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10 Questions with ... Brion O'Brion
April 4, 2006
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NAME:Brion O'BrionTITLE:Music Director / Midday HostSTATIONS:WVKLMARKET:Norfolk/VA Beach, VACOMPANY:Entercom BroadcastingBORN:1971/Hampton, VARAISED:Hampton, VA
Please outline your radio career so far:
WVKL/95-7 R&B
WXST/STAR 99.7
WJHM/102 JAMZ
WTMG/MAGIC 101.3
WERQ/92Q JAMZ
WJMZ/107.3 JAMZ1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job in radio was being a producer for Rick Party, my mentor here at another station in my market that used to be called Hot 103.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I used to be one of those kids who used to like to introduce songs on the countdown show that Rick Party had at night on the radio. He said to me after I introduced a song, "You sound good, and ought to be doing what I am doing." So he invited me up to take a tour of the station, and the rest is history.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I used to be a nurse before I got into radio, so I'd probably be working fulltime as a nurse.
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the Arbitron PPM replacing the diary?
I see myself programming an Entercom station somewhere within the chain. I think the PPM is a great idea ... now let's see if it works.
5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
I think that current urban (not urban ac) radio is the worst. There is so much slang on urban radio that it makes me so sick when I listen. For example: "This is your boy, your girl, your man and so on and so forth on such and such station". Your boy, your man, and your girl must work at every urban station in America. The average person taking communication courses or attending broadcasting schools doesn't stand a chance now, because they teach you to speak properly, and urban radio now has poor English all over it. I must admit that in the past I tried to get jobs at hip hop stations, and being that I do not speak with broken English, it has hurt me in getting jobs at hip hop stations. I can still be hip hop and not sound like a damn fool with f'd up English.
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
With the power of prayer and a great wife, I have always been able to find a job when other opportunities have come to an end for me.
7) What was the transition you had to make in your new position?
It had been a while since I had been a music director, so I had to get used to using selector again, and talking to all my favorite record reps.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
None that I can think of.
9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
I'd like to think very well, but I have had a chance to visit the Arbitron building in Maryland, and I suggest all radio people do the same. You can learn a lot by looking at some of the responses that people make on them.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
None!
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
The language that urban radio station jocks speak. Too much slang.
How did you get your present job?
Don London hired me after I answered an ad on the net.
Describe your favorite meal?
My mom's fried chicken.
What's your favorite fast food?
McDonald's
Do you read ... everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
Playboy. I do read it for the articles, I swear.
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
I QUIT! I won't ever be to work again! Just kidding Don. OK, not really.
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