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10 Questions with ... Shilynne Cole
May 4, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WWDM-FM – Columbia, S.C. (Urban) – Evenings/Music Director
- KQMQ-FM – Honolulu, Hawaii (CHR/Pop) - Weekends
- KIKI-FM – Honolulu, Hawaii (CHR/Rhythmic) – Middays/Music Director, then Mornings
- KSSK-FM – Honolulu, Hawaii (Adult Contemporary) Weekends
- WJMH-FM – Greensboro, N.C. (Middays/Imaging)
- WQMG-FM – Greensboro, N.C. (Urban AC) PD/Middays, then PD/Afternoons
1. How has the pandemic affected work?
The landscape has dictated that we operate with a more streamlined model with scaled-down resources. The challenge has been to make sure we’re able to serve our audience and still engage our listeners. Also, it has been a balancing act between keeping our listeners informed and connecting with them emotionally while remaining focused on the music.
2. How much has radio changed?
When I started in radio, we played actual records. Remember cart machines and cutting and splicing to edit? The “Jack the Rapper” conventions were like a rite of passage for anyone new to radio as well as the seasoned pros. Fun times.
3. Which direction do you see our business going?
I think we’re probably getting a preview of the future of radio, in a sense. The pandemic has kind of pushed us into finding new, more efficient ways to do radio, with the same or better results. I think that will continue.
4. What’s your radio origin story?
I’ve known since I was 10 years old that I wanted to be in radio. I bought a portable radio and listened practically 24/7. The radio station was “The Big DM” (WWDM-FM). I always said I would work for that station one day. The energy was amazing, the jocks were larger than life, the music was great and their presence in the community was huge. When I was 16, I did an internship for the local gospel station, then in college, I did I did three different internships. After college, I got a job programming a local gospel station. One year later, I auditioned for Andre Carson at “The Big DM”. I was so nervous. It was 2pm on a Saturday afternoon (no pressure) and the jock on air at the time (Anthony Keith), kept hyping me up, running back and forth between Andre’s office and the studio, giving me the play by play, which made me more nervous. Every time he ran into the studio, he would say, “I think he likes your sound! I think you’re gonna get the job.” He was right. I got the job. I screamed all the way home.
5. Everyone has a couple of funny radio stories; would you share one?
Back in 2009, I was hosting an awards ceremony that was part of one of my annual station events. I bought some new designer boots to wear. I thought I was ‘fresh’…until I went to take the stage and tripped. I recovered quickly though, and thankfully the crowd was gracious enough to not laugh in my face. I have not worn those boots since.
6. What would you have done had you not gone into radio?
I’ve always had an interest in Entertainment law and TV news.
7. When things normalize again, do you think having air talent getting out into the community is overrated ?
Whether it’s through personal appearances, van hits, remotes, community events, social media or station events, it’s super important for air talent to not only connect with listeners on air, but out in the community. Getting out in the community only strengthens the bond between talent and the listener.
8. Would you share the names of those who have influenced your career?
There are lots of folks who have influenced me, whether it was through a direct working relationship, or from watching their successes and listening to their stations. I’ve been fortunate to work with some great Program Directors during my career. Andre Carson made me his music director after six months on the job and taught me how to schedule music using Selector. It was early in my career and I soaked up lots of programming knowledge just by watching Andre and asking a million questions. I was also a huge fan of Carol Ford, who was doing afternoons at 98.7 Kiss FM in New York at the time. I remember reaching out to her for career advice. She couldn’t have been more gracious. Other great influences include Alvin Stowe (R.I.P.), Elroy Smith, Alan Oda, Brian Douglas, Kevin Gardner, Sam Weaver, just to name a few.
9. Is it hard to balance work and your personal life?
I’m kind of a workaholic. I absolutely love what I do. Those that know me will probably….ok…definitely say I’m a workaholic, so let’s just say that’s a work in progress. I’ve gotten better in recent years, though.
10. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Over the years, I’ve been given lots of great advice that I carry with me:
- Always be open to change, be consistent, and learn to be versatile.
- Your craft is your livelihood. Keep it in top notch condition.
- Self-awareness is paramount for growth.
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