10 Questions with ... Niecy Davis

NAME:Niecy Davis TITLE:APD/MD STATION:WFUN (Foxy 95.5) MARKET:St. Louis COMPANY:Radio One BORN:Akron (a long time ago!) RAISED:Akron

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

My first job was WBLX in Mobile. For influences, I had the pleasure of working with Skip Cheatham early in his career. He was truly a character!

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

One of the defining moments for me is when I got a chance to help a family that had been displaced due to their family home burning to the ground. I spearheaded a community drive to help them get back on their feet. They were excited and truly grateful. That feeling of making a difference was my "ah ha" moment!

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

Absolutely. I love what I do period!

4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?

This industry has changed so much since I first started so many years ago (1987 -- YIKES!). There are great opportunities and radio is always evolving. The people who love radio have to adapt and evolve with it or get left behind. I think PPM will revolutionize our tracking just like BDS changed the game -- it is about to be a PPM world.

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

Sometimes you have to move on instinct. Use your gut -- make it happen!

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?

I think young people coming into radio do not have the privilege of getting guidance from veterans from radio. What happened to each one reach one? In this microwave society some people have gotten selfish and sucked into a vacuum of "ME-ness." It is amazing how things that use to be right are becoming taboo -- like proper English! Ya heard!

7) What adjustments have you had to make in your new position as an APD/MD who is also carrying a full airshift in St. Louis in 2007?

Time management is the key. I get to work early, usually about 7am.

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

Yes, I would like to get a little more patient

9) How do you feel the current situation with fines and firings is going to affect future morning shows? Are air personalities going to be less creative and adventuresome because of the fear of being fired?

Sometimes after mornings shows get fired they are more popular. It seems we have moved into a society that loves bad boys and girls.

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

Y-E-S! I have to keep looking forward -- I can't win the race looking behind me.

What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about Niecy Davis?

I love to play rap music in my truck really, really loud in the morning on my way to work -- it gets me amped.

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

It seems as though young people don't have "HUSTLE" about them (some not all).

How did you get your present job?

I got a call, jumped on a plane ... I got the gig!

What is your biggest challenge working at this station?

One of the biggest challenges is training and developing the up and coming staff, because everybody is a superstar and nobody wants to follow the rules.

What do you do with a song you don't like?

I have learned it is not about me. If the listeners love it, I bang it -- I just turn the studio monitors down.

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

Best: As long as you love what you do for a living, you'll never have a job. Meaning your job should be what you love, not a chore.

Worst: debatable!

What's the best liner you've ever heard?

Hummmm...

Describe your favorite meal?

What city am I in? It depends!

What's your favorite fast food?

I gave up fast food!

Do you read ... everything? Books, magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?

I read everything all the time. Everything!

How did the events of 9/11 change you personally?

It made me realize today is not only the present, it is a present!

You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?

I wouldn't even mention it!