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10 Questions with ... Keller Wynder
April 18, 2006
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NAME:Keller WynderTITLE:PD/MD WWIN FMSTATIONS:WWIN FM, WWIN AM, WOLBMARKET:Baltimore, MDCOMPANY:Radio OneBORN:October 2nd - Baltimore, MDRAISED:Columbia, MD
Please outline your radio career so far:
Promotions Director/ Music Director
WWIN FM (Magic 95.9 Urban AC) - WWIN AM (Spirit 1400 Gospel) - WOLB (1010 Talk Radio) 6/1995 - PRESENT
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Assistant Promotions Director for "WWIN FM Magic 95.9" & WWIN AM Spirit 1400 Radio One Baltimore. As I look back I realize how blessed I'm to have Cathy Hughes as a mentor.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I've always loved radio, in fact I majored in communications. But when I realized I could help people in the community through my job, "I was hooked".
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes, I LOVE RADIO!
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? What would you like to do long term?
That depends on where Radio is. There has never been a more exciting time in Radio, except when it was discovered. Every year there's something new...example (SATELLITE RADIO). I plan to learn as much as I can about the business and continue to grow at Radio One. That's the great thing about working for Radio One, we offer a broad range of opportunities in Radio......Television........and much more
5) What's your take on radio currently? How do you feel the music has changed on successful urban AC stations, such as Magic-95.9? (Has it become more gold or re-current based and is this good for those impatient "music freaks" who want to hear new music and artists?)
Radio is like life it goes through many stages. Programmer are encouraged to play safe music. New artist are finding it very hard to get their music played. The success of Magic 95.9 is because we play the music our adult audience want to hear. The Hits & The Oldies!
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
There's no business live show business! We forget how blessed we are to make a living doing what we love. Anyone who doesn't feel that way should not be in radio.
7) What were the adjustments and/or transitions you had to make in your new position?
Organizing and prioritizing all my new responsibilities while learning how to run the equipment in the studio.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I feel as long as I' am in the business I will always strive to be a better manager. Managers influence careers and lives, there's always room for improvement.
9) How different do you think Baltimore listeners are musically, from Washington D.C.?
Cities are like people they each have different personalities. Naturally there's going to be differences. For instance Baltimore is really big on Old School and Go Go is very popular in DC.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I've always felt it's not productive to spend a lot of time on regrets. However the past is the best indication of the future.
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
The amount of people who are not interested in doing hard work.
How did you get your present job?
I expressed an interest in being more involved with programming and when the opportunity became available. I was promoted to Promotions Director/ Music Director.
What is your biggest challenge working at this station?
Being creative with limited resources in Programming and Promotions.
What do you do with a song you don't like?
It doesn't matter if I like it, it's about what the listeners like.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
Do the best you can do no matter what your job is.
What's the best liner you've ever heard?
MAGIC 95.9 BALTIMORE'S R&B LEADER!
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