10 Questions with ... KD Bowe

NAME:KD Bowe TITLE:Morning Show Host/Production Company CEO MARKET:National COMPANY:Sheridan Gospel Network/KDB Enterprise Intl. Inc. BORN:Norfolk RAISED:Currituck County

Please outline your radio career so far.

WRVS FM 89.9, 1990; On Mic Productions, 1994; WAOK AM 1380, 1995; WCLK, 1996; SGN-The Light, 1997.

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

I was an announcer for my church's radio broadcast. I was always intrigued by the voice of the guy who did the drops for my college station. His name was Mitch Faulkner.

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

I walked into my college radio station and asked the lady at the desk, "What time is it?" She was the general manager and gave me an application to work. The rest is history.

I knew I had something when I was interning at On Mic Productions, and Mitch walked out the booth and left the mic on. I went in and put on the headphones and imitated what I heard Mitch doing. When I came out, Mitch was standing there with one of the producers (James Breedlove). They were grinning and nodding their heads.

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

Absolutely. I don't know if I would have the patience now, but I would certainly want to. Radio has been good to me.

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

I see myself on many more FMs in more major markets, becoming more of a formidable competitor to Urban AC.

5) How you feel about the current music that's being released for the gospel audience? Is it as good or better or worse than last year?

I am pleased with the music right now. I am particularly impressed with Tye Tribbett. As far as better or worse, it's pretty much the same, in my opinion.

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

Tomorrow's talent is missing out on the fundamental elements that we were exposed to. Great careers were built on relationships that were the product of a strong ethical code and good home training. It took a while to land a really good gig, and by the time you got one you were mature enough to handle it. Now, radio personalities/producers are getting great jobs at a younger and more immature age. They seemingly lack the life's experiences that teach them that it's not all about them. The family doesn't seem to exist like it used to. I think syndication is a good thing for the consumer, however it can not be as effective without localization. Voicetracking works as well, but not for major dayparts.

7) What Are you still doing station imaging along with your network morning show?

I essentially have two fulltime jobs. The KD Bowe Morning Show and KDB Enterprise Intl. Inc. Both keep me very busy and force me to remain creative.

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

I would love to take the time to learn more TV production. I'd be interested in seeing how I could make a TV spot come alive.

9) How do you feel the current trend toward stations going all-Gospel and having amazing ratings success? Is this the start of a trend, and have gospel music and artists become more mass appeal than ever?

Gospel music has always been able to hold its own as far as numbers and TSL, if the music is right (!!!) and it's on a station that gets a good signal (i.e., FM or strong AM). The problem is and has always been, HOW DO WE SELL IT!? Once this question has been effectively answered, I strongly believe that Gospel will take the place it has always been able to take.

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

Not even trying to be deep ... NONE. I wouldn't change a thing. I've always endeavored to keep God at the helm of my career. He has always allowed me to be where I need to be and kept me from what I didn't need. (Even when I wanted it really, really, REALLY bad!)

1) What would people who think they know you be surprised to learn about KD Bowe?

I can really cook.

2) What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

That Gospel is not as respected as it should be. Even when stations that have several properties in a market and the Gospel station outranks them all in audience, the station still seems to be "nickel-and-dimed" and "pimped" only to keep the conglomerate looking good. I don't like that at all.

3) What is your biggest challenge working for this company?

Are you kidding me?! They're probably reading this. I DON'T HAVE ANY.

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

Best: Don't burn bridges. Worst: The yellow snow is really a lemon slushie!