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10 Questions with ... Mark Dylan
April 11, 2006
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NAME:Mark 'Chillin' DylanTITLE:PD-KOKY-FM, OM-KIPR-KOKY-KPZKSTATIONS:KOKY, KIPR, KPZKMARKET:Little Rock, AKCOMPANY:Citadel BroadcastingBORN:9-9-62 Jamacia/Queens,NYRAISED:Little Rock, AK
Please outline your radio career so far:
KOKY 1978, KWTD 1981, KOKY 1983, KHLT 1985, WHRK/WDIA 1986, WOWI/WBSK 1988, KIPR 1990, KSSN/KMVK 1995, WDLT 1995-2000, KOKY-F 2000-present.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I was fortunate enough as a 15 year old to be able to train at/work for the original KOKY. That early start got me the opportunity to squeeze knowledge from radio vets like Gary Young, Jimmy Smith, JD Black, the late George "Boogaloo" Frazier, Paul Todd and more. Over the years, I've been inspired by some of the strongest radio people in our format: Bobby O' Jay, Irene Ware, Steve Crumbley, Myronda Dexter, Ken Johnson, Melvin 'a cookin' Jones, Johnnie Walker, the late JAM! Shelly Pope Jam!, Paul Dancer, Rick Party, Smokin' & TC, KJ Holiday and of course Broadway Joe Booker, who mentored me as a kid and remains THE FATHER FIGURE in my life. All these folks are so committed and professional that some of it had to rub off on me.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
The connection to music and community uplift was too strong to pass on. Yes, the first time Bobby O'Jay allowed a green, teenage rookie to do an airshift on WDIA/Memphis. You FEEEEEL the legacy and history of 'DIA, the minute you step in the building! Whatta STATION!
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes. Our industry is constantly evolving, just like we are as individuals.
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the PPM replacing the diary?
I can already see early signs of local commitment and personality returning. We've been fortunate here at Citadel to be able to tailor our stationalities to our local audiences all along. Don't believe me? Listen online! Told ya! Props to Judy Ellis, Farid Sulman, Joe Booker and our people of vision in this company.
5) Who's going to train tomorrow's talent and how do you feel about voicetracking?
I'm thinking it'd BETTER BE US who trains 'em! With all this multitasking, voicetracking has its place, but you'd better do it tight 'n right.
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Honesty and kindness STILL mean everything to everybody. Bring some 2 get some! You make a lot more sense to people when you're being A man/woman instead of THE man/woman.
7) What were the transitions or adjustments you had to make in your new position?
'Bout twice as much to juggle as I was already juggling. On the upside, I NEVER get bored.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?