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10 Questions with ... Angel Padilla
November 24, 2009
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1) Where and what was your first job in radio? Early influences?
First full-time radio job was in WPHT/Hinesville, GA. Early influences were Butterball (WDAS), Sam Nelson (WEAS), Cosmic Kev (WUSL) and Doc Wynter (Clear Channel Communications)
2) What was the most influential radio station(s) growing up?
WUSL Power 99FM's Lady B was the truth.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Most definitely, radio is the passion I love. To me radio is one off those jobs I would do for free because I love it that much.
4) What stations pre-sets are in your car right now?
FM: WLYX, WQBT, WEAS, WLVH. AM: WGOV.
5) How you feel about being asked to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it?
I feel like there should be no hold or research validation. Music today is being put into a category of a science. WELL, IT"S NOT! It's music; it was designed and made to make you feel good, not to be evaluated like a science project. PLEASE STOP IT; let music be music.
6) How do you feel about syndication? Does it affect significantly on the number of hours that you have control over the music that you play?
Syndication is a double-edged sword coming from a Mix-show DJ to a Music Director to a APD to a PD. I know why syndication is where it is. Some of today's jocks are so Hollywood that PDs don't even have the patience to deal with it, so syndication is an easy and less expensive way to cut costs and the BS. Controlling music is a job in itself, but syndication does cut a significant amount of hours, but it also cuts down on the BS we have to deal with.
7) Because of callout research, are today's Urban and Urban AC programmers going to be slower in adding and playing new music? What is the maximum number of spins a record in power rotation could be expected to receive in a given week on your station?
It all depends on your programmer. If he has a good rapport with his company, they might not be so quick to question him about his adds, but a new programmer will more than likely be asked about why he is adding a record. The maximum amount of spins that I have seen was is about 40
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
We can all improve in the field of communication; it's weird that this is our field and some don't even know how to communicate with their workers or others. Take some time and talk to your employees; they will appreciate it.
9) How do you account for and what effect do you feel the continuing ratings dominance in some markets is going to have on the market? Do you feel there are going to be new challengers from other formats?
The effects on ratings dominance in some markets are what the PD and staffs put out. I believe any station can be #1 heritage station; it's all in your outlook and your staff's determination. Put the work in get the benefits.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
Not enough space to discuss regrets, but all I can say is it took me a long time to learn to be truthful and straightforward, because if they don't know when you're telling the truth and they will not believe you, never burn your bridges. You never know when you will run across that person again.
Bonus Questions
Name the one gadget you can't live without.
My laptop and cell phone.
Favorite team:
Philadelphia Eagles
What current radio stations other than your own, do you admire &andwhy?
WQQK-- my man Kenny Smoov is by far the most influential person; he has taught me a lot about this radio game and always had the time to share some words for a young PD
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
Mix-shows. The mix-show DJ has being put on a leash; the PD can basically let him loose or keep him in the yard.
Describe your favorite meal?
My wife's rice and beans (what the hell, I'm Puerto Rican).
Most annoying thing people ask you.
"I got this CD; it's FIRE can you play it on your station?"
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