10 Questions with ... Earle Augustus

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

First PD job was then Hot AC WASL/Dyersburg, TN. Moved to Memphis for evenings at Classic Hits WSRR. One of the first radio personalities hired for new Memphis station, Soul Classics 103.5 back in 1998 (WRBO). Did afternoon drive there. Became Co-Production Dir. for the cluster, then PM drive for Smooth Jazz 98.9 in the cluster and back to WRBO for APD/evenings. Elevated to PD/middays in November 2011 when Cumulus took over from Citadel. Was released last month, with WRBO 2nd in the market.

1) Tell me about your new position:

I'm "on the beach," working on my chocolate tan and beach body while looking for my next programming and/or on-air position.

2) What do you think your strengths are?

Some of my strengths are helping to design a radio station that really connects with listeners. Successfully navigating my station through a sometimes-rough PPM world. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses on my station, then making the proper adjustments when needed. I also have an astute ear for targeting the weaknesses of my competitors. I really love coaching my air staff and helping them get the best out of themselves. I also feel that knowing what our audience wants and how to give it to them goes beyond research, sometimes it just comes down to instinct. And finally, I have a gift for making a dollar out of 50 cents! (Radio magic at budget time LOL)

3) Would you share your idea of a perfect radio world?

In a perfect radio world, we have live personalities in every daypart, seven days a week, plus a blank check to do weekly callouts, conduct ongoing perceptual studies, and unlimited marketing and contesting.

4) What's your approach to being an air personality?

I'm more of a friend on-air. My delivery is one-on-one. I'm blessed to have a smooth, warm, unique delivery that genuinely stands outs. I guess you can say that my role is to be the listeners' friend, playing their favorite songs on the radio while having fun and keeping them up to date on what's important to them. Our listeners have so much going in in their lives. We have to cut the clutter and get their attention quickly. With this in mind, I subscribe to the KISS rule: Keep It Simple, Stupid (Me).

5) How important is it to have live on-air talent?

I know these days it's not usual to have only two, or just one live dayparts on a lot of Urban ACs outside of the top-30 markets. The radio station is a 24-hour entity; in a perfect world it would be wonderful to have live people in all dayparts.

6) Do you think we take this business for granted?

To be honest, sometimes we do, Sam. After doing live interviews with superstars and hanging out backstage for so many years, we sometimes forget that most people, not in the business, would give anything to be in our shoes and do what we do.

7) What do you think it takes to be in this business?

First of all, a love of and appreciation of broadcasting. Also, the ability to focus, work super-hard, and the love, support and understanding family and friends.

8) Who've been some of your influences and mentors?

The first person to open my eyes and ears to the wonderful world of radio was Frankie "Hollywood" 'Crocker. Even to this day I'll review old airchecks of Frankie that I made myself for inspiration. (Check out my 'Frankie Crocker Tribute Page' on Facebook) Other radio personalities who inspired me include Rosko, Angie Martinez, Ken Spider Webb, Cousin Brucie, Wendy Williams, Dan Ingram, Carol Ford, Vaughn Harper, Scott Shannon, Donnie Simpson, Pat Prescott, Les Davis, Funkmaster Flex, Lamar Renee and Broadway Bill Lee. Special shout-outs to my mentors, influencers and supporters: Harry Nelson (Obi Wan Kenobi), Sam Weaver, Tony Gray, Skip Dillard, Downtown Jackson Brown, Chris Malone, Myron Fears, Kenny Smoov, Lori Lewis, Earl Boston, Chris Michaels, Ken Johnson, Marvin Emilien, Mike McVay, DL Hughley, Fred Jacobs, Devin Steel, Chase Daniel, Big Sue, Erik Tee and last, but not least, my three children!

9) What's the funniest thing that ever happened to you in radio?

During my first radio job, I worked an AM/FM combo with studios facing each other, separated by a big glass window. Once, as I was reading the national news, I heard a tap on the studio window in front of me, glanced up, and saw two naked butt checks pressed against the glass from the AM station. Somehow, I managed to finish the news and intro the next song without skipping a beat.

10) How do you see the future of radio?

Radio's demise has been predicted every time a new medium rears its head. First it was TV, then music videos, then satellite music channels, Internet music platforms and now podcasts ... unlike the dinosaurs, radio evolves and keeps on keeping on! That's another reason why it's very important that we develop and nourish our radio personalities.

What are your personal challenges?

Not only keeping up with the trends but anticipating the ones that are the ones that are most important to our listeners. Keeping an open mind. Eating healthier and working out more.

If you had not gone into radio, what profession would you have chosen?

Before I caught the radio bug, I was an art major! As a kid I was one of those guys who wanted to be a comic book artist. I'm a graduate of the High School of Art & Design in NYC and I also studied at the School of Visual Arts also in New York. So, I went from cartooning to graphic illustration to fine arts. Since I have a little extra time between radio gigs, I'm in my home art studio doing the abstract expressionist painting thing. I'd love to be the first radio guy with a permanent exhibit at the Studio in Harlem and the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.