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10 Questions with ... Shilynne Cole
December 6, 2005
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NAME:Shilynne ColeTITLE:Program DirectorSTATIONS:97.1 WQMGMARKET:GreensboroCOMPANY:EntercomBORN:Brooklyn, New York, June 20thRAISED:St. George, South Carolina
Please outline your career so far:
WQIZ-AM (St. George, SC) 1987-1988, WWDM (Sumter/Columbia) 1988-1991, KQMQ (Honolulu) 1991-1992, KIKI (Honolulu) 1992-1999, WJMH (Greensboro) 1999-2004, WQMG (Greensboro) 2004-Present.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Wow! Seems like EONS ago! It was actually at a Gospel station in my hometown of St. George, SC. It was a combo job. I did Sales during the week. Tough gig. I really appreciate the job salespeople have to do. Then I did an airshift on the weekends. There were only three employees (small town). My first "Big Time" job, though, was at "The BIG DM," when it still was in Sumter, SC. I was fresh out of college and TERRIFIED!! I did nights there, and six months in, put on Music Director stripes. Andre' Carson was the Program Director and he taught me a lot! I'm forever grateful to Andre', so I'd have to say that early on, he was a huge influence.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Was it my love of music, or was it that I always got into trouble for talking too much in class? I said, "I'll show 'em. One day I'm gonna get PAID to do this!!" Actually, I don't think there was a defining moment for me. I always wanted to work in radio, but only for a bit (and then make the transition to television), but from that first break, I was hooked!
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Definitely. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now.
Programming somebody's radio station! This is my first programming job. I'm just getting started! The industry? Tough question. With all the changes going on in radio, five years from now, with voicetracking and syndication, it will be interesting to see where the opportunities for jocks will be.
5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
I think radio definitely has its cycles. It's not the same as it was six months ago. Whether it's changes with the FCC, local talent vs. satellite radio, or any other changes radio is currently facing, it's definitely interesting.
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
The same people you meet on the way up are the ones you will meet on your way down.
7) What was the transition(s) you had to make in your position as PD of WQMG?
Thinking like a Programmer vs. a Jock which I've been for almost 20 years, and a lot of the people I was working with, I am now managing, so that's a big transition I've had to make as well.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
In the past few years, I've been honing my production/imaging skills. I'd like to be one of the women who are at the forefront in imaging.
9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
I've sat at the feet of a lot of Urban Programmers who are well versed in Arbitron, but I think it wouldn't hurt any urban broadcaster to REALLY sit down and dig in learn everything they can about Arbitron, even if they think they know all there is to know about their listener.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
No regrets! Everything that's happened so far was SUPPOSED to happen and has led me to this point in my career.
Bonus Questions
How did you get your present job?
Well, it's kind of a long story, but Brian Douglas, the Operations Manager of the Entercom stations, was in Hawaii on Vacation and actually heard me doing the Morning Show on KIKI back in 1994 and called me up and we kept in touch over the years. In 1999, he brought me over to do Middays on WJMH (102 JAMZ) where I stayed for 5 years. In 2004, he moved me across the hall to WQMG as Assistant PD under Alvin Stowe. The following February of '05 Alvin left to Program a group of Radio One stations in Charlotte, and the rest is ... Present!
What do you do with a song you don't like?
Put it back in its jewel case and use it as a coaster.
Do you read ... everything? What's your favorite reading material?
Oh, man, I'm a read-a-HOLIC!!! An avid reader, I mostly like to read novels, autobiographies, magazines, and anything else I can get my hands on.
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