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10 Questions with ... Kevin "Koolin" Fox
June 21, 2005
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NAME:Kevin "Koolin" FoxPOSITION:PDSTATION:WUHT (HOT 107-7)MARKET:BirminghamCOMPANY:Citadel BroadcastingBORN:October 22, 1963 Chicago, ILRAISED:Clarksville, Tennessee
Please outline your career so far:
After 20 years, the dates get kind of fuzzy, but here are the stations
KRNB/MEMPHIS
WDKT/HUNTSVILLE
KKDA/DALLAS
WYLD/NEW ORLEANS
WHQT/MIAMI
WJBT/JACKSONVILLE
WPEG/CHARLOTTE -- APD/MD
WIBB/WRBV/WLCG/MACON -- Director of Urban Programming
RADIO ONE/AUGUSTA -- OM
WQQK/NASHVILLE -- PD
CFXJ/TORONTO -- PD
WRBO/MEMPHIS -- APD1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Producing Talk Shows for WHBQ/Memphis. Was hired by CJ Morgan to do weekends at KRNB/Memphis. Started playing rap on Saturday Nights. When I managed to get a 60 share with teens, I knew rap was going to be huge. My early influences were "Spider" Harrison at WLAC/Nashville, CJ Morgan at WLOK/Memphis and Bobby O'Jay at WDIA/Memphis
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I was working on a BFA in Theatre at Memphis State University and preparing to audition for a slot at the Southeastern Theatre Conference. My instructor pretty much told me I didn't have what I took to be an actor. So I changed my major to Radio Broadcasting and never looked back. I guess Radio has kind of helped me fulfill my desire to be an actor.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes.
4) What do you think it will take and how long for you to achieve what you came there to do?
It's going to take a combination of grass roots marketing, heavy street presence and CONSISTENCY, both on and off air. This market is currently served by two very well programmed Urban stations, so it's going to be a challenge. It may take a year or more to get the traction I'm looking for.
5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
Radio has been stagnant for the last 5 years. Creativity, Talent Development ... there hasn't been any growth. But it's getting better. I'm encouraged by seeing formats like JACK, DAVE, etc. come to life to take on challenges of Satellite Radio and iPods. The format of my station, Hot 107-7 is a hybrid Urban/Urban AC only focusing on R & B hits with some female friendly rap. My company realizes that in order for this station to be successful in this market, we're going to have to put a different spin on the format and that's what we're doing. Radio, especially Urban Radio, is going to have to get back to the business of creativity and growth. They're needed for this medium to survive.
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
The only constant in this world is CHANGE. Get with it or deal with it.
7) What was the transition you had to make in your new position?
Relocating.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Time Management. It's still amazing to me the number of little things that a programmer has to deal with, especially if they have to do an on-air shift.
9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm still learning the nuances of ARBITRON. That's why the Urban Radio Seminar that Julian Davis puts on every year for ARBITRON is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this system that our livelihoods are dependent on. I been twice already and I've learned a lot. I'm planning to go again.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
A few missed opportunities here and there, but overall, no regrets.
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
Talent Development. The quality of Urban talent today is marginal. Whenever I'm in a large market listening to stations and I hear weak talent that doesn't represent the quality of the station
They're working for, it's really a disappointment. We, as programmers, have to provide an environment to encourage and foster creativity with talent. They're the lifeblood of the format.
How did the events of 9/11 change you personally?
My wife and I were on vacation in the Dominican Republic when 9/11 happened. The resort we were staying at had satellite TV from all around the world and we saw the events on German TV. They showed people jumping out of the Towers, falling and hitting the ground. That was something we'd NEVER see on American TV. I remember hearing the housekeepers in the next room crying their eyes out as they watched what was happening. It let me know that the US was still loved and respected, yet hated at the same time. It taught me to be more tolerant of other cultures and that we (Americans) are not the only ones on this planet.
What is the effect that satellite and Internet radio will have on terrestrial urban radio and why?
It will force terrestrial radio to become more CREATIVE. Look at the JACK formats and stations making their own Podcasts available for download on their own websites. Innovations like these will continue to make terrestrial radio adapt to the changing media landscape.
What are your favorite radio stations?
I remember listening to WLS/Chicago back in the 70's with John "Records" Landecker and Fred Winston and remembered the echo in the audio chain that made the station sound bigger than life. That was a great station. But WOWI/Norfolk when it was programmed in the 90's by Steve Crumbley and K.J. Holiday was the best damned Urban station ever. Period.
If you weren't working in radio, what would you be doing?
I would be a media spokesman. The guy that holds the press conferences, fielding questions. Probably working for the State Department or Defense Department.
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