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10 Questions with ... Mary K
March 16, 2010
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 10/3 - present 610 WAGG Birmingham, PD
- 2/99 - present 957 JAMZ Birmingham, APD
- 2/99 - present 957 JAMZ Birmingham, middays
- 2/99 - 10/04 957 JAMZ Birmingham, MD
- 5/94 - 1/99 102 JAMZ Greensboro, middays
- 2/95 - 1/99 102 JAMZ Greensboro, MD
- 5/94 - 1/99 102 JAMZ Greensboro, Image Producer
- 5/94 - 2/95 102 JAMZ Greensboro, Production Dir.
- 2/93 - 4/94 HOT 1015 Jacksonville, middays
- 6/93 - 4/94 HOT 1015 Jacksonville, MD
- 6/92 - 2/93 102 JAMZ Orlando, weekends
- 5/92 - 2/93 102 JAMZ Orlando, Promotional Assistant
- 8/91 - 5/92 WBCC Daytona Bch, PD
- 10/88 - 5/92 WBCC Daytona Bch, on-Air staff
1. What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My early influences in radio started with listening to Star Force 99 (99 JAMZ) in Miami. Back then the reception was horrible, so I would have to sit my boombox in the window sill with tin foil around the antenna. My first job in radio was folding 102 JAMZ T-shirts for Mickey Johnson at in Orlando, Florida! That's when T-shirts came in small, medium, large and x-large.
2. What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
The defining moment for me came when I realized radio was for me, is when my professor at Bethune-Cookman College (Dr. Akinleye) said that I was born to be on the radio and talk the talk. So, I switch majors from pre-Law to Communications, it's a good thing because I was bored my pre-law classes anyways!
3. If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I would absolutely do it all over again. From washing station vans, to being the #1 midday personality in Birmingham, from folding T-shirts and speaking to high school students and from hosting sold out concerts to eating 50-cent tacos so I can pay the rent, tt's a great job. I wake up every morning thankful for my life and career.
4. Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?
I see myself in five years still the #1-rated midday personality in whatever market I will be located in. And probably still programming and telling folks what to do.
5. What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?
My take on the current state of radio is ... "It is what it is." As a female in radio, my concern is to make sure that I am always doing a good job, relating to my audience and always giving back. Issues come and go, technology is always improving but your listener will always be the first and foremost most important element of radio.
6. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
The one constant truth that has held with me since 1992 (and really since 1988) is to be just "plain ole Mary" on the air.
7. In spite of the new competition, how do you account for the continuing success you've had in Birmingham at WBHJ and WAGG?
I believe the continuing success of our Urban stations (WBHJ, WAGG and WBHK) to due to the talent and dedication of team. We stay focused! And the ratings speak for themselves. (hello)
8. Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
The one skill that I would like to improve on is finding a way to tell someone their record is really awful because I really do listen to music. I find no matter how you tell them, how valid your reasons are, if you tell them you don't like it, they are still mad at you.
9. How well do you think today's Urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
I believe that the knowledge that Urban radio personalities have about Arbitron is improving. I think program directors should take the time to explain Arbitron to their staffs, so it's not some big secret.
10. As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
When I look back to 1998, when Glen Walker first put me on the air at WBCC in Daytona Beach, FL to now in 2010, I honestly believe I have no regrets and no missed opportunities because I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
My biggest disappointment in radio today is the lack of support to build/grow and create new on air talent.
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