10 Questions with ... Quita Bride

NAME:Quita Bride TITLE:Middays STATION:WRBJ MARKET:Jackson, MS OWNER:Roberts Radio Broadcasting EDUCATION:BS, Jackson State Mass Communications WEB:www.myspace.com/missquitab

Please outline your career path.

WRJH/Jackson, MS

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

My first job in radio was at WRJH (Hot 97.7)/Jackson, MS. I started off as a non-paid intern and held that position solid for two years -- filling in here and there for jocks, holding the board down during remotes, cleaning up the station, answering the request lines, and the basic "errand girl" stuff. When I finally did get a chance to speak, it was a moment of excitement and failure all at the same time -- not the climax I anticipated. Many of my early influences in radio were gained through reading articles on Miss Wendy Williams and Star and Buck Wild ... soooo not what radio in this region was about. For that I paid a hefty price -- probation and being fired. Now I look to Nate Quick, KJ Bland, Porshce Fox and Bionce Foxx for inspiration.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

I was a sophomore communications major at Jackson State University. I was slacking a lot at school,l but always knew that it was important to intern somewhere so that I would have a job when I finally graduated. I called both Urban stations in the city and got a call back from Lil Homie in the Regal at WRJH. I refer to it as the "school of hard knocks." I worked with a bunch of guys who treated me just like "one of the guys" as far as the work load and late hours were concerned. I had to pull my weight like everyone else. At one point I became very frustrated with learning the basics and perfecting my craft, but when I got my very own weekend shift on Saturday mornings and was able to interact with callers, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Making someone's day with a joke or nice song made my day.

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Of course! I would do everything the same. I would definitely do "the school of hard knocks" again! I learned so much from my mistakes, from the guys, bad business deals and moves ... I wouldn't be where I am now and on the path upward if I didn't go through the storms. Anyone in this industry who hasn't been yelled at, fired, or talked about would get a rude awakening when change comes. I just make the adjustment and keep it moving. I'm more than eager to have my mistakes critiqued so I can correct them and get better.

4) What is going to happen to the training of tomorrow's talent if the current trend continues? How do you feel about syndication and voicetracking?

God! Syndication knocked me out of a morning job in Kansas, which was a blessing in disguise (really, it was the best blessing ever). But when I saw a big name like Olivia Fox, who was the hottest in her market, being ousted for syndication, it was a rude awakening. I mean being personable and local is not a care anymore for big businesses. It's not about a jock touching the community anymore, just what is sellable even if it's the same thing in the 20 other states. It's not always relatable.

5) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I would like to be better at production and learn how to put it down on the ones and twos! I see the need but can't spin a lick ... maybe that's my next conquest.

6) How important do you feel education is for serious broadcasters?

It's very important. I probably would've majored in business or education because one thing about radio, it's like that old UGK song, "One day you're here and ... the next day....!" I went to school for Communications, but learned all that I know from my experiences at WRJH and KSJM by practicing live with flubs and all, networking with different people, and losing a lot of times. Lessons in radio and life.

7) As you look back over your career so far ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

No. I wouldn't do anything differently. Like I said, bad times built character and strength in me to carry on and go further today. I'm more humble now and understand radio more and more. Young Quita was ready to do six months at a small station and run the big leagues! Older and Wiser Quita wants to tackle this small market, do great things here, and sharpen my skills here. When my time comes to be some huge radio star, I want it to be right, I want to be more than qualified, and I want to win for myself, my son and my station.

8) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

I love to organize, plan, create and boss people around -- but most importantly, working in the community! So having a day named after me like the Great Porsche Fox and being honored for my community work. Somewhere between Program Director and Promotions Manager.

9) What do you like best about your job? Least?

I love being on the air, talking to people, and organizing things for the street team. Least: Finding a date that doesn't want to say my name 40 times loudly just in case all of his buddies and the people in the restaurant didn't hear that he was out with QUITA B!

10) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I would be a guidance counselor. I love to direct people towards fulfilling their potential and motivating them. Sometimes I see more in other people than I see in myself.

What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about QUITA B?

After working middays at an Urban station, I rock out in my car to Alternative Rock stations, Rock stations and Top 40 stations. I unwind to Phil Collins, Bonnie Tyler, Linkin Park and whoever they're playing.

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?

Make the adjustment, move forward, and don't take it personal -- a combination of the great Hozie Mack and Steve Poston. Also, I learned a long time ago with my first program director, Steve Posto,n not to engage in extracurricular activities with co-workers. So not only do I save my reputation. but unnecessary emotions as well. The worst advice: "Trust me!" LOL

What was the first record/CD you purchased?

You probably don't remember this group, but Coming of Age, which included TQ as a group member. They had a song called "Coming Home to Love." I loved it. I also purchased Xscape's HUMMIN CUMMIN ATCHA the same day.

What do you plan to do differently this year, regarding work, family or both?

Work hard, organize more, market myself more, learn more, and work more in the community. Give my best at all times. Oh ... and WIN!