10 Questions with ... Barbara A. McDowell

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) Do you think PPM needs to Upgrade?

Change is good. 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) Is there a formula you use when putting together music rotations?

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) Why do you think you've done so well?

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) There's so much music out here, how do you guys do what you do?

We do not have research. We depend heavily on our DJs, DSP's,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 do you describe the Chicago music scene?

Chicago, once known as the house music capital, is now home to blues, rock, country, dance and Hip-Hop 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) Do you ever take time to relax?

When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, networking events, blogging, and painting.

8) Does Urban radio have a bright future?

I believe Urban radio will continue to have success if we embrace change and are not afraid of new technology.

9) The most important question, who has the best pizza in Chicago??

My ultimate favorite place to eat is Maggiono's! If I want thin crust pizza, Italian Fiesta is the best. Giordonno's has the best Deep Dish pizza in Chicago.

10) What do you see in 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.