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10 Questions with ... Babyboy
August 21, 2007
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NAME:BabyboyTITLE:Night Jock/MDSTATION:KHTE (Hot 96.5)MARKET:85COMPANY:Archway BroadcastingBORN:August 23, 1971 ChicagoRAISED:Little Rock Ark
Please outline your radio career so far.
I start in radio in 1998 on Power 92.3 as a BadBoy, and that contract lasted until 2001. Then I moved on to Hot 96.5, where I am currently. I'm well known in the community between the two stations. I am a radio icon, along with a few more personalities who have come and gone in Little Rock. I was a part of the first three- man night time show here in Little Rock....
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Night jock/ BadBoy. The only influences I had was just the love of music and party promotions. I thought if I could get on the radio, I could reach a larger market.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
After the impact of such a huge show as a BadBoy, I decided to continue on in radio after leaving Power 92.3 Hot 96.5 contacted me shortly after my contract expired. I decided to continue on because of the name I had made for myself.
Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
My defining moment was when my co-hosts and I got a 32 share in our market. Another defining moment for me was when I pulled down a 41 share in the market when I had my solo shift on Sunday nights, playing old school hip-hop and R&B.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I would still pursue radio because I love music, and I was a street DJ and promoter before I was asked to be a radio personality.
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?
I could see myself as a program director. I know my music and my market. As far as the industry is concerned, I could see more competition moving into this market.
How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?
I am okay with that; the diaries are kinda prehistoric and there is no true accuracy.
5) How did you first discover the artist "Z"?
I discovered Z on our radio show, The BadBoy show, on Power 92.3. He was a very competitive young rapper who participated in our show segment "Rollcall" He kept winning the competition hands down; he won for 13 weeks in a row. We had to finally retire him, so that someone else could have a chance to take part in roll call.
Did you know, based on the initial audience response when you were doing "Roll Call," that he was special?
Yes, because his style was very creative; he had subject matter and he could tell a story about anyone he rapped against. He could rap on any beat that you gave him.
6) What is going to happen to the training of tomorrow's talent and programmers if the current trend continues?
If there isn't anyone who wants to learn and earn there way through the ranks of radio, there won't be any good talent left. My experience has been that no one wants to put in the work; they just want all the credit and want to hold titles. If programmers don't pay more attention to their markets and what's going on in them, they have a chance for failure. To be successful is to know your market and your music.
How do you feel about syndication and voice-tracking?
Syndication is somewhat of a monopoly of markets; it allows control of many markets at one time, and it can keep talent in that area from ever getting the opportunity to become a true personality. On the other hand you can save money with syndication and it could make that true syndicated talent bigger than ever.
Voicetracking is okay. It's a good thing when you are short-staffed and you're doing everyone else's work. Tracking allows you to do multiple jobs in today's radio world. Tracking can be a sign of laziness if you are tracking just so you don't have to do your show. Radio has come a long way. Overall tracking, can be a lifesaver for the radio station -- if you know how to use it.
7) What adjustments have you had to make in your new position?
I had to adjust to doing a longer airshift, plus adjust to the rules and procedures of a new station.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I would like to improve in production and programming, as well as the promoting and selling of a station.
9) Several years ago, when you were at another station in Little Rock, you had some phenomenal ratings. How did that happen?
Teamwork, and being allowed to have fun and do a show without being worried about others being intimidated by your progress.
How long did it last ... and could that same thing happen today?
It lasted four years - and yes, it could happen. Another team could be assembled with the right people and it could be done all over again.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I wish I would have tried to get the BadBoys syndicated. I think it would have made the difference in the longevity of an era Not trying another market.
Bonus Questions
What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about Babyboy?
That Babyboy is quiet and doesn't really like to go out to clubs. I am anti-social at times.
What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?
The public does not respond to radio like they did 10 years ago. CD players and satellite radio have helped changed listeners' loyalty to a radio station.
How did you get your present job?
I was asked if I wanted another job in radio....I almost told the KHTE PD "Hell no," but I thought about my fans and true listener, and decided to continue my journey in radio and see where it takes me. I am a trendsetter for the younger generation. After the popularity, I could not let my fans down.
What is your biggest challenge working at this station?
Not being able to be in the streets, promoting myself and hanging out with my fans.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
Be careful of people who are envious of you. This business is very cutthroat; everyone wants your job. The worst advice: Only look out for yourself. Don't train anybody to do your job, they may one day have it....
Describe your favorite meal.
Lasagna and Caesar salad and a tall glass of lemon tea, or red wine.
What's your favorite fast food?
Mexican.
Do you read.....everything?
I will read anything of interest to me. I love to read, and find out what's going on around me. Radio, fishing, cars, home improvement, Jet, XXL, and anything having to do with entertainment.
How do you explain your continued success in Little Rock?
Knowing my job and being good at it, and making sure that no one knows my job better than me. Making myself a household name in my city. Meeting and greeting the people of my city at city functions and events and being humble.
What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?
"Next," because I have always had women after me in this profession. If I could just "next" them before I found out they were not the one, it could have saved me a lot of time and money in a relationship.
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
It's been a pleasure, If you need me just call, but I am taking an immediate vacation -- for three months.
What do you think about your local artists and them getting radio play?
I think good local artists who have quality music should be played on local radio stations. If they meet certain criteria set by the radio station, they should be allowed airtime.
What do you think about your local artists?
I think we have some great talent here in Arkansas, and we also have some artists here who need to work on their craft and perfect thir sound, because until they learn what good music and sound is, they can't produce it. There are some here who are on the next level and there are others who need to take it to the next level. I would suggest that anyone who wants to be a musician, learn and study music, produce a good product, and make sure to learn the business.
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