10 Questions with ... Gentleman George

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Radio station operations consultant with extensive experience in Program Direction, On-Air Broadcasting, and Operations Management for Radio Market Broadcasting Property. Highly-creative and charismatic Radio Programmer and Radio Personality.

1) Is there a checklist of things a station should do to prepare for a huge event promotion?

Absolutely. The major key to any activation is teamwork and having a Project Owner Manager to oversee the detailed, but flexible, project plan, which include all tasks, completion dates and assigned responsibilities. Conduct weekly or daily review meetings to discuss any issues that may arise and track progress. Whether it be a sales or programming promotion, events can contribute significantly to the radio station bottom line increasing revenue and market share (ratings).

2) Can you share with us your day-to-day responsibilities?

My day-to-day responsibilities consist of programming all aspects of the radio station including but not limited to scheduling the music, on-air contests, department head staff meetings to discuss promotions, giveaways and any concerns that may come up affecting the station. Servicing existing accounts with community constituents and proactively seek new relationships with community partners. Daily aircheck critiques with staff, monitor show, facilitate staff feedback, manage staff job performances and morale. High focus on production and sales ensuring programming log compliance, voiceover, in-studio/call-in interviews, live remote broadcast (as scheduled), coordinate street promotion ... and that's on a slow day.

3) Would you give us some examples of things a radio station should be doing in the community?

First and foremost, a radio station is licensed to be a trust to the community. Take on a posture of "giving back" in terms of involvement with schools, community, charitable events, i.e. coat drives, feeding the hungry, reading in schools, etc. The radio station should give the community a voice while being a model for unity.

4) Who have been some of those who have had the largest impact on your career, directly or indirectly?

My father, who was my introduction to great broadcasting during his career in radio, My Godfather, Gay Papa. Bill Sharp, who gave me my first job in radio. Jim Kennedy, Ken Johnson, Mike McVay. Tom Joyner, The Baka Boyz, Greg Street, Donnie Simpson, Rocky Love, Marvin Robinson, Mean Green, Wild Wayne and the late Michael Tee.

5) What led you to career in radio?

Once again, my father introduced me to radio at a young age. The exposure in my youth sparked my interest as well as gave me the benefit of first-hand engagement into the aspects of radio.

6) Would you explain your efforts to reach your audience beyond the station's terrestrial transmitter?

My efforts are driven by taking advantage of technology that makes it possible to reach beyond the terrestrial transmitter. Through developing and implementing programs that utilize social media platforms, digital outlets (streaming) and layer it with, street teams, brand placement at key venues/activities and mobile logo placement in prominent areas or strategic street hits) and email blast to disseminate information.

7) What are your future goals?

Working in a top-10 market.

8) If you had not gone into radio what business would you have gone into?

Education or owning a chain of beauty salons following my mother's footsteps.

9) Would you please share your approach to putting together a music list -- currents, re-currents, gold, etc.?

Observing national charts and local retail record sales derived from data research as well as radio-industry trade journal programming data. Record reactions at live events and clubs to determine what the market is vibing to, as well as monitoring streaming and a experienced based gut instinct.

10) What's the most important thing to know about working in radio or any audio media business?

Having your facts accurate when it comes to dissemination of information must be factual and research as a public trust. And super-serving the target demographic.

How do you see radio's future?

The future looks bright according to recent research. Terrestrial radio has continued to grow with technology and compete toe to toe with other media platforms.