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10 Questions with ... Bryant 'Bizzy B' McCain
October 28, 2008
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NAME:Bryant 'Bizzy B' McCainTITLE:PDSTATION:KOPW Power 106.9MARKET:Omaha, NECOMPANY:NRG MediaBORN:OmahaRAISED:Omaha
Please outline your career path.
Channel 94.1 Omaha ... Hot 107.7 Omaha ... Power 106.9 Omaha
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences? Do you still spin in the clubs? How does this help you determine music for Omaha?
My first job was in sales. Listening to radio mix tapes of DJ Red Alert and Funk Flexx transitioned my interest from the clubs to radio. I still DJ in clubs every week; crowd reaction on new music helps determine what a record will do on the air, but the streets know way more music than radio gives them credit for. I play a ton of music that will probably never make it to the airwaves.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
A local party promoter Steve Gonzalez introduced me to Channel 94.1's PD at the time Erik Johnson. I was trying to be the first street jock to get and do mixshow. He wasn't ready for it yet but they needed sales people. That's where are started. Eventually he gave me a half-hour slot at 5, which grew into a hour, which grew into Mon- Fri drive-home and mix show on Saturday nights.
My determining moment was when a good friend Vershon Jackson introduced me to a company who wanted me to build a Urban station from the ground up and embrace Hip-Hop and R&B in Omaha for what it was.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Definitely; the opportunity to get into radio is getting harder and harder to come by.
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?
Still hopefully programming the station I've grown and love. Unfortunately, music is become so "hurry up and get it in." Labels are throwing ANYTHING out there to see if it sticks. Artists are damn near releasing two to three albums a year! The bad thing there is only one single on each album. I would like to see quality and longevity return to the music biz.
5) How you feel about being asked to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it?
That's radio wait-and-see what the majority rules. This does not apply to the clubs and the street, where I can gauge what my city is feeling about a record.
6) How do you feel about syndication? Does it affect significantly on the number of hours that you have control over the music that you play?
There are some good shows out there. Our morning show (Big Boy) is pumped in. Unless it's a countdown show, it doesn't affect us too much. I only syndicate mornings; I like localism too much.
7) Because of callout research, are today's Urban 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 KOPW?
Around 66-70.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Time management!
9) How do you account for and what effect do you feel the continuing ratings dominance KOPW has is going to have on the Omaha market? Do you feel there are going to be new challengers from other formats?
We have the hip-hop niche exclusively here, which also includes the Nelly Fertados, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Fergie-type records. All the other stations are competing for older Rock and Pop audiences.
Due to the make up of the market, our only competition 18-34 is Top 40.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
No regrets and every day, I can work has and will always be a blessing.
Bonus Questions
What would people who think they know Bizzy B. be surprised to know about you?
I have a film production company that produces music videos and write screenplays
What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?
Some stations don't have any connections to their city and rely strictly on charts. There are some hits out there lurking in them streets.
What percentage of your audience would you say is non-African-American? Hispanic?
8% African-American, 3% Hispanic and 86% white.
How do you feel about Arbitron's PPM eventually replacing the diary?
The questions is whether busy people will actually wear it.
What is unique about the Omaha market that has allowed KPOW to have such a rating surge lately?
Hip-hop and hot music doesn't have racial boundaries. It's just the preferred music style of our 12-to-30somethings!
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