10 Questions with ... Garth Adams

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WTLC (Indianapolis), APD/MD/on-air, Feb 1995-Dec 2004
• WFUN/WHHL (St. Louis) OM /PD /on-air, Jan 2005-March 2007
• KMJM (St. Louis) on-air, May 2007-Feb 2008

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

First jobs were at college radio stations WDCR and WFRD in NH and as a street jock for WIZF/Cincinnati. Early influences: Thomas "Chilly Cee" Owens, Vycki Buchanon, Brian Wallace, Buck Wilde, Karen Vaughn, Guy Black, Nate Bell, Kevin Black.

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

I wanted to own a traditional radio station, so the best way to learn about radio was to work at a radio station. Every day working toward my goal is a defining moment.

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

Absolutely. There are so many opportunities for those with a passion to entertain and inform the listening audience. My goal was always to entertain the largest audience possible. Radio gives you that opportunity -- especially now that the Internet exists.

4) You have worked in Urban radio before in Dayton. Now that you're back, what are the major changes in the market you've noticed?

There is a disconnect between the stations and the listeners, and the passion that the personalities used to have is missing. Being the home of Zapp, Lakeside, Heatwave, Slave and the Ohio Players ... shame on us for forgetting our history.

5) How do you feel about being asked to wait on the research for a record you already hear and your gut tells you could be a hit once it's played?

Research is good and helps to develop your station personality. There is a lost art of picking hits. It has become a formula of saturation. Nowadays, you have to pick certain moments to be a rebel, and more times than not if you know the people being surveyed, the research ends up validating your gut.

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

God is in control (even in the club) and the door that is closed on you, is the one you were not supposed to go through in the first place.

7) What do you think WROU can do to establish itself as a mass-appeal Urban AC station in Dayton?

Give back. WROU is like a family member, where people will love you even when you mess up. At the end of the day, we must serve the best music and give the best service to our family members. When we care, the people care about us.

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

My leadership skills, better communication, and I want people to see God's light in me everyday.

9) What are some of the newest research strategies you believe can make a difference? How do you feel about callout research?

With an Urban AC, We have to realize that a station grows older with its audience. We constantly need to listen to as many people in our target demos, to make sure our music, imaging, promotions, community relations and even our news is pertinent to our listening neighbors.

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

No regrets; God has ordered my steps. I am stronger and closer to God and family, thanks to the radio biz.

What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about Garth Adams?

God's calling for my life.

What is your biggest challenge working at this station?

Making the most impact with limited resources and surviving the diary system

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

If it has researched well (see above) ... play it anyway, It's not about me.

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

Best piece of advice: Say the call letters with so much passion that people can't help but to feel your love for the station. The worst, I don't remember ... I have been a positive person; even others took advantage of my kindness.