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10 Questions with ... August Wallace
March 21, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my radio career as a Promotions intern at WRCL-FM. In the Fall of 2006, I was approached to join the team at WDZZ-FM (Z92.7) and the rest is history. It's been a blessing to be able to continue my radio career in my hometown of Flint, MI.
1) What are you up to these days?
Preparing for this busy Spring season. This is always my favorite time of year. Also, I've been focused on my health for my family and teammates.
2) How do you balance being on the air and programming?
From the time of me being in the radio game that's all I know. So, I'm mentally programmed to give them both 50/50 attention. I'm prepping, critiquing myself, and the station every hour of the day. It's also important to have a strong support system at home. I have a wonderful wife that keeps me balanced and grounded.
3) What are you most proud of?
Programming and becoming an On-Air personality on a station that I admired and grew up on. I'm proud that I have found my purpose.
4) How did get into radio?
Music was always in my blood and growing up I was obsessed with every genre. When I started as a promotions intern and doing it for free that's when I fell in love and knew I wanted to make a career in radio. Shout out to Ced Lover taking me under his wing.
5) Any words of wisdom for up-and-coming air personalities?
Find a mentor and surround yourself with mature positive influences. Keep your social media clean because you never know who may be watching. Allow yourself time to grow, enjoy the moment and have fun.
6) What do you think makes radio special?
The way we can connect with the listening audience. You never how you can change a person's day or life by a simple song or message.
7) Was there anything else you ever wanted to do other than radio?
Don't laugh… but back in the day I thought I was going to be a famous rapper/songwriter. Being a sports agent was also a dream of mine.
8) What's the best advice you've ever been given?
Stay aggressive as a Program Director. Always be willing to learn and change. Also, stay a student to the game. Good or bad you can learn lessons from EVERYBODY.
9) Do you think radio's future is in question?
No, as long as the current generation is willing to pass the baton to the next group of future broadcasters. Also, the pandemic proved once again how important radio is. People live for human-to-human interaction. You can't replace emotion.
10) Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?
Don Wiggins: Don was the Sales Manager at WDZZ when I first joined the team. He taught me the importance of the relationship between Programming and Sales. To this day he is always just a phone call away to give me solid and honest advice.
Eugene Brown: I'm blessed to have Eugene in my life not only as a mentor but as my friend. As a PD he has influenced me since I was in college.
Maurice Devoe: In 2011, Maurice gave me my first opportunity as a Program Director, and I am forever grateful. No matter the situation or questions I had, he was always patient, gave me clear directions and encouragement.
On-Air influencers are Frankie Darcell and Michel Wright. These two ladies are the best on the mic. I was always drawn to their styles and the way they carry themselves on and off the mic.
Bonus Questions
What's something about you that would surprise most people?
"August" was my rap stage name and has stuck with me since college and to this day I'm a huge Backstreet Boys fan. Don't judge.
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