10 Questions with ... Cy Young

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WKDF Nashville '80-'83

WQQK Nashville '83-'88

WDJY Washington, DC Oct '88-Nov. '88 (I know! It was a VERY SHORT RUN!)

WQOK Raleigh-Durham '88-'95

WFXC-WFXK '95-present

1) What was your first job in radio?

Not counting internships ... overnights at the Rock station, WKDF/Nashville.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

I started doing internships through the Urban League in Kansas City when I was about 16 or 17 years old.

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

ABSOLUTELY! I feel blessed every day I come to work here! I work with a great team of pros and we have the support of management. This isn't necessarily a "growth industry" right now, but I'd still encourage people who "want it" to pursue their dreams. I have never had a day when I didn't get up looking forward to coming to the radio station.

4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?

I'm sure we'll see "something" replace the diary method, but I think the PPM is just the beginning and we'll see something more efficient and practical within the next five years. I don't think the PPM is the answer.

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

That doesn't happen often (if at all). There is a certain amount of discipline that comes with the territory. I have learned to wait, and we get to that with time (age). It took me a "little while" to get it, but I've got it now. Once upon a time, I would have been much more prone to just playing a song on the air because I liked the way it sounded. Now, there is much more at stake for us (programmers) and we don't have the luxury of gambling with the station's music due to the financial responsibilities that come with the necessity of strong and consistent ratings.

I still believe there is a certain amount of "gut" that goes into picking music for the stations we program. I also have a staff with very good "ears" and really honest feedback. Sometimes they'll tell me "no, we're going to get crushed if we play that." I'm thinking of Will Smith's last two songs. I liked the songs, but discretion is the better part of valor. We didn't play them. I play them in my office when I want to hear them.

6) What is going to happen to the training of tomorrow's talent and programmers if the current trend continues? How do you feel about syndication and voicetracking?

I'm glad to be a part of a team that does train the up-and-coming programmers. My company is proactive that way. New programmers have a different "game" to play than I did when I started. On one hand, it's easier due to the technology involved. On the other hand, they face different dilemmas such as lack of available (prepared) talent, competition for their listeners, a WHOLE DIFFERENT LEVEL of morality (or lack thereof) to challenge their senses -- and to watch out for to keep the station's license "safe" and intact. I used to fight the voicetracking, but in a sense it has made my life easier because it allows me to get some of the work done because it frees me.

7) You have had consistent ratings success with both of your stations. In the most recent Winter sweeps, you scored even higher. You are in a unique position in that you do a regular air shift and oversee both an Urban mainstream and an Urban AC station in Raleigh. How would you describe the strategies you have used to manage your time and still win?

I've been able to work with and train some of the best and dedicated talent, so I can do the creative side. My strategy is simple: Hire people who are smarter than I am and tell them what we need done (what we want) and then stay out of their way. If they need help, they let me know and we work things out. I've been blessed to have a GREAT TEAM around me. On both stations the air staff and the promotions team are MOST EXCELLENT! I'm glad we work together!

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

I'm always watching to see new trends. I want to continue working on developing the power of "a bigger vision" to see the big picture. It's a talent and everyone can't do it but we (some of us) can get better. I'm also working to be a better listener. Poor listening is one of my biggest pet peeves. I get really frustrated when I feel as though someone isn't listening.

9) What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

The shift toward syndication. We're leaving a lot of talent "outside" because they can't get in the game. That doesn't mean they should give u,p but now instead of having the overnight position to start with, future talent might have to board op because the overnight shift could be voicetracked in their market.

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

No, not really. I'd like to be able to bring more talented people in. I'm having a ball doing something I've been blessed to do and getting paid for it.

How did you get your present job?

GOD!

What is your biggest challenge working at this station?

Because of the other things I'm involved in (family, ministry, coaching little league basketball, public speaking, etc.) there are times when time can be difficult to prioritize.

What do you do with a song you don't like?

Sometimes those same songs are hits. When they come on the air, I turn them down or focus on something else for three or four minutes.

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?

Stay with it! Don't give up!

The worst?

Mrs. Wendling, my guidance counselor, told me I should get into wood shop. She said she didn't think I was "equipped" for much of anything besides working with my hands.