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10 Questions with ... Terrence 'BT' Bibb
January 30, 2007
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NAME:Terrence 'BT' BibbTITLE:PD/MD/Afternoon PersonalityMARKET:St. LouisCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:Tuskegee, AL, June 21RAISED:Montgomery, AL
Please outline your radio career so far.
KWLF -- Morning Show Host/Asst. MD, 1998-2000
WHHY -- Air Talent, 2000-2002
WFOX -- Air Talent, 2000-2002
WZHT -- Morning Show Host, 2002-2003
WBUV -- PD, 2003-2006
KMJM -- Afternoon Drive Host/MD, 2006-Present
KATZ-AM-PD, Present1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
KWLF was my first (paid) job. I started at the University of Alaska's student-run KSUA. (I was in the U.S. Army at the time.) I did a four-hour shift -- two hours of gospel and two hours of smooth jazz. The local program director caught wind of my show and offered me a job doing afternoons, which led to mornings, etc.
Influences include Big Boy, Doug Banks, Nate Bell, Anthony Buie, Daryl Elliot, Costee Mcnair.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
Actually it is because of my wife -- she believed I had the talent to do it, and she really encouraged me to go for it. (That was before she found out there was no money in it. Just kidding -- love ya, Adrienne.)
3) Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
At the time I was at KWLF I was still on active duty. I got called into my commanding officer's office during one of my shifts. I thought I was getting in trouble for moonlighting. Actually he had been listening to my show and thought that I had a bright career ahead in radio. So after 10 years of service I was released 72 hours later to follow my passion. The only request he asked was to be contacted when I made it to the big time. I'm still working on it, sir, and thanks. Wait, maybe it was when I got my first bonus check. Hmm.
4) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes, absolutely. I have received so many blessings for my family from this than you can imagine.
5) Where do you see yourself five years from now? What plans do you have for the organization this year and in ensuing years?
In five years I see myself as Director of Urban Programming. My plans are to grow a great product, cultivate talent, and serve the community.
6) How do you feel about Arbitron replacing the diary with PPM? What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?
I think we have to start looking at radio as a whole completely different. The PPM is the truth -- we are really going to see if our audience is exactly where and who we have thought they are and see if our powerhouse stations are really what we have thought them to be. A good friend of mine once told me you will never learn everything there is to know about this business. When you do, your career is over. Radio is always recreating itself.
7) How do you see St. Louis developing as a talent center? With artists such as Nelly and Chingy, is this he start of a trend?
You know, to be honest with you, there is so much talent here in St. Louis. For example, the pool of R&B artists in this market is phenomenal. However, everyone is so caught up in the quickness of hip-hop that they often go unnoticed. I think that if we really get focused here, you could begin to see great things. Also being a member of the Core DJs and affiliated with the Derrty DJs (Derrty ENT's crew) we are able to expose the market to a lot of different flavas!
8) How are you going to adjust to your new position as PD of the Gospel station, KATZ; MD and APD of KMJM; and a drive time airshift on Magic? Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
It's going to be a juggling act, but I have been doing it for some time now. The key is time management and great people around you.
I'm always looking for more knowledge. I want to network more with anyone that can help me get to that next level and continually increase all my skill sets.
9) How do you feel about the concept of a new record having to meet certain requirements in call-out research before it can be added and played? It this process going to make today's Urban broadcasters slower to add new music?
I am a firm believer in RESEARCH. Give the people what they want -- this is their way of telling us. You also have to have a strong knowledge of the tastes in your market. My favorite gauge on a new record is to play it in the office around the ladies without them knowing what it is. Check their reaction, and follow your gut.
10) As you look back over your career, any regrets? Missed opportunities?
It's all been good. Every opportunity has been a blessing, and it keeps on getting better. So I know I will achieve my goals in this industry.
Bonus Questions
1) What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?
I think that some of the opportunities between general-market and Urban properties are still along ways off in regards to pay and focus. I do feel, however, that we as Urban broadcasters have to realize that we are just not constrained to doing Urban formats. Spread your wings, go after the knowledge, and succeed. And for those in positions to train up new talent and program directors, stop being afraid they are going to take your job. Of course, if you train them right, they should.
2) How did you get your present job?
After Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast and my station got flipped to accommodate the change in market dynamics, Nate Bell and Chuck Atkins reached out to me and gave me a lifeline to be able to provide for my family. For that I will be forever grateful.
3) What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
Everyone likes a winner, so go out there and win!
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