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10 Questions with ... Bill Baker
October 11, 2005
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POSITION:Asst. Program Director/Afternoon Drive HostSTATIONS:WSBY-FMMARKET:Salisbury/Ocean City, MDCOMPANY:Clear ChannelRAISED:Ocean City
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
1998-1999 WRXS X106.9, Mornings (at the time is was CHR/POP), 1999-2001 WOCQ OC104, Mornings (CHR/Rhythmic), 2001 WJKS Kiss 101.7, Afternoons (Urban), 2002-present WSBY Magic 98.9 Afternoons/APD (Urban).
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I actually did a TV show on Cable Access out of High School and there was a new radio station coming on the air (X106.9) and they called looking for any parttimers to be a board op or whatever and I was recommended and ended up hosting the morning show. My biggest influence was Buck Wilde, currently on 95.7 Jamz doing mornings in Birmingham, AL.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I don't really know. I just always wanted to be on the radio. When I was a kid, I used to go around with a little tape recorder acting like I was on the radio and I was the dork that used to call the request lines all the time!! Ha ha.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I think everything happens for a reason so I wouldn't want to do anything over again.
4) Where do you see the industry and Arbitron five years from now? At what point do you feel the PPM will replace the diary in the top markets?
As far as the industry goes, I really don't have an answer for that. Radio has changed so much over the years. EVERYDAY I've come into work at ANY station, its been an adventure. You never know who's gonna quit, get fired, get hired, what format is gonna change. That's just radio. I've learned you got to just stay on top of your game and do your best to succeed. You also have to change with the times! Be up on everything! I don't think Arbitron will be replaced anytime soon. There might be a lot of talk about it or people swearing it will, but I don't think so.
5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
Like I said, radio is constantly changing. I love radio and have a deep passion for it, but it's kind of scary that so many stations are going syndicated instead of local. A lot of smaller markets are voicetracking more and more everyday. I still don't think radio will eventually be all voicetracking, though. Let hope not anyway!!
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Everything happens for a reason!
7) What was the transition you had to make in your new position?
Nothing major. Our station didn't have an APD at the time. It was just Kenny Love our Program Director and Ron Banks our Music Director and when Kenny made me APD, it gave me more authority as far as jocks, music, imaging. Plus, I learned Music Gen and do logs, etc.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Nope, I'm perfect. Kidding!!! I'm far from it! I'd like to improve on myself getting worked up over the little things and basics. Just watching my PD (Kenny Love) right now has helped me chill out about certain things. Ha ha.
9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
Well I can only speak for myself and our station, but I know we live by the numbers. All of our jocks do. And I must add, this past book, we beat our competition in our demo AND theirs!! Anyway, I think we as urban broadcasters understand completely about the numbers and that's why so many urban stations are doing so well.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
Again, everything happens for a reason and I think I'm at the place where I am because I'm supposed to be.
Bonus Questions
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
The best is: Do you, be yourself, and crush em'!! The worst? I can't really remember any real bad advice.
Describe your favorite meal?
Oh my god! Well, some of my favorite foods are wings and sushi. For my wife and I, our spots are Chili's and Applebees. I don't even know where to start. Ha ha. I'm a fat @$$!!
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
Alright, see ya! Kidding!! I would say, "So uh, how much are you selling that station for?" Ha ha.
What do you do in your spare time when you are not on the air??
Well, my number 1 priority is my family. I try to spend as much time with my wife and kids when I'm not at work as possible. They are the reason I breathe. I have a perfect wife who also works behind the scenes in radio and 3 perfect kids, 7 year old Mikayla, 2 year old Amaya, and 6 month old Brandon. They are my life!
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