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10 Questions with ... Bailey Coleman
May 5, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Began on-air and Programming at KRIZ/KZIZ in Seattle Washington, moved to San Diego where I was programming XHRM, then to Fresno for 6 months as Music Director and air talent at KTAA. My longest run thus far has been in Milwaukee, where I’ve programming WKKV FM for 10+ years!
1. Would you share your plans and thoughts with your new opportunity?
I was really blessed to have an amazing management team in Milwaukee in Colleen Valkoun, Market President and Kerry Wolfe, SVPP. Over the years the two of them provided a wonderful environment to grow and learn. That experience prepared me for the opportunity that I am now looking forward to in New Orleans! Tori Kahl, Market President and Bob Murphy, SVPP in New Orleans are two incredible team captains and I look forward to joining their leadership group!
2. How different is radio now than when you first started?
Radio has changed drastically since I started. I remember 5 years ago people were saying radio was over, well that was wrong. We’re still here, however with many changes and modifications. When I started, we were all still using CDs, the only things that were on the computer were the spots and now everything is on there. We had so many jocks, I think I counted 14 in one picture. That’s something to reflect on. Now, if you’re lucky, you’ll have 3-5 air personalities on your staff.
3. What do you see in radio’s future?
I believe radio will continue to evolve. How? Not sure, we could see more individual owners over the next 10 years, or it could go more in the way of technology with even fewer people at a radio station per format per company across the country. Who can tell?
4. How did you get your start in radio?
I got my start in radio on a bet with my cousin. I saw a radio station, KRIZ in Seattle (the station I would later program), broadcasting in the park. I told my cousin, that I was going to quit acting school and get into radio. Of course, he said I was nuts etc., so we bet, I won, and he still owes me $50 bucks.
5. Do you think C0VID-19 is bringing communities closer to radio?
I do think COVID -19 is brining communities closer to radio, not that they weren’t close already, but I think now because everyone is quarantined they realize just how much radio has always been there for them and a part of their lives. The added bonus, radio is free, so as long as they have a radio, they have company.
6. Have you ever thought about leaving radio?
Hasn’t everyone thought about leaving radio when it got rocky when the stumbling blocks came to you? Didn’t you search every part of your brain and say what else would I be happy doing? Me? When that happened, I always came back to radio or how I could be connected to it if I couldn’t be in it?
7. How do you view the job of an air talent on and off the air?
I believe when you make the commitment to be an on-air talent, you walk in, eyes wide open, knowing that you have, above all else, a commitment to the community you serve to be there and be a part of their lives come rain or shine. You may be the one delivering the toughest news your listeners have heard that day, or the one delivering the best new they’ve heard. Your job, no matter what, is to be there and be a part of their lives. You’re the sister, brother, boyfriend, girlfriend, or best friend, whatever that person needs at that moment and they need to know, they’re not alone! They’re with their favorite personality, on their favorite radio station.
8. What people have influenced your career?
I can’t name everyone but let me name a few, Frank P. Barrow, Gloria Bennett, Doc Wynter, Thea Mitchem, Jerry Boulding (Rest in heaven) Mychal Maguire, Doug Banks (Rest in heaven) Elroy C. Smith, Charlamagne, My family who wouldn’t let me quit even when it would have been easier to come home. My entire Milwaukee team Reggie Brown, DJO, Melvin Hood, Promise Bruce, Doc B, and Bekki Yang. The wisdom, strength, courage and encouragement that I’ve gotten from each of these people at one point or another as they encouraged, pushed and sometimes pulled me along could not possibly be repaid.
9. How do you balance work and your personal life?
My work is my personal life! Haha! Just kidding although my son might agree with that! I always make time, I love hanging out with my son, and my family, in the end as in the beginning that is all we will have is our family and I love mine. I’ll be the first to admit though sometimes that balance thing can get a little sketchy! Especially when you love what you do for a living!
10. What makes you happy?
I always tell people, if there’s one huge blessing that God gave me, it’s my son, and knowing that he’s good and I’m taking care of that blessing to the best of my ability, that’s what makes me happy.
Bonus Questions
What’s the wisest advice you’ve ever been given?
4 pieces of advice given to me by industry veterns that I have carried with my whole career!
- Don’t worry about it “Cream Always Rises to the Top” – Keith Adams-Polydor Records
- Loyalty Begins in your Pocket Book – Michael White- Capitol Records
- Always Turn those stumbling blocks into steppingstones- Graham Armstrong (RIH)
- The key is to always make sure you can explain what’s going on with your station – Jerry Boulding (RIH)
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