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10 Questions with ... Big Bink
April 5, 2016
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1. Where did your nickname come from?
The thing that everybody sucked on as a baby
2. Could you share with us your career in radio journey?
Graduated from Langston University in Langston OK (HBCU - Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Tried to hop right into radio and got a rude awakening. Nobody would hire me as a rookie out of college. Became a parole officer and also worked in case management while sending out resumes. Elroy Smith, Sam Weaver, and Steve Harris called me back to give me feedback and it meant the world to me and gave me hope. Got hired in July at Service Broadcasting in Dallas by Al Payne, joined 97.9 The Beat in Dallas a year later, made it up to APD and got promoted to PD at Radio One Columbus, Power 107 5. Then got promoted again to OM a year-and-a-half ago and acquired four total stations at the end of 2015.
3. Everyone has mentors or people they admire from afar and have learned, would you share the names of those who you have helped you?
Colby Colb - Always pushes me to be great, more than average and really cares about his staff. He also reminded me about the importance of balance between work and family.
Jay Stevens - Gave me a shot and I've learned the importance of saying what you mean and meaning what you say which is critical in life, especially in our business. John Candelaria was my first real PD who taught me the mechanics of radio when we were in Dallas. He molded me and got me ready when I was given a chance to move up in the company.
Earl Boston - Spent his own time with me after hours to teach me Selector when I had questions. He too was a major player in molding me to get to the next level in my career.
Eddie Harrell - He hired me when I applied for the Columbus Job and we made history in Columbus while we were together
4. What's the most fun thing about your job?
Being creative and having influence through ideas that I put on air is the best feeling in the world. From promos to imaging, catch phrases that point back to our brand. The other is being able to share the information I have with others. Just like people did with me when I acquired about learning more than just being a jock.
5. How do you see the direction of this industry in terms of growth?
Radio has to continue to be creative and push the envelope with our music, give experiences that listeners will talk about forever and keep it local and touch the people who listen to your station. With these things radio will never die out
6. What do you find unique about the Cincinnati market?
Columbus is a college town with great schools, and great history. This is a great place to raise a family. My kids are involved in sports and cheerleading and it takes all of my radio money. Home of the Buckeyes! Everything in Columbus is scarlet and grey, IT'S A BIG F##KING DEAL HERE. Not really a Big Club Town, but people are always out and there is always something to do
7. Which way do you see the Urban AC format heading when it comes to music?
2015 was a good year with Urban AC. The power players are poppin' again. A lot of young artists are also joining the format for good like Fantasia, Tyrese, R Kelly, Andra Day, and then we had the surprise with Adell. Again, big experiences with the listeners through events can make the biggest impact on this format.
8. What is the hardest decision you have ever had to make?
Leaving everything I worked so hard for to start all over again.
9. How do you advise someone when they tell you they want to program someday?
Be a student and learn to listen to everybody. You do not have all the answers. The average person who listens to your station is just as important as your MD; the listener has a perception and it is up to you to live up to it or change it to your favor.
10. What are your views on music research and how should it be used?
Music research is just a tool to me. Although it is very important, other vehicles, like Shazaam, are instant, requests are instant, singles sales in the market , talking to your P1s is instant. I compare all these things with research and look for similarities.
Bonus Questions
How do you motivate yourself outside of radio?
At the end of the day, this is what I do because I love music and I love to make sure my family has everything they need to get a fair shot at life.
What frustrates you the most about the music industry?
Not having access to artists, I understand that they have schedules etc. It's usually the people around them that block. At the end of the day, they started with the program directors, blew up and sometimes it's hard to get an e-mail or text returned. But honestly, I get it....
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