10 Questions with ... Colby Colb

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WPHI, WUSL and WWPR

1) Where and what was your first job in radio? Early influences?

WUSL in Philadelphia, started as an intern and worked my way up to APD. Mike Love, Fred Buggs and Jojo Davis molded me.

2) What was the most influential radio station(s) growing up?

WRKS and WBLS in New York. WUSL in Philly All great stations.

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

Yes, it's in my DNA.

4) What stations pre-sets are in your car right now?

All of my stations, plus ESPN Radio and News

5) How you feel about being asked to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it?

It's good to have proof that a song is a hit; it's no big deal.

6) How do you feel about syndication? Does it have a significant impact on the number of hours that you have control over the music that you play?

As long as it is good radio I am all for it, if not or if it is disconnected from the audience then I am not a fan.

7) Because of callout research are today's Urban and Urban AC programmers going to be slower in adding and playing new music? And what is the maximum number of spins a record in power rotation could be expected to receive in a given week on WENZ or WZAK?

It varies because of mix show.

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

I am constantly challenging myself to do better in everything I do.

9) How do you account for and what effect do you feel the continuing ratings dominance of both WENZ and WZAK are going to have on the Cleveland market? Do you feel there are going to be new challengers from other formats?

We are not #1 overall, so we are always being challenged by other formats. We can never be comfortable.

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

I wish I had more patience early on; it is something I am working on.

What would people who think they know Colby Colb be surprised to know about you?

I was born on my uncle jazz great McCoy Tyner's birthday so my family thought I was a young prodigy. I was a classically trained pianist as a young teen until I broke my hand.

Name the one gadget you can't live without.

My video phone.

What current radio stations other than your own, do you admire & why?

Hot 97; they are on top of everything Hip-Hop and R&B musically and intellectually. When you think of Hip-Hop radio worldwide, you think of them.

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

The downsizing; there are a lot of great people on the beach that need to be back in the game.

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?

Each station in each market needs to reflect the vibe of that city.