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10 Questions with ... First Lady Khris Raye
August 14, 2007
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TITLE:MD/APD, midday personalitySTATION:WTLC FMMARKET:IndianapolisCOMPANY:Radio One IncBORN:August 31, 1966 in Chicago, IllinoisRAISED:Southside of Chi-Town
Please outline your radio career so far.
WTLC FM (INDY) 2005 to Present,
WGCI FM (CHGO.) 2000 to 2005,
WKKV FM (Milwaukee) 2000 to 2000,
WDZZ FM (Flint) 1999 to 2000,
WBLS FM (NYC) 1997 to 1999,
WRKS (NYC) 1997 to 1997,
WGCI FM (CHGO.) 1995 to 1997,
WEJM FM (CHGO.) 1993 to 1995,
WJPC AM (CHGO.) 1992 to 1993,
WGCI FM (CHGO.) 1985 to 1986.1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job in radio was at WGCI as a mixer. I was actually the first female mixer on the radio in Chicago. My earliest influences would include Irene Mojica, Yvonne Daniels, Chili Childs and La Donna Tittle. They are still my on-air role models.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Honestly I wasn't interested in going into radio. I wanted to be an actress. I was taking an acting class being taught by Bonnie Deshong, who was on air at WGCI at the time. She suggested I consider a career in radio. At first I was like, "Is she trying to call me ugly?" She told me I had a great personality and I would be good at it. I said all right and here I am.
My defining moment came in 1993. I had created a show called "The Zone." It was a talk show that allowed teens to discuss issues important to them. I never allowed adults to participate; they could only listen. My thought was to let them mentor themselves with just a little guidance from me. When I realized I could help shape the minds of the youth, I was hooked.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't know then, would you still do it?
Absolutely! Without a doubt I would. I love what I do and I get paid for it, too. Besides, I couldn't work a non-radio job... I tried it once -- HATED IT!!!!!!!
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?
Wow, five years from now... well, since Elroy Smith once told me that I was a personality who thought like a program director, I see myself as a PD. I'd utilize my knowledge to develop a strong on-air team and programming staff. After all, you gotta have a great product before you can do anything else.
I would also assist promotions and sales in the overall community service, financial growth, listener perception and success of the station. Oh wait, is any of that part of the OM's job? As for the PPM, it has yet to hit the Indianapolis market. I'm hopeful that it will bring about faster and more accurate information.
5) How you feel about being asked to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it? How would you describe the music mix on WTLC today?
While I understand the purpose of doing national research, my focus is on where I am. I'm looking out for the listeners in my market, so I find creative ways to do my own research on music. One thing I have learned about people: What we like can change with the wind. Some songs don't do well in Indy, but do great in Chicago.
I think it comes down to knowing your audience. If you don't live any part of the lifestyle of your listeners or have a clue about it, how can you know how to best serve them? I guess I'm just an old-fashioned grassroots, 'roll up your sleeves and get in there' kinda girl ... always have been. However, let's be clear: I respect and adhere to company policy in handling all situations. As for the music mix at WTLC, we play the R&B hits for the 25-54 African-American living in Indianapolis. I like to say, "We provide the soundtrack to their lives."
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 voice-tracking?
Now that's a tough one. As a personality, I don't care for either one. I know how hard it is to get an on-air job in radio, so from that perceptive I'm not in favor of it. On the flipside, the bottom line is if it's a great show and the talent pool is dry, then I understand the choice. If I had to have syndication, it would be just one show.
Voicetracking into a market you are not in is impersonal and it doesn't allow interaction with the listeners. No matter what we would like to think, they are not stupid they know what's up. The talent and programmers of tomorrow are going to have to do three or four jobs. Gone are the days of doing one job and going home; you better be a master of as many trades as possible.
7) What is the key to being a good music director? How important is it to network?
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! That is so important. Who are they, what do they do, what are their concerns, what music and artists are most requested, downloaded, purchase ...hell, even bootlegged! What gets them up in the clubs, etc. The way I see it, knowledge is power -- only if you know what to do with it. Networking is vital to the success of the day-to-day business. If you're not networking, you probably won't be working.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I am currently working on developing my technological and management skills. They are both ever-changing. To be effective long term. I have to continue to grow in those areas.
9) How necessary is some kind of base on a new record (or artist) before the promotion process begins for you in Indianapolis?
Well, from what I seen here at WTLC FM, some kind of base would be great, but it's not the end-all to everything. I've noticed it depends more on if it's a hit and if it fits what were are doing.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
No regrets. As for missed opportunities, I'm sure there are some. I just choose to focus on preparation and timing. I am preparing now for whatever comes next. I've learned so much and there is still much for me to learn. I am a programming work in progress.
Bonus Questions
What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about First Lady.
I was a successful child model in the '70s and I have recorded a couple of House music songs.
How did you get your present job?
Guy Black, who by the way is my husband's cousin, left to do mornings in New Orleans. He recommended me -- and so did Sam Sylk. Brian Wallace and I already knew each other, so he called me and made me an offer I couldn't refuse ...and I want to thank him for the opportunity.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
The best advice was "Live your dreams, Khrissie baby, don't dream your life away." My Aunt Alice told me that when I was six -- and I never forgot it.
The worst advice: "Take the job for time being; you know till something better comes along." That was that one non-radio job I spoke about earlier, and again I say ... "HATED IT!!!
Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
I read entertainment stuff for my show. My at home reading is mostly Urban Lit. My favorite authors right now are Teri Woods, Nikki Turner and Vickie Stringer. That's the Bad Girl in me...LMAO
What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?
OMG! "Celebrity Fit Club." I told both Dr. Ian Smith and Sgt. Harvey I love that show.
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