10 Questions
10 Questions with NAME HERE
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I’m the owner of SamWeaverMedia.com. I work with Air Talent, Operation Managers, Program Directors, and Social Influencers. In addition, I’ve been a Strategic Advisor on numerous music projects. My mission is to “Clarify, Connect, Influence.” I was the Urban/R&B Editor/Columnist at All Access for 12 years.
I’ve had a multi-format career as an On Air Personality & Program Director: Top 40, Mainstream Urban, Urban AC, R&B Radio, Gospel, and Country (Music Director for 2 years at WUSN (US 99)/Chicago)
20 years of programming experience: KRNB/Dallas (5 years); Programmed KPRS/Kansas City (10 years); WAMO/ Pittsburgh; WDIA/Memphis; WQMG/Greensboro, NC, and WYLD/New Orleans.
I have the distinction of being the only programmer to have programmed the oldest Black Operated station WDIA/Memphis and currently the oldest Black owned and operated station KPRS-KPRT/Kansas City.
Other Highlights:
Nominated Program Director of the year 10 times Combined (R&R & Billboard)
Named Programmer of the year (Gavin)
Twice named Programmer of the week by Billboard Magazine.
My trophy case includes station awards for the NAB Crystal and The Marconi
Communications Adjunct Professor at Columbia College in Chicago for 4 years
Served as National Host of the Westwood One’s Superstar of R&B Concert Series
Former Comedy Writer for Urban Network Countdown Show
Currently on the Board of Directors for The Living Legends Foundation Inc.
10 Questions
1. What’s one of your funnier radio moments?
This little boy kept calling on the request lines and requesting this one song. I thought he was saying, “I wanna hear My Dick.” On the fourth time he called, I told him that his mom and dad would not approve of his request. But he kept pleading with me. So, I thought if I played along, I’d catch him in his little perverted game. I asked him to sing it to me. Once he started, I recognized the melody and realized that he wasn’t asking for a song called “My Dick.” He had been requesting the song “It’s Magic” by Pilot. “Oh Oh, Oh It’s Magic.” Yep, that was a funny moment.
2. What’s your take on AI?
AI is powerful, but it’s not perfect. It’s smart, but it depends on us to write programs and provide data so it can mimic human actions or speech. Without proper guidance, it’s like handing a Ferrari to someone who doesn’t drive—they have the power but need help with operating the vehicle. The next time you hear, “AI will take over everything,” remember it still needs humans to steer the ship. Human input will always be essential. However, some in the corporate world aim to use AI to reduce the need for human employees.
In radio, this means programming AI to mimic a personality that sounds human. The goal is to create a relatable, engaging voice that can connect with listeners. These are still the early stages of AI in radio, but advancements are coming. Soon, the difference between an AI and a human voice may be undetectable to the average listener.
3. Would it be a stretch to say you’re unconventional?
A lot of people would probably agree with that statement. I transfer information from every part of my life and from all things I’m exposed to. It’s how I’ve managed to survive and consistently reinvent myself in this business.
When you think about it, we’ve all been exposed to a multitude of things. It’s up to us to take all that stuff and repurpose it to other areas of our lives. There are centuries of ideas to revamp and utilize.
4. What bugs you?
Many things, ha ha. For example, one of my pet peeves is distinguishing the difference between Urban broadcasters and Urban radio. When using the term “Urban,” people associate the term with African Americans.
However, today, many Urban broadcasters (African Americans) work in formats other than Urban mainstream or R&B radio; it’s safe to say the majority in those formats are African American. At the same time, many of those who have worked with Urban radio properties come from other races and cultures.
5. Is there a future look for on air personalities?
Long story short, yes. On air personalities are important to the entire process for terrestrial radio, and the other audio platforms that they are now branching off into. And too many people get confused when it comes to personalities having personality.
How many times have we met someone for the first time, and we just got a good feeling. It might’ve been the cashier at the grocery store, and they didn’t say much, but what they did say made you laugh or smile. That’s personality.
And that’s the same thing that I explain to my clients that I coach. It’s about finding that way to make the words that come out of your mouth spark something inside the other person. It’s the spin to what you say, not how much you say.
6. Any other concerns at this moment?
It bothers me that so many people and households still do not have computers or
Internet access. It’s been this way for a while, but it took a pandemic to point out the magnitude of the problem. A few years ago, I took part in a music conference and after critiquing a sample done by a 14-year-old, we found out he did all his editing at school or on library computers.
His mother who was with him was a single mom raising him and his brother. They could not afford a computer. COVID-19 brought this problem to light in communities all around this country. And I’m not just talking about elementary and high schools–it affects college students too.
The good news is that there are a lot of good people trying to do something about these issues. It’s just something that needs to be corrected in the city and rural areas.
7. What’s your approach to finding solutions to an issue?
Look at something from every aspect. Stick to the issue without reading anything else into it. Fortunately, I can compartmentalize. It helps when I’m zeroing in on variables for solutions.
8. Do you think the music industry is in sync with consumers?
When it comes to the new world of music consumption, they are very on target with Terrestrial radio, satellite radio, Spotify, Pandora, Google Play, Xbox, SoundCloud, iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access, MixCloud, Tidal, YouTube, Tik Tok, Facebook, connected car; Internet-only Radio, and other digital delivery systems yet to surface.
Art and commerce have always clashed. Music companies are making more money than ever from fee deals with streaming and download services. But I hate the fact that song writers are getting the short end of the stick with the low streaming rates. Recently, Snoop Dogg said it best, “What the f##k is going on with streaming and artists making money.
Another moneymaker for the companies are the “360 contracts” they get the artists to sign. These agreements allow the companies to get a share of revenues in areas other than releasing music projects.
But I think this practice is fair because music companies are financial institutions and make an investment in an artist. And just like any bank that loans money, there’s interest to pay. The music companies do the same thing, but in their case the interest are the 360 contracts.
And when it comes to traditional album sales don’t be fooled, percentage-wise companies don’t make as much as they once did, but they are still raking in millions of dollars worldwide with catalogs, publishing, and licensing deals.
9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Never assume. Always allow someone the opportunity to say “yes or no” to whatever it is you want.
10. How do you explain being authentic?
Being authentic is the ability for a personality to make the listener believe. There’s a lot of self-discipline involved with being authentic. Regardless of whether it’s the talent’s actual personality or a persona they’ve chosen, staying in character 24/7 in public or on social media is a must.
Bonus Question
Do you have a new goal?
Be involved with an AI program developer.