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10 Questions with ... Ron Thomas
September 19, 2006
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NAME:Ron ThomasTITLE:OM/PDSTATION:WFXA-FM, WAKB-FM, WTHB-A/F, WAEG-FMMARKET:Augusta, GACOMPANY:Radio-One, Inc.BORN:3/7, ChicagoRAISED:Chicago
Please outline your radio career so far:
Currently I'm the OM/PD for Radio-One of Augusta (all 4 stations). Before Radio-One I worked for Jones Eastern Radio as morning sidekick with the likes of Rock Love, Brain Scott, Big Mac, Mark the Shark, Doc Rick Evies, and the world-famous Reggie Rouse, all here in the Augusta area (from 1992 to the present). I also have held down the position of APD/production director, music director, and news director.
I arrived in the Augusta area after working for Bell Broadcasting in the Motor City where I held down the position of production, swing man on WCHB-A and special asst. to Terry Arnold from 6/85 to 5/89. During my tour at Bell Broadcasting I had the opportunity to help Terry Arnold convert WJJZ from classic jazz to one of the first smooth jazz stations in the Country. 2/85 to 6/85 short stint at WGPR, which came during a period when control was taking place to work in programming for Seattle. Ended up in the sales department. 2/80 to 2/85 program director morning show host KRIZ in Seattle; hired Frank P. Barrow before leaving for Detroit, who to this is still at KRIZ. This could on forever so let do it like this 1/75 to 2/80 KYAC Seattle, and OM/PD for the first KTOY, in Tacoma (in between KYAC-FM, and KTOY-FM in pulled a little time at WFDR-FM, in Manchester, GA). As PD (before leaving Helped Frank P. Barrow with his return to radio as PD) went to Manchester at the request of The famous Jack the Rapper to investigate problems at the station.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
First job in radio was as a news man for KYAC/Seattle. Was hired by Tamlyn Henry and Frank P. Barrow. Influences include Herb Kent and Lucky Cordell.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Herb Kent the Kool Gent. Watching him do his thing out at the parties and at WVON.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes I would do it all over again.
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?
I see myself retired.
5) How you feel about being made to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it? Elaborate.
Research is ok, but there is nothing like a good ear for music.
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?
As it stands right now it's up to the PD to try and train new talents. They could start the old school way (find people that are interested, put them in overnight and work with them, have them get the feel of the equipment before turning them a loose on the air to talk, etc.). Syndication you have to live or die with it because there is a lack of good local talent sometimes. Voicetracking? HATE IT!!!
7) What adjustments have you had to make in your new position?
Dealing with so many different people (Hip Hop, Urban AC, Gospel and Rock). Each person has different needs but they all need the same direction as far as radio goes.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
One can always improve in the skills of dealing with people and understanding their needs, which is the key.
9) How do you feel the current pressure from the federal government and their on-going investigation is going to affect our industry? Are urban programmers going to be slower in adding and playing new music?
Urban programmers have been under the gun the gun for years. They have been adding songs the right way and will continue to do so the proper way, and the right way regardless of who thinks the are on the take, and as long as they are not it will not slow them, and it will not matter.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
Only regret was that I let radio interfere with my family life. One must learn to leave the job at the station, and not bring it home when you walk out the door to go home.
Bonus Questions
How did you get your present job?
HARD WORK, AND LATE NIGHTS AT THE STATION (and a call from M.C. SNEED).
What is your biggest challenge working at this station?
Finding the right people. Any other problem is like when you have a cold, you call a doctor. Well, when I have a big challenge, I call da Doctor!!
What do you do with a song you don't like?
Easy. If it's a hit I play it, if it's a stiff, I don't.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
It came from Lucky Cordell. He said drop all those baby's when you open the mic, and you will make it. I did and here I am.
Describe your favorite meal?
Crab legs.
What's your favorite fast food?
Taco Bell.
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
Sorry, I got to go! See you in the morning bye bye!!!
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