10 Questions with ... Neke Howse

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KJMZ/Dallas, WAMO/Pittsburgh, WUSL/Philly, WERQ/Baltimore and WKYS/Washington

1) What was your first job in radio?

Big-time phone operator; "I was the best ... never let the request line ring over three times."

Early influences?

I've had many, but I'll stick with the first ones: Yvonne St. John, Cyndi B. and Wendy Williams.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I knew I wanted to be on the radio every since I could remember.

Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

Tom Calococci called me into his office and I saw a thick Manila envelope on his desk ... honestly, I thought I was going to be fired. Thank God contracts aren't pink!

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

Absolutely!

4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?

PD or Operations Manager.

How do you feel about the PPM replacing the diary?

Glad that we will have a more accurate measure of who's crushing the market but -- there's always a "but" -- I'm very concerned with the 18-34 female sampling.

5) You have always been known for having a great ear for music. For the most part how do you feel about being asked to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it?

I never wait. A smash is a smash all day long, so I put it in for research and then "let it do what it do"

6) What is going to happen to the training of tomorrow's talent and programmers if the current trend continues?

You're going to have to spend time seeking out raw talent and then take the time to groom them into what you need them to be. Good talent is not going to find you; those days are just about over.

How do you feel about syndication and voicetracking?

I understand the need to save money, "so it is what it is"

7) What adjustments have you had to make in the PD position -- first in Baltimore, now in Washington?

Previous PDs and GMs have made sure the Radio One properties are machines. It's a "beast" that can practically run itself. Personally, I make sure every minute of my work day counts.

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

Patience.

9) How do you feel the current economic situation is going to affect future morning shows?

Some of them are going to make it possible and even easier for syndication.

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

No, I've been very blessed; radio has been good me. As far as missed opportunities, maybe you should ask me again in a few years.

What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about Neke Howse?

That Neke is not my real name.

What are your biggest challenges currently at WKYS?

Developing big promotions and working effectively within the budget, but isn't that almost everyone's challenge?

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

"Touch everything once."

The worst?

Fat meat is greasy" ... I just figured out what that actually meant.

Describe your favorite meal.

The one that I put in the refrigerator and went back the next day and someone ate it. To ask me to describe it would just be too painful.

What's your favorite fast food?

Red Vine Licorice