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10 Questions with ... Larry Elliott
February 28, 2006
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NAME:Larry "DOC" ElliottTITLE:Program Director / PM DriveSTATIONS:WMXUMARKET:Columbus, Starkville, Tupelo, MSCOMPANY:CumulusBORN:August 18, Kosciusko, MS (Same as Oprah !)RAISED:Detroit, MI…Milwaukee, WI
Please outline your career so far:
WWWS-FM /Saginaw / 12M-6A
WAWA-AM & FM / Milwaukee / Program Director / PM Drive
WAOK-AM / Atlanta/ AM/PM DRIVE
WVEE-FM / Atlanta / AM/PM DRIVE
WJLB-FM / Detroit / Music Director / PM Drive
WHYT-FM / Detroit / 10P-2A
WJZZ-FM / Detroit / Operations Manager / PM Drive
WHUR-FM / Washington, DC / AM Drive
WCHB-FM / Detroit / AM Drive
WALR-FM / Atlanta / PM Drive
KBLX-FM / San Fran Cisco / Music Director / PM Drive
WMXU-FM / Columbus / Program Director / PM Drive1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
WWWS-FM (W-3 Soul) Saginaw, MI. (now WTLZ ) Arthur Takeall, Bobby Q. Day, O. C. White, Dr. Bop, Al Perkins, E. Rodney Jones, Jerry Boulding, Melvin "A-Cookin" Jones, Scotty Andrews, Gerry Bledsoe, James Alexander, Hector Hannibal, Terry Arnold, and many more.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Yes, while doing my first show at the age of 17 pulling the Graveyard Shift, playing Jazz, and, at the stroke of Midnight I turned 18 yrs old. I found myself entering adulthood, and ON THE AIR for the first time, so I thought, "Radio must be my destiny!"
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
ABSOLUTLEY!
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?
I see myself Programming within a cluster in an Industry that's taken back its former dominance in the Information/Entertainment aspects of listeners' lives.
5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
I would say that it's getting better all the time. And considering the ever increasing competition within the various media outlets, Radio has done a fine job competing and holding its ground as the preferred choice in receiving Music and Information, simply because you can listen and do what you do, simultaneously. Try watching a new video on Cable TV to determine whether you would like to purchase the CD … while you're at work ! Or try to find out what your local politician's stand is on the proposed freeway through YOUR back yard via Satellite Radio.
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
If you keep up w/ everything you don't have to catch up on anything!
7) What was the transition you had to make in your new position?
Traveling back and forth from my home outside Atlanta in Decatur (where it's greater!), Georgia. But my parents moved back south from Michigan about 10 years ago, so I've got My Mom's home cookin' when I'm here to make the drive worthwhile.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I could always stand to increase in my WPM !
9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
I think Urban Programmers have an increasing awareness and understanding of using Arbitron to increase their audience TSL and their Target Demo's listening habits.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
Nobody is goof-proof. We all make mistakes. I made some, learned from them. and moved on. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
The unwillingness of "People in Power" to train properly and pass the torch to the many young people interested in entering this profession.
How did you get your present job?
Referral.
What do you do with a song you don't like?
I play it anyway if the audience likes it and the research indicates that as well. Doesn't matter whether I like it personally or not.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
"It's not WHERE you live, it's HOW you live"! The worst? It's ALL been Good!
Describe your favorite meal?
A Bowl of Gumbo as an appetizer, Honey Grilled Salmon, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies and a slice of Sweet Potato Pie topped w/Whipped Cream!
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