10 Questions with ... Mark 'Chillin' Dylan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Original KOKY/1978, KWTD, KHLT (Adult Top 40); WHRK-WDIA/Memphis; WOWI-WBSK/Norfolk-Va. Beach; KIPR, KSSN/KMVK (Hot Country), WBLX-WDLT/Mobile, Al, KOKY/2000-present

1) What's the funniest thing you ever did in radio?

As a teenager, Bobby O'Jay gave me an opportunity on the legendary WDIA. I was so nervous, I misread a Las Vegas vacation liner into a chance to win a "trip" to Memphis (as if my audience wasn't already there) LOL.

2) How did you get into programming?

Outstanding wisdom, tutoring and encouragement from a very talented group of mentors.

3) What's your approach to your job?

Take it far more seriously than ever taking myself ... Stay focused on forward movements with a strong mentality on traditional radio principles ... Community, empowerment and educating younger generations remain a high priority for us.

4) Could you share your influences in this business and what each contributed?

The legendary foundation of broadcasters, the late-great Frankie Crocker, George "Boogaloo" Frazier, Shelly Pope and Charles "Madhatter" Merritt were huge influences while living and working among them, My living mentors remain very important every waking day, Bobby O'Jay, Melvin Jones, Steve Crumbley and "Broadway" Joe Booker have opened doors and taught me volumes of things that they were never obligated to teach me, I'm way blessed 24/7 on that level. The foundations they've constructed over the decades have all shown almost uncanny community trust in their respective markets.

5) What got you interested in wanting to go into radio?

Love for my music, and the potential to do positive things in lower income segments of cities ... Empower the least fortunate people.

6) Is there another profession that you might have gone into?

Possibly the record "side" of our industry or possibly owning a music/culture retail outlet.

7) What is your biggest strength and what do you have to constantly work on to improve?

Time management is always a challenge being focused on the task, not so much.

8) How do you see the future of radio?

Radio will and should remain very positive. Huge amounts of pride (every format) in what we all do for a living ... Plenty of patience has been needed and necessary, plenty of patience and hard work has unfolded.

9) Is there anything else do that you've been able to incorporate into what you do in radio?

Raising my young people has matured me into a better and less demanding leader.

10) Who were some of the air personalities you grew up listening to?

Broadway Bill Lee-Frankie Crocker-Hal Jackson-Jimmy Smith-Lawrence Gregory Jones-JD Black-Gary Young-Doug Banks and my all-time favorite "peer" generation talent Rick Partaaaaay LOL.

Is there one thing you know now that you wish you had known years ago?

The absolute transition from analog to digital the industry was bound to take ... Loved the "old" reel-to-reel production equipment from back 'n da day; definitely embraced the digital concepts we've seen as well.