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10 Questions with ... Sam Choice
August 22, 2006
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NAME:Sam ChoiceTITLE:PDSTATION:KMJQ-MAJIC 102.1MARKET:HoustonCOMPANY:Radio OneBORN:DallasRAISED:Somewhere in Dallas
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
KMJQ is my first radio job. Started out as an intern, and I still have paper cuts to prove it, too. Ouch!!!!
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
When I came to Houston to attend the University of Houston, the morning show (then) Smokin' Tony and TC Bandit were soliciting for an intern. Yes, listening to the morning show that morning.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yep! It has been quite a learning experience.
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?
Five years from now I see myself in a VP/Programming position. As far as the PPM, I love change. Change is good in more ways than one (sometimes). A change of this nature will keep one from being complacent and keep radio stations on top of their game, fo' sho!
5) How you feel about being made to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it? Do you feel that sometimes Urban AC stations are too slow to add new music? Elaborate.
A "hit" is a "hit," research or not, and an individual with a good ear will know it when he or she hear it (did you hear that). Now being able to identify a "hit" is not always the case for many. I wouldn't say that Urban AC stations are too slow when it comes to adding music; there are several things that one may be considering when adding new music such as the overall market (i.e competition), the listening audience, etc. What works fast for Houston may not necessarily work fast for another market. Each market is different, and what works well here may not necessarily work well in another market.
6) What is going to happen to the training of tomorrow's talent and programmers if the current trend continues? How do you feel about syndication and voice-tracking?
If the current trend continues, the radio station still has to be personalized with personality and localization. You've got to make the listening audience feel as if they are a part of what you do, there's just way too many outlets out there. I suppose this is were true programming comes in.
7) What adjustments have you had to make in your new position to continue to be the market leader?
Being the market leader is always a task, because you still have to strive and make adjustments to continue to be the market leader, whether it be imaging, contesting, etc.
8) How do you feel the current payola investigation is going to affect both industries? Are urban programmers going to be slower in adding and playing new music?
The payola investigation already has an affect on both industries. The payola investigation will help keep the airwaves clean of "not-hits" and filled with "true" hits. I don't think it will have much of an impact in regards to adding and playing music, because with all the competition/outlets that's available today, you've got to entertain your listening audience accordingly, 'cause if you don't someone else will!
9) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I have no regrets. I'm happy my opportunities happened the way they did.
10) What is your biggest challenge working at this station?
Keeping the station in the #1 position.
Bonus Questions
What do you do with a song you don't like?
I don't listen to music for me, i listen to music for our listening audience, because they are the ones we want listening "all day, and everyday"! So if we're not playing what they want to hear, then they have every right to tune us out.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
What one person don't like about you another person may love, so don't give up when it comes to rejection! Walk away with a smile!
Describe your favorite meal?
Since I'm single, a meal that any of my family away from home cooks or a drive thru of my "choice." I love mexican food, but I can't cook it. I think i'm going to learn one day ... any volunteers out there?
What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?
American Idol ... As a judge, of course. I can see myself doing that!
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
Hold on boss, I'm countin' my paper!
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