10 Questions Revisit
10 Questions Revisit With Brown
Background / Bio
Name: Brown
Title: Format Captain/OM
Station: WWDM/WHXT
Market: Columbia, SC
Company: Alpha Media
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Born: Grand Rapids, MI
10 Questions
1) How important is working with the community?
In all the markets I have been in, I have always put in action something that Skip Dillard religiously preached to me, “Stations that perform their very best are extremely entrenched in the community.”
2) Why radio?
I started off as a mixer with a love for production which turned into a passion for radio programming.
3) What’s your goal for business?
To be a winning media family focused on our local presence and connection to the community; deliver the most compelling live and local digital and on air content; be known for our outstanding service and commitment to the communities & the local entertainment industry; and to dominate in revenue and ratings in our perspective Markets.
4) Who has helped shape your radio career?
Bobby Bennet, Ray Boyd, Jack Daniels, Skip Dillard, Nate Bell, Jay Stevens, Reggie Rouse, Charles Warfield, Shawneen Thompson, Scotty Webb, Dr. Dave, Hurricane Dave and so many more. Please forgive me I cannot name them all.
5) If money were no object, what would you do with your station?
Promotion-wise I would upgrade all our marketing materials and vehicles for our perspective brands. I would also do a Million-Dollar cash contest quarterly with the qualifying prize being “Win a Thousand Dollars Every Hour.” I would make sure we institute a program where we could identify, recruit and train new talent –this would be a paid program. I would love to create our own Alpha Media School of Broadcasting. And I would also do two major events a year that would rival a Live Nation concert or event.
6) What do you do as Urban Format captain?
My role as Format Captain is to be an informative resource ensuring we protect ratings, an educator, executor, recruiter, and quality control officer.
7) How do you see the future for radio?
Radio is free so it will always exist, however, I believe how we deliver our content will constantly evolve.
8) What’s one of your funnier moments in this business?
Early in my career as an intern, I was encouraged to enter a jalapeno contest. None of the major talent would do it, so with me being new and an intern, I thought this would be a good way to prove my loyalty and earn me a full time slot. Well let’s just say I couldn’t feel my tongue and lips for two days, but I was finally hired full time. Anybody up and coming who is reading this, there are better ways to earn your spot on a team.
9) Anything surprise you about the music industry?
Nothing really surprises me. I truly enjoy how this generation is creating its own vibe and wave while still having respect for those who came before them. These kids are on a whole different level with their ability to make hit records from the comfort of their bedroom.
10) How should radio compete with all the new audio platforms?
By doing what we do best, creating content. Now that we are in the internet age, it has in some ways leveled the playing field allowing us to reach people in real time around the world. He or She with the best content wins. It’s just that simple to me.