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10 Questions with ... Guy Black
August 27, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Radio is radio. It could be on the Internet or on an AM/FM signal; it all goes after an audience. That's why we have to entertain all the time. We must have the content people want to hear. I try never take our listeners for grant. I have to give them what they want or someone else will
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
This Chicago native and radio veteran is known for his humor and work in the community. His stops along the way have included Chicago, Milwaukee, Chattanooga, Dallas, Miami, Indianapolis, New Orleans and New York (WBLS). He also was OM/PD for Jamie Fox's Foxxhole Radio on SiriusXM.
1) How do you see radio's future?
I am hoping and praying that radio gets back to serving their local markets more. I understand that every company has to make money, but how can we make money and still be the beacon of light to our own community? I miss hearing a local morning or afternoon show that is talking about my city every day. Listeners miss it, too. When they are forced to listen to something they don't really like or connect to, they aren't as loyal.
2) Who are some of the people who have influenced your career?
Jerry Boulding was my mentor; He taught me radio. I learned to enjoy my passion. He was the best teacher a young talent could have. That's why I prepare so hard and try to be the best every time I walk into a radio station. I love what I do because I learned from the best. John Gehron was GM of WLS/ Chicago, where I interned (my home town) and he told me to never to limit myself to just one format. I could do Urban, Top 40, Country or whatever I wanted to do. I never forgot his words. Pat Martin gave me my first paying on-air job in Milwaukee in Top 40 radio. He took a chance on a young unknown talent; thank you Pat.
3) Any tips for air personalities new to the business?
They have to learn to be themselves; don't try to sound like someone else or talk the way someone else does. Relax and enjoy yourself and learn to listen more then you talk. For every hour you're on the air, you should've prepared double that amount of time. Hard work makes you great. That's the difference between you and your competition. Know what you're talking about and treat every break on-air as if it were your last ... because it could be.
4) How have you grown professionally?
In the first year of my career I thought I knew everything because I young and successful. I learned that you can fall as fast as you rise. Be humble from the start. I try to stay humble and I am blessed that people will give me a chance to do what I love to do ... and that's to entertain listeners and give them a great experience.
5) What are your thoughts on syndication?
It's good for markets that can't really afford the budget to have a full team. It gives their station a "big city" sound. I must say that I often find myself disappointed that a lot of larger markets put syndication shows in place of the local talents who could be their next star. I don't fault any of the syndicated talent; they have a job to do. We have more shows then we have stations to put them on. No one wants to work with talent anymore. That's why you can listen to the same corny, boring predictable on-air sounds every day in every city. It has to get better. I understand companies are saving money. Someone has to come out and be a leader. Many are still bargaining down to a price instead of up to a standard. We have to get better. I love radio and I want to see us be at our best.
6) If you started programming again, what would he sound like?
I can answer that in so many ways. Let's just say when the next great company is ready to win, they can contact me, and I will give them the answer ... It will be EPIC!
7) What effect have the new audio platforms had on the traditional radio industry?
Radio is radio. It could be on the Internet or on an AM/FM signal; it all goes after an audience. That's why we have to entertain all the time. We must have the content people want to hear. I try never take our listeners for grant. I have to give them what they want or someone else will.
8) Could you share some of your funnier moments since you got into this business?
To be honest, I've had a lot of crazy things happen, too many to name but it was always fun being live in the streets. That's where I love being with our listeners. Any and every thing happens there. I've had some great moments on-air -- celebrity interviews, live remotes, phone calls from listeners that made us laugh so hard. Every moment should be a "I remember when" moment. They will be in my book when it comes out.
9) How did you get started in radio?
I was the class clown and my 10th grade speech teacher taught me a beginner's class of stand-up comedy. I was good at it and she suggested I try radio because she said I was quick and funny. So the passion began at Alan B. Shepard High School in the suburbs of Chicago.
10) What's your advice for aspiring morning personalities?
Study the craft ... as everyone can't do mornings. Your body and mind have to be prepared. It has to learn to be awake and ready to wake your listeners up. You always have to be five steps ahead of everyone else. Your show prep for mornings is a 24-hour job. Your head should think, "What am I going to do the next chance I get to open the mic?" You can't hang out all night and get to the station 30 minutes late every day and expect to be great on-air. Greatness is earned through hard work. You have to learn to entertain your audience. Your team should always push each other to be the best, results reflect leadership in every instance.
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