10 Questions with ... Raphael George

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WILD-AM Boston (1995-1997), WNHC-AM New Haven (1998), WPHI-FM (1998-2004), R&R/Billboard (2005-2010), Nielsen BDS (2010-2012), WNBM New York (2014-present)

1) Where was your first commercial radio job?

WILD-A/Boston ... perhaps one of the most enriching experiences I've ever had. The station was a daytimer, but I felt proud to work there considering its rich legacy in the black community. It broke New Edition, in fact when I worked there it was located about three blocks from Orchard Park, where they grew up. The station was also once home to Elroy Smith and Stephen Hill. I also had the unique opportunity to work with Sunny Joe White (he was such an incredible talent).

2) How important was working in college radio for you?

After a few less-than-stellar semesters as a business major at Howard University and a couple summers as an intern on Wall Street, I realized nothing excited me more than radio! After flipping my major to radio, I split my time as GM and jock on student-run WHBC-A and morning show intern for WHUR, I think I learned EVERYTHING. Cutting tape, loading carts, taking requests, cueing-up vinyl, getting on the street team ... (funny how none of that exists today). Unfortunately, my experience seems to have been lost on the new generation of radio professionals. Not to say that's a bad thing, but I definitely have a different perspective on the radio's purpose, which in my opinion, is to educate, entertain and inform. It's a credo that I live by.

3) What do you think of the radio ownership rules?

I'm praying for the day when ownership rules open up to once again offer tax breaks for minority ownership. And perhaps tighter ownership limits will, in turn, create more diverse voices and perspectives. Let's take a trip in my "perfect world:" Ownership rules open up, properties go on the market, banks start lending, more owners (especially in smaller markets), more jobs, stronger economy for radio. Basically pre-1996 all over again.

4) Could you tell me about your days on the air?

I did weekends on WILD-A and WNHC-A/New Haven for a while, and I was not the greatest jock at all! In fact, I didn't care for it. Much respect to those who can turn it off and on with the touch of the mic button. I was basically a liner-reader. No more, no less. I found it difficult to turn on the "act." At the end of a four-hour shift I was exhausted. However, I knew if I were to reach my goal in becoming a programmer, it was totally necessary.

5) What did you learn from "The Video Show?"

While in Boston, I hosted "The Video Show" a late-night show on the CBS affiliate and it was amazing. It's funny how I approached the two media. I was unbelievably relaxed and casual on television while being a jock was completely different. It's perhaps the same perspective TV stars gain when going from the bright lights of a sound stage or movie set to being in a studio with a microphone in their face. How you reach the audience is distinct from television.

6) Would you share with us those who have meant a lot to your career?

I've admired so many talented people; Helen Little, Elroy Smith, Gary Young, Ken Webb, Frankie Crocker, Skip Dillard, Thea Mitchem, Doc Wynter, John Dimick, Ken Johnson, Robert Scorpio, Tom Calococci, Steve Hegwood. (the list is really long.)

7) How do you see the future of radio and audio media in general?

Great question. I believe the industry is still trying to figure it out and is willing to see what sticks for the long term. Consumers pay to see movies in the theatre. They still pay to watch their favorite shows on cable but consumers don't seem to be too excited to pay to listen to music via the streamers. This is a great advantage for the terrestrial crew. Podcasting, hosting enhanced content on websites and leveraging artists and talent are big checkmarks for traditional radio. However, many millennials see radio as old school and see it as overly fragmented and too cookie-cutter. This is where Spotify, Pandora, et. al. can take a foothold. Overall, the fight will continue for the attention spans of consumers.

8) What do you tell young people who want to get into radio?

Work hard, don't complain, learn as much as you can. Be determined, focused. Be prepared to handle the tough times and celebrate the victories, personal and professional.

9) What do you think of the current state of Urban and Urban AC radio?

The two formats diverged in the late '90s as hip-hop took hold at Mainstream and some stations adopted "No Rap Workdays." But as the '80s hip-hop generation creeps into the upper end of 25-54, I believe more UACs will play rap, and not just from that period. I've seen adult crowds go crazy for a Fetty Wap ("Trap Queen") or Fat Joe ("All The Way Up"). Not to say UACs will match the Mainstreams rap song for rap song but we're already seeing some artist sharing, like with Drake. Adults that were on the frontlines of the growth of rap on the radio might welcome a few songs on UAC today. Also, be mindful that the 45-year-old mom that we covet so much is exposed to current rap titles through a teenage son or daughter. So, we might see more trap soul and softer hip hop on UAC in the years to come. However, few songs will migrate from UAC to Mainstream.

10) Who were some of the air personalities you grew up listening to and why did you like listening to them?

Didn't everyone want to be Frankie Crocker?! Weekday afternoons on WBLS were an event. I remember Frankie playing the Rolling Stones, Hall and Oates and Madonna. Music was just music. His style was over the top, but smooth.