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10 Questions with ... Tonya Byrd
May 15, 2007
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NAME:Tonya ByrdTITLE:PDMARKET:NationalCOMPANY:Sirius Satellite RadioBORN:One hot Tuesday in Durham, NCRAISED:Boston
Please outline your radio career so far.
WILD-AM,WUSS-AM, WDAS-FM, Radio One-Baltimore-DC cluster (WOL-AM/WMMJ-FM/WKYS-FM/WERQ-FM/WWIN-FM) and WPHI-FM, Sirius Satellite Radio.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
At age 12, running the board for Jimmy "Early" Byrd (unpaid). My influences are Catherine Hughes, Doug Gilmore, Pat Jackson, Joe "Butterball" Tamburro, Angela Stribling, Sunny Joe White, James Brown, and my father, Jimmy "Early" Byrd.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
My parents and sister were in the industry ... it was my destiny!
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
If I knew then what I know now, would I have grown to be who I am?
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? After being present for this year's Arbitron Urban PD Clinic, how do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?
I want to continue to grow and help others along the way. My long-term goals include GM and station owner. PPM will have an effect on Urban-formatted stations; however, we will just need to think outside the box and really focus on serving our P1s.
5) How do you feel about being made to wait on a record you hear until the callout research validates it?
Research is a tool, and with any tool, you have to know how to use it or learn how to use it.
6) What the toughest part about your present position?
Not enough hours in the doggone day!
7) What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
The best piece of advice came from Cathy Hughes: "Information is power, and the more of us who get in on it, the better off we will be." and the worst advice was, "you're a female, you'll never make it."
8) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
There are no mistakes, regrets or missed opportunities, just life lessons that prepare and educate for what is to come. Everything happens or doesn't happen for a reason.
9) How did you get your present job?
I worked for BJ Stone as a college intern. When I interviewed for a position at Sirius, BJ recognized my growth and talent and recommended me for the job.
10) What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about Tonya Byrd?
I enjoy bring the joy and firmly believe in giving back.
Bonus Questions
What is your biggest challenge working at Sirius?
The daily commute from Philly to New York -- but it's worth it.
What do you do with a song you don't like?
Remind myself that I'm not paying the subscriber fee. At the end of that day it's not about what I like or don't like. I will spend time with the record outside of the office, usually hitting the street or connecting with DJs to see if there is a buzz.
Describe your favorite meal?
Dessert and seafood! I LOVE a good dessert!
What's your favorite fast food?
I gave it up for sugar-free candy!
Do you read? Everything? Books, Magazines, etc.? Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
During my commute I have plenty of time to read, which I thoroughly enjoy! Recent reads include Cholly Atkins autobiography "Class Act," Hal Jackson's bio "The House That Jack Built," and I just ordered a copy of "Chatty Hatty: The Legend" and "The Perfect Thing," the story of the iPod and its impact on American culture.
How did the events of 9/11 change you personally?
BJ Stone and I hosted a morning show from a studio that faced Ground Zero. After the second plane hit the tower it was as if time stood still. Walking to my NY apartment, I will never forget the smell, the devastation and the cries of those looking for their missing loved ones. I do live differently now. Nothing is promised. Why sweat the small stuff?
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