10 Questions with ... Erik Tee

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Becoming Program Director of then-Urban AC KVEE (formerly owned by Apex Broadcasting) in July of 2001. We changed format to Urban Mainstream in March of 2004 and have been dominant since in our format.

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

My first job in radio was at a local AM Gospel station in 1987. My early influences were Steve Poston, Alton Palmore, Melvin Jackson, Reggie (BG) Williams, Andre Russell and Guy Black, Dr. John Anthony and Charles Anthony. I know it's a lot, but I took something from all of them. Thanks a lot, guys.

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

In Meridian, when I was coming up, it was local AM WQIC; that was always the station I wanted to work at. I got my opportunity later in life. Later on, though, radio changed as I know it with the debut of WALT (T-91). This was the first time I heard Guy Black in the morning and he was what exciting radio was.

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

I would most definitely still do it. Radio is work but fun at the same time. I have met and grown to know so many people in my field and am still meeting them. There is nothing else that I would love besides this right here.

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

My station being #1 as well as the four other stations in my building. I know we are under one umbrella, but I still look at them as competition. I also monitor some of the other stations in the market as well.

5) How you prefer to be promoted on new records? And how do you feel about waiting on a record you hear until the research validates it?

I personally just like a courtesy call or e-mail with the song and a little background on the artist as well as song. Luckily, I have a little freedom on musical selection. I still do research, but if it's one that a buzz is building up about, I may have to give it a listen and consider it for my audience.

6) What are your thoughts on today's syndication and voicetracking? Does it significantly affect the number of hours that you have control over the music that you play?

Honestly, being in a smaller market, it's not a big choice. We carry Steve Harvey in the morning and he has been pulling in major numbers over here. I do some on the weekends with Big Tigger and Core DJs' radio show, but its mainly fillers to keep some major-market substance in down times. We do utilize voicetracking, but I make sure my jocks still do research and make it sound as live as possible with contest information and entertainment news.

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 KJMH?

Honestly I haven't had to deal with this as of yet, I do feel like some areas are a little slower to add music -- and rightfully so in some cases. Although the downside to that is the consumer has so many other outlets to music that we could become secondary as the first choice for new music. We currently run my powers at around 68 per week for my station.

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

The one area I have been working on for over 10 years is learning how to delegate. I get caught up in wanting to do everything myself, because I feel like it will be done correctly. I have some skilled people around me and believe me they can handle any task that I place on them. So I am trying to get much better at delegating to allow me more time to focus on the station.

9) How do you account for and what effect do you feel the continuing ratings dominance KJMH has and is going to have on the market? Do you feel there are going to be new challengers from other formats?

As far as us being able to maintain our position of being in the top 3 for the past six years, it just has to be listening to the community and the audience. Having Steve on in the morning has really driven our morning listeners, so we have to continue to dominance throughout the day. We have seen an increase in ad buys from agencies that have never before taken a second glance at us, which leads me to the final question -- no one should ever get complacent in their field. I try to maintain what we do and continue to grow on that. Look at McDonalds; they have been around for decades and continue reinventing themselves on a regular basis. Competition is inevitable; we are always prepared and ready for whatever lies ahead.

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

I passed on an opportunity to go to another market at 21 years of age. I am the youngest of six boys and I felt I needed to stay and be there for my mom. I do feel like if it was truly for me, it would have been there. The chance came again less then two years later and I feel mentally I was a little more ready. As far as regrets, just applying myself a little bit more and not letting negative people dictate on moves that I made in the past

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

They would be surprised to know that I am a music buff. Although our format is Urban mainstream, I listen to all kinds of music, from Tears to Fears and Al Green to Wayman Tisdale. I am just really in love with music.

What are your hobbies?

I love to go out of town with my family. As much as I love my job, I love vacations and little breaks. I feel like everyone needs them in order to retain your sanity in the crazy world of radio(Smile)

Name the one gadget you can't live without.

My DVR (being able to record shows and watch them when I want to) I Love it!

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

I listen to K-104/ Dallas, WPGC/Washington and V-103/Atlanta. I love the way they are programmed and the rotations on the music that they play. I love the jocks on each of the stations as well. Especially V-103/Atlanta; I love the community activities that they are always involved in.

What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?

Just the fact that some of the professionals and veterans are being replaced by syndication in some of the most major markets. I understand that radio is a business first -- and some of the moves are based on those -- but I feel for those who truly love it and I had it take away from them.

How important is consistent marketing to a station's overall success?

That's like the milk to the cornbread; I 'm sorry ya'll, I'm country to the heart. We have all of the tools that we need there in our hands. We need to market our station whether virally or simply getting out in the community like before. Contest are good and will get you a listener for the moment, but it's nothing like good old guerilla marketing and getting out there, hitting the pavement running. Posters, street hits ... just really staying in tune with the listeners can really keep the success of the station on a maximum level.