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10 Questions with ... Barbara A. McDowell
March 15, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I began my career as an intern at WEJM (106Jamz)/Chicago with Mic Fox and Cortney "Babygirl" Hicks. Mic Fox was the evening personality at the time, and I produced a Community Affairs show where Cortney was the host in addition to her midday duties. While interning, I became the assistant to the receptionist at WVAZ Chicago for six years and the position phased out. I worked in the promotions department as promotions assistant for a year. I left AM/FM to start at a new radio station, Hot 102FM, on a small signal (3,000 watts) with Crawford Broadcasting. Crawford Broadcasting flipped their Gospel station 92.3 to Urban on March 26th, 2001.
1) How do you feel about Nielsen Audio's PPM?
PPM is not perfect, but I like some of its programming tools. I can see weekly how our stations are performing. Musically, I can see when our listeners leave our station when particular songs are played.
2) What’s the formula for making a playlist for both stations?
When choosing music for WPWX it must appeal to our brand and our audience, which is hip-hop. WSRB is very gold-driven with the right amount of current hits. Our consultant Tony Gray has the final approval for selecting music for WSRB.
3) Would you tell us about your radio background?
I have worked in every department of radio except the sales department. My core radio background is in the programming department. I love the creative and music portion of programming, especially breaking new artist!
4) How do you guys select music?
We do not have research. We depend heavily on our DJs, charts, Mscore, knowing what's hot in the market locally and our gut when it comes to placing new music on our playlist.
5) How is the Chicago music scene?
Chicago, once known as the house music capitol, is now home to blues, rock, country, dance and rap music. The Internet has given the youth an opportunity to express themselves. This city is a melting pot for music lovers.
6) Who were some of your influencers and mentors?
I have taken what I like to call programming nuggets from various people I have worked with or have been around within the past 21 years of working in radio, such as my current PD Jay Alan, Mic Fox, Monica Starr, Jamillah Muhammed, Maxx Myrick, Tony Gray, and Barry Mayo. They influenced my radio career.
7) When you’re not working what do you like to do?
When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, networking events, blogging, and painting.
8) How do you see Urban radio in the future?
I believe Urban radio will continue to have success as long as we embrace change and not be afraid of new technology.
9) What are your top-5 favorite songs of all time?
Common - "I Use to Love Her," Whitney Houston - "I Will Always Love You," Puff Daddy - "It's All About the Benjamins," Alicia Keys - "Diary" and Marvin Sapp - "Never Would Have Made It."
10) How do you see your future?
I created a vision board and I have accomplished all of them except for radio ownership. I am still a student of this business, and I will continue to grow as a radio programmer. I am now trying to master what I have learned and hopefully consult other independent radio stations.
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