10 Questions with ... Todd 'Chase' Gore

NAME:Todd 'Chase' Gore TITLE:PD/Afternoons STATION:WQBT 94.1 The Beat MARKET:Savannah COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:Aug 6, Dallas, TX RAISED:Philadelphia, PA

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

First job was with KGGR 1040 AM Great Gospel Radio, Early influences: Tom Joyner, Tony Brown(WDAS), and Casey Kasem.

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

I've always loved and wanted to be in radio, but it wasn't until I had a 'come to Jesus meeting' several years ago, that I decided that I would rather be happy and do what I love, then to make a lot of money and be miserable for life cause I didn't live out my dreams.

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

By all means, knowledge is power, and I would be way ahead of the curve.

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

I hope my bosses don't read this, but definitely programming in a top-20 market ... hmmmmm, Dallas?

5) How you feel about being asked to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it?

Well, my Jedi Master (Rob Wagman) taught me to use your gut; if you have been successful with a record/artist in the past, then you'll know if you need to act on it before research validates it. Also trust your staff in the music meetings.

6) How do you feel about syndication? Does it significantly affect the number of hours that you have control over the music that those stations who use it play?

I don't care for syndication in all markets, because it hinders a station's ability to be truly local and it cuts jobs for talented jocks. One syndicated show doesn't really affect your control, but when you move into two or three syndicated shows, then you find that you are no longer a PD, but a glorified babysitter.

7) Because of callout research are today's Urban and Urban AC programmers going to be slower in adding and playing new music? And what is the maximum number of spins a record in power rotation could be expected to receive in a given week on a well-run station?

No, I don't think U/UAC programmers will be slow in adding music if they have a formula and thresholds for adding music. Callout should be part of the equation for adding music. On a well-run station, a power should get about 90-94 spins.

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

Yes, production; I'm not bad, but I would love to learn more. My hat goes off to all the production folks who make our stations sound great!

9) What part of Urban radio's story isn't making its way to advertisers? Do you feel there are going to be new challengers from other formats?

The story that advertisers need to know is that Urban radio has a strong non-minority following. Top 40 is the only format that actually gives Urban a run for its money, but Urban could learn a lot by applying certain Top 40 programming techniques for maximum exposure.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

None and no. I always say that timing is everything. So far, I've been in the right place at the right time. Also, if you are good at what you do, you will never lack opportunities.

What would people who think they know Chase be surprised to know about you?

That I actually like Barry Manilow ... Seriously, I know all his songs. LOL

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

The consolidation of shifts and positions to save a company buck.

How do you feel about Arbitron's PPM eventually replacing the diary?

Well, I like it for the instant feedback. You can program a station and basically know if you moved the needle. But I think we are a ways off before it becomes reliable enough to replace the diary.

Do you feel that Urban stations should be more careful not to blindly copy formats, but tailor them specifically to the age and racial makeup of their own markets?

Bingo! You got it. Radio is local! Don't get me wrong; a smash is a smash no matter where you are, but you have certain types of music that works well in one market and doesn't in another. You just have to feel your market out and for God sakes, put talent on the air, not jocks. There's a difference.

Do you feel that Urban stations should support new artists?

By all means, but do it strategically where it's beneficial to the listener, the artist and the station. I like what Clear Channel has done. They have a website dedicated to new artist called: NEW. New artist can upload their music and have the world determine if it's hot or not.