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10 Questions with ... Brian Dawson
November 10, 2009
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1) Where and what was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job in radio was at WXDU 88.7 Duke University College Radio. My early influences were Walt Baby Love of the nationally syndicated "The Countdown" and Cy Young of WXFC-WFXK 107.1/104.3
2) What was the most influential radio station(s) growing up?
When I was going up, the most influential radio station was WPGC 95.5 in Washington, DC.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes, I would still do it!
4) What stations pre-sets are in your car right now?
WQOK 97.5, WFXC/WFXK 107.1/104.3, WNNL 103.9. Satellite stations: Shade 45, The Foxyhole (Jamie Foxx) channel 106, M&M Station channel 45
5) How you feel about community service in today's busy radio environment? Is it still important and if so, how is it best achieved? On the air or off the air?
Community service is extremely important. I feel that it's the best way to connect with the listeners in your market. You can not effectively penetrate your market without being actively involved in your community. I have more people to recognize me from my community projects than from being an on-air personality. Community service and today's busy world of radio go hand and hand.
6) How do you feel about syndication?
It has its pros and cons. In the short run, you save money but in the long run, you lose money. From a business standpoint it's great for the station, but on the other hand in some ways it takes the personal aspects away from radio. A national syndicated jock can't be at the high school in every market speaking to the kids. At some point the listeners will not be able to identify with a show that is syndicated.
7) What's the biggest challenge for you working afternoon drive in a market such as Raleigh-Durham?
The biggest challenge is coping with the music, trying to keep the 25-54 listeners tuned in with the music being geared toward a younger crowd.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
There really isn't one area that I can say I would like to improve. Radio is not like it used to be; technology has made things so much easier for on-air talent.
9) How do you account for and what effect do you feel the continuing ratings dominance of WQOK is going to have on the Raleigh-Durham market? Do you feel there are going to be new challengers from other formats?
The consistence of giving the listeners what they really want and having a seasoned on-air staff helps to keep WQOK at the top. People only try to measure competition that is direct, meaning the exact same format. There are lots of artist making music today that can be played on so many different formats. This definitely increases our competition. Not to mention satellite radio, iPods and nationally syndicated shows.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I wished that I would have pushed myself to go nationally syndicated.
Bonus Questions
What would people who think they know Brian Dawson be surprised to know about you?
That I'm very funny!
Name the one gadget you can't live without.
Cell phone and my Mac Book Pro
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
My biggest disappointment in radio today is that a portion of it is not government subsidized. This prevents the stations from doing more for the community. Our listeners have a hard time understanding that a radio station is a business. A couple of wrong moves and your top Urban stations could have a change of format before the close business.
Most annoying thing people ask you.
"Please play my records"
Do you feel that Urban stations should be more careful not to blindly copy formats, but tailor them specifically to the age and racial make-up of their own markets?
The music should be formatted to attract a diverse listenership. We live in a very diverse world. Nothing is traditional anymore.
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