10 Questions with ... Erik Tee

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started in Meridian at a small locally owned Gospel station. I eventually moved around in the hometown to various stations from Gospel, to Top 40 and Urban. My first major gig was afternoons on WTUG in Tuscaloosa in 1996, eventually becoming Asst. Program Director and then starting up a new Urban Hip Hop WMSU in Columbus, Mississippi, back to WTUG and then to Lake Charles for my current position.

1. How are things going?

Some of biggest challenges are being in a ratings period and trying to keep my stations at the top of mind for our listeners. We are beginning to get out in the community again hosting concerts, doing live remotes or pop ups for local businesses, and helping nonprofits raise money and awareness for their causes. This is pushing us to be creative with our personalities and imaging.

2. What differences do you see in radio since you got into it?

The difference is now that we are no longer competing with the stations across the street. We now have streaming platforms, satellite and various other means where listeners are able to get new music. This is where the real personalities and programmers can prevail and offer more insightful information to the listeners. The COVID-19 Pandemic was a prime example of how radio can get back to the cutting edge of why we have a broadcast license and that is to be a beacon and a voice for those who need vital information as in testing stations, where to get supplies and guidelines put in place for the listeners.

3.Does terrestrial radio have a bright future?

I see radio still existing but obviously we need to stay current. As I mentioned earlier radio is no longer the place for new music and with syndication and voice tracking being prevalent in today’s world. We must have some type of local presence not only on the air, but online through our websites, apps and social media pages but more importantly be in the community. We need to continue building relationships with local leaders, politicians, educators and assure them that we are there for them when they are in need. I feel like radio is still needed. But we have to do our parts in order to not become extinct.

4. How did you get your start in this business?

I started at a local gospel start up in Meridian. I worked there for about 7 months and was calling all the local personalities in the city getting advice until someone said let’s give this kid a chance. I worked for a heritage Urban station on a part time basis WQIC where I got my first wind of doing all the shifts from overnights to early mornings. I eventually moved to top 40 Q101 where John Anthony was the Programmer and at the time dispelled the myth that I could only do Urban. Before I left my hometown, I met my mentor whom I still have a relationship with him to this day, Steve Poston at WALT (T-91). This was an AM station that was number one for years under his guidance. He taught me about editing, interviews and how to carry a show and keep the listeners entertain by being myself.

5. Do you think radio can be a steppingstone to other opportunities?

Sure it can. The relationships that can be built in this business can lead to be entrepreneurs in your own right. There are many who have become successful authors, CEO’s and more and it all started from being on the radio. In some cases, in small towns where they may have been overlooked before. It is very important to build relationships and use those for other means in the future.

6. Did you ever consider a career other than radio?

I have. It has been a while, but there was a time when things weren’t stable where I was working years ago. I entertained various things including being a pitch man for a satellite company to doing PR for an ad agency. I talked it over with my wife and really prayed on it and things changed and different opportunities within the company started opening up

7. How do you view the job of an air personality?

I feel that we have a responsibility when on the air to entertain and to inform. It is vital during critical times to relay information as soon as we get it. This is where being an on air talent has its perks. It allows us to be in the know and on top of things as soon as it happens. However this is also true for off air talent. Our voices are utilized through our social media platforms. We are able to relay information in a different light and are able to reach so many more people at one time. We have a responsibility to be creative and sensible when we speak. People are listening to us at all time through radio or social media. Once we put it out there. It is very hard for us to take it back.

8. What people have influenced your career?

I have run across a lot of people who have influenced me from afar and some personally. I was influenced by several personalities and programmers who gave me insight on everything from how to talk on the radio and how to carry myself in public all the way down to mixing and keeping the beat. Some influencers of mine were Aundrae Russell, Guy Black, John Anthony, Larry Carr. Bruce Mikells, Charles Anthony and Steve Poston. All of these were radio people who were very vital to the person that I am today. They basically groomed me for the current position I am in. I could write a page on how each one did, but I’ll just say thank you for what you guys did for me and the conversations that we had over the years. I can honestly say some of these people were like father figures to me and kept me on the straight path of where I am today.

9. Is there a key when it comes to balancing between work and home?

It took a while for me to understand this was important. I was the person who was at work all day until sometimes midnight. I missed several of my son’s events because of work. I remember one programmer told me one day you’re going to have to make a choice between your family and your job. He lost his family eventually. I told myself that wouldn’t be me and somehow I ended up the same way until I was fired from a job and my family was there for me with opened arms. They had my back and supported me. It was then I started balancing time where I would finish what I could at work and pick it up the next day. I started date nights with my wife and going to more games for my son. It all worked out and that’s the mindset I am in today.

10. What are you most proud of?

It’s a few things. My family makes me happy because they are happy for me. My wife knows how hard I fought to get to this point, and she was right there with me updating resumes and being my biggest cheerleader. I am happy as well when I know that one of my stations did something that helped someone else. It could be a cash contest, a commercial we produced that really worked for the client and they told us how they didn’t believe in radio but are now fans. It’s a good movie where I can relax in my recliner and for a couple of hours just sit back and enjoy the moment. Finally it’s my inner peace. We live in a world where there is destruction and turmoil every day. I had to take control of my peace and realize that I can’t change how people are around me, but I can change the people around me if it means having my peace of mind.