10 Questions with ... Aundrae Russell

1) Where and what was your first job in radio? Early influences?

WTNK 1390 AM/Meridian, MS.

2) What was/were the most influential radio station(s) growing up?

WTNK 1390/ Meridian, MS and WXEL/New Orleans

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Yes.

4) Who were some of the programmers who influenced you growing up?

B.G. The Black Giant, Richard Pegue and Jerry Boulding.

5) How you prefer to be promoted on new records? And how do you feel about waiting on a record your ears tell you is a hit until the research validates it?

I prefer to receive a hard copy of music and mp3. When I have the gut feeling about a record, I am willing to take a chance even before receiving research.

6) What are your thoughts on today's syndication? What would make it better and more effective and since it affects the number of hours that you have control over the music that you play how does that impact your research and passion scores?

I am not a fan of syndication because of the number of jobs that it eliminates, and the number of hours that it takes away from local programming.

7) Because of callout research, are today's Urban and Urban AC programmers going to be slower in adding and playing new music? And what is the maximum number of spins a record in power rotation could be expected to receive in a given week on KJLH?

From 25 to 30 spins.

8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I would like to be better at reaching young talent to groom them and help them to see the importance of being a well-rounded professional announcer. I would also like to improve my time management skills.

9) How do you account for and what effect do you feel the current ratings patterns have on the Los Angeles market? Do you feel there are going to be new challengers from other formats?

With the current PPM rules, we are at a disadvantage from the jump. That being said, there are definitely going to be stations from other formats trying to capture portions of our audience.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

No. I am thankful to have worked with some of the best announcers and consultants in the industry. At the top of the list is Jerry Boulding, who I have learned a great deal from in my career.

What would people who think they know Aundrae Russell be surprised to know about you?

That I am the youngest of nine and I went to college on a basketball scholarship.

What are your hobbies?

Sports

Favorite teams:

• Basketball - Lakers
• Football - Pittsburgh Steelers
• Baseball - Yankees

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

The way syndication has put so many people out of work.

How do you feel about Arbitron's PPM replacing the diary?

I think PPM puts stations like mine at such a disadvantage; it's ridiculous.