual for WRLT to be able to say it's locally owned.

3. What has been your biggest career highlight in the many years you have been at WRLT?

In afternoon drive, I get many of the artist interviews and in-studio performances and there have been so many outstanding ones it's hard to pick, but Roger McGuinn sitting across from me playing Byrds songs was pretty dazzling.

4. As WRLT celebrates 20 years, how has it evolved?

In 1990, before anyone even knew what to call this format, it was kind of all over the map. Working across the street, we used to look at WRLT's weekly adds and laugh that they "added the mail." Now the mail gets added to the mountainous pile on my desk, but we're more selective and focused about what makes it to the control room.

5. For those that have never heard Lightning 100, how would you describe the sound of the station?

It's a great Adult Rock station that plays a wide variety of national and local artists, music from different eras and different styles. It's a great place to discover music, both new and old. One can get a sense of what the station sounds like by looking at the recently-played list at Lightning100.com ... and, of course, the webcast is there for anyone to listen to from anywhere in the world.

6. What are some of your biggest challenges as an independently owned radio station?

Smaller budget and resources -- that affects almost everything.

7. In addition to yourself, much the staff has been at the station for a long time too, right?

I came over in '93. Our GM Fred Buc, who I had worked with previously at WKDF, had already been here a while, as had MD Keith Coes, who I had already known for years. Morning DJ Mary Brace came on not too long after I did. Production Director Dan Buckley and night DJ and Team Green Coordinator Laurel Creech have also been here a number of years. People tend to come here, love it and stay.

8. How do you feel about the music coming out these days?

We seem to be in a bit of a lull that started back before the holidays last fall. There are lots of brand-new artists and small to mid-level artists, who are all relatively equal and vying for attention -- but no one breaking out big. Hopefully, things will heat up later this year.

9. Best advice for young programmers/promotion people?

Wear as many hats as you can early on. Get some experience in as many departments of your company as possible. It'll help to have the big picture of how everything works together no matter what you decide your specialty will be.

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

... Pepsi

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

Teaching my old dog new tricks.

Last non-industry job?

Late '70s I occasionally helped out a high school friend who became the manager of the Radio Shack in Murray. I think I got paid in stereo speakers instead of cash.

First record ever purchased:

Three singles on the same day: "Ticket To Ride" by The Beatles, "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter" by Herman's Hermits and "I'm Telling You Now" by Freddie & The Dreamers. Pretty sure I paid 99 cents each for them in 1965. Sound familiar? That three bucks was a week-and-a-half worth of yard-mowing income at the time.

First concert:

Not sure, might have been something weird like McKendree Spring opening for Three Dog Night. Options were limited to what got booked at the Murray State University basketball arena. I remember McKendree Spring had a great version of Neil Young's "Down By The River."

Favorite band of all-time:

The Beatles, with The Who close behind.