-
10 Questions with ... Stacy Anderson
June 20, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Stacy AndersonTITLE:MDSTATIONS:WBLSMARKET:New YorkCOMPANY:Inner City BroadcastingBORN:Bronx, December 24th (A woman never tells her age ... stop trying to be nosy, it's impolite)RAISED:Bronx, and then I moved to Harlem World, baybee
Please outline your radio career so far:
Hunter College
WBLS, April 1999-present1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
WBLS was my first radio opportunity and I'm still loving it. I began as an assistant, worked my way up to producer and now MD courtesy of Deon Levingston and Vinny Brown (my homies, lol). My influences have been Frankie Crocker and my girl, Wendy Williams (gotta love her crazy behind) and my overall passion for music.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I love music so much. It consumes me. Listening to the radio has always been a treat, and I never took it for granted. Plus I love the creativity involved and dealing with the various types of personalities.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Of course!!!! I think a radio was attached to my mom's uterus when I slipped out ... lol.
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
I see myself becoming an on-air personality either on the radio or on television, as well as a program director. The girl got plans!!!!
5) How you feel about being made to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it? Elaborate.
I'm very passionate about music so when I hear a record I believe in, I want the listeners to enjoy it as well. Having to wait is a nuisance because I'm an impatient person. I need results and I need them quick, but sometimes good things come to those who wait, so I'm chilling. Research just helps to solidify what i've already known. It's safe, and I'm not always one to play it safe. You have to take chances and/or risks.
6) How do you feel about having to work with two high-profile, syndicated drive-time shows? Does it cut down significantly on the number of hours that you have control over the music that you play?
I love working with Wendy and Steve. They are super talented individuals who inspire me. Vinny and I have a hand in what they play ... we guide them the best way we can, but they know what they are doing. They are talk intensive so that's what you're listening for but yes, it does cut down on the music.
7) What adjustments have you had to make because of those changes? And what is the maximum number of spins a record in power rotation could be expected to receive in a given week?
We just make sure that we continue to play the hits and remain entertaining, informative and thought provoking. We make up for the missing music throughout the other dayparts. A power record will usually receive about 20 something spins per week. This is subjective due to our talk-driven shows.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Becoming more patient. You have to be aggressive in business but some things are beyond your control so you have to let the chips fall where they may at times.
9) What effect do you feel the current situation with Power and Hot-97 is going to have on New York radio and WBLS, if any? Are today's urban and urban AC programmers slower in adding and playing new music?
WBLS will benefit from the Power and Hot 97 situations. Our focus is to remain consistent. That was something I believe we were lacking at one time but we've grown stronger. We have to be careful and responsible with what we choose to put over the airwaves, so I do believe progammers are slower to add and play new music. However, I still believe in going with your gut at times. Radio has changed over the years, but I still believe in taking chances.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I don't have any regrets. Yes, there have been some missed opportunities, but overall I am where I am meant to be. And I've merely scratched the surface!
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
The irresponsiblity of the talent can disappoint me. No matter what, you must educate folks as well. You have a microphone, so inspire as well as entertain.
Describe your favorite meal?
When someone else cooks it.
Do you read ... everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
I read anything involving entertainment and fashion. I always want to stay on the cutting edge of what's hot. I also read lots of self-help books, too.
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
"Vinny, I'm buying the station. You're always welcomed here as far as I'm concerned."
-
-