10 Questions with ... Brion O'Brion

NAME:Brion O'Brion POSITION:Music Director/Midday's STATION:WVKL/95.7 R&B MARKET:Virginia Beach/Norfolk, VA COMPANY:Entercom Broadcasting BORN:1971/Hampton, VA RAISED:Hampton, VA

Please outline your career so far:

WVKL- VA BEACH, VA
WXST- CHARLESTON, SC
WJHM- ORLANDO, FL
WERQ- BALTIMORE, MD
WJMZ- GREENVILLE, SC
JUST TO NAME A FEW

1) What was your first job in radio?

I was an intern for my mentor (Rick Party) and (K.J. Holiday) at another station here in the market when iI was in high school!

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?

I used to mimic the air personalities on the radio, and I used to always call and introduce songs on Rick Party's night show when he was here in Norfolk!

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Without a doubt, but more cautiously.

4) Where do you see the industry and Arbitron five years from now?

Unfortunatly with all the computers we use in radio now, i feel that a lot of good air talent will be losing their jobs!

5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate

This may seem funny, but it is great for me, because I was out of work for 3 months before landing on my feet here at WVKL (95-7 R&B). I take it one day at a time now

6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

I think I get it. I understand the business very well.

7) What was the transition you had to make in your new position?

Getting back into scheduling music and talking to reps. It had been almost a year since I was a music director.

8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

Yes, sometimes I still get nervous speaking in front of large crowds.

9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?

I have had a chance to visit the Arbitron offices, and I have gotten a lot of insight on things about Arbitron I did not know, and I think all personalities should visit there. You will be amazed at what you can learn.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

None, I'd do it all over again tomorrow!

What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?

All of the slang on urban radio. You do not have to use so much slang to be "kool" when I listen to urban radio, all I hear is the jocks saying is "this is your boy/man/girl on blank station." Your boy/man and girl must work at every urban station in america. I've done hip hop radio, and I never sounded that way, and never will.

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?

The best advice was when I was young in the business, my mentor Rick Party, always told me, "Never give up, and keep practicing, and aircheck everyday, because you never know when you may be replaced." I never gotten any bad advice from anyone, not yet, anyway

Describe your favorite meal?

My mama's fried chicken.

You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?

I won't be coming in ever again! (just kidding boss)