10 Questions with ... Mark 'Chillin' Dylan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KOKY 1978, KWTD 1981, KOKY 1983, KHLT 1985, WHRK/WDIA 1986, WOWI/WBSK 1988, KIPR 1990, KSSN/KMVK 1995, WDLT 1995-2000, KOKY-F 2000-present.

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

I was fortunate enough as a 15-year-old to be able to train at/work for the original KOKY. That early start got me the opportunity to squeeze knowledge from radio vets like Gary Young, Jimmy Smith, JD Black, the late George "Boogaloo" Frazier, Paul Todd and more. Over the years, I've been inspired by some of the strongest radio people in our format: Bobby O' Jay, Irene Ware, Steve Crumbley, Myronda Dexter, Ken Johnson, Melvin "Cookin'" Jones, Johnnie Walker, the late JAM! Shelly Pope Jam!, Paul Dancer, Rick Party, Smokin' & TC, KJ Holiday and of course Broadway Joe Booker, who mentored me as a kid and remains THE FATHER FIGURE in my life. All these folks are so committed and professional that some of it had to rub off on me.

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

The connection to music and community uplift was too strong to pass on. Yes, the first time Bobby O'Jay allowed a green, teenage rookie to do an air shift on WDIA/Memphis. You feel the legacy and history of 'DIA, the minute you step in the building! Whatta STATION!

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

Yes. Our industry is constantly evolving, just like we are as individuals.

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

I can already see early signs of local commitment and personality returning. We've been fortunate here at Citadel to be able to tailor our stationalities to our local audiences all along. Props to Judy Ellis, Farid Sulman, Joe Booker and our people of vision in this company.

5) Who's going to train tomorrow's talent and how do you feel about voicetracking?

I'm thinking it'd BETTER BE US who trains 'em! With all this multitasking, voicetracking has its place, but you'd better do it tight 'n right.

6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Honesty and kindness still mean everything to everybody. Bring some to get some! You make a lot more sense to people when you're being a man/woman instead of THE man/woman.

7) What were the transitions or adjustments you had to make in your new position lately?

'Bout twice as much to juggle as I was already juggling. On the upside, I NEVER get bored.

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

YES. Repeat. YES! Time management!

9) How do you feel about callout research? If the call-out passion scores are low, does that necessarily mean that the record shouldn't be played?

While at WDLT, I worked pretty closely (when Cumulus acquired us) with Stradford Research, so there is a bit of a reluctant respect for research. I've always personally felt it can make you a lil' "gun shy" on one of the most important components of your brand: Music and music flow. Just my coupla pennies on that.

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

NO. We're ALL evolving and moving forward. No regrets.

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

It's gon' do what it do, but I hate to see so many great radio people get frustrated and just EXIT the industry. Maybe they'll be back.

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

Be A MAN, not THE MAN. There's less drama involved. I've seen that to be true.