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/Little Rock, KSSN-KMVK (Hot Country), WBLX-WDLT/Mobile, AL KOKY/2000-present

1) Would you share one of your funnier radio moments?

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).

2) Where did you get the itch to go into programing?

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

3) How do you approach 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) Who influenced and or mentored you?

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 attracted you to radio?

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

6) Have you ever thought about going into any other profession?

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

7) What are the plus and minus sides to you?

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 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.

10) Who are some of your all-time favorite air personalities?

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 Party.