10 Questions
10 Questions Revisit with… Mathew Myers
Mathew Myers
OM/PD
Station: WCDX, WKJS, WPZZ, WXGI
Market: Richmond, VA
Social Media : Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Company: Urban One
Brief Career Synopsis:
Here’s the Cliff Notes version. After a rough patch, I threw everything I had into going to Broadcasting School with the goal of getting a job with my hometown radio stations in Cleveland. I got an internship with Radio One/Cleveland while I was in school and was able to secure an internship. I then worked my way up from intern to receptionist, then Music Director. Next, I was promoted to Assistant Program Director for Radio One/Columbus where I spent five years. In 2019 the OM/PD position became available, and I’ve been more than blessed to have served in this role since then.
1. What are you working on these days?
Currently gearing up for our initiatives, which there are some really cool things that our cluster will be involved in. From neighborhood pop ups to concerts and events, it’s going to be a busy and exciting in Central VA!
2. What direction do you see radio going in the future?
One of the many things I love about our industry is that it’s evolving in so many different ways. There are so many new lanes that we are just beginning to scratch the surface on, such as growing our Podcasting network and directing our listeners to our streaming platforms in order to meet them where they are. We have so much growth potential in this space, and I truly believe we are just beginning to tap into the creativity that these platforms allow us to have.
3. Would you address Hip-Hop’s influence on culture over the last 51 years?
First of all, the fact that this genre that VERY FEW believed in has not only been around for 50 years but also has set and shaped the culture is amazing to me. We are talking about everything from fashion, hair styles, cars, alcohol.. you name it, if Hip-Hop is talking about it, then the culture is doing it. Whether its Run DMC rapping about “My Addidas”, Lady of Rage rapping about her “Afropuffs”, or Nelly rapping about “Air Force Ones” the list goes on and on about Hip-Hop songs that have not only influenced the culture trends but have also made many brands popular and profitable.
4. What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you during your radio career?
One thing comes to mind early on in my receptionist days. So, I am a big Russell Simmons fan and one day he stopped by our station, and I had no clue he was coming that day. So, he comes into the lobby and my eyes got as big as dinner plates. I tried to keep it together (and I think I did an okay job) but I could barely get a word out to him. He could not have been nicer to me which made me an even bigger fan… but I’m sure I came across awkward as hell.
5. Would you share the names of some air personalities you grew up listening to?
I grew up listening to some absolute legends growing up in Cleveland. I loved listening to Lynn Tolliver, Kym Sellers, Sam Sylk, and Robyn Simone. I also was influenced by syndicated hosts Tom Joyner, Russ Parr, and Michael Baisden growing up.
6. How did you get into radio?
I’ve always loved music and radio and I dreamed of working in the industry but never put the work into making the dream a reality. I worked in a call center and a lot of customers that I would talk to would say “You sound like you should be on the radio” and I would just laugh. But the thought would always be in the back of my mind. So, when things in my life took a downward turn for a while, I revisited this dream because, frankly, I had nothing left to lose. I owed it to myself to try my hardest and give my all to see if I could do this. So, I got myself into school and the rest is history.
7. Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?
My biggest mentors and influencers in my career have been: Karen Vaughn (OM Radio One/Indy) who was the first one to believe in my talent and truly committed herself to see me grow and develop On Air, Colby Colb (SVP Radio One) who showed me how to program a radio station in all aspects and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone creatively as well as become a better leader, Bill Black who taught me the nuances of programing Mainstream radio, Hurricane Dave Smith who gave me my first shot to be an OM/PD, Kashon Powell (VP R1) who has trusted and had the confidence in me from very early on. KP has given me the opportunity and guidance to grow into a high-level Programmer, Jeff “Uzi D” Anderson (OM R1 Charlotte) who has been a trusted voice and a great example of how to get things done, Jeff Wilson (RVP Radio One) also someone who believed in me very early on and saw my potential and fostered my growth. Eternally grateful to Jeff, and last but not least Marsha Landess (RVP Radio One) who is the person who believed in and hired me for this role that I currently have. She saw something in me and took a bit of a risk in hiring me… I strive to make these people proud every day of the CHOICE they made to help me out on this journey because none of them had to give up time in their busy schedules, but yet they did, and I am so humbled and thankful.
8. What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
I am a video game junkie! It is my release after a stressful day. Just give me my controller, NBA 2K or Madden (there’s others I play too but just to name a few) and I’m in my happy place.
9. Fill in the blank: I can’t make it through the day without _______?
I know it sounds cliché’ but…. MUSIC. It is my first love and I need it. Ask my coworkers and they’ll tell you stories about how I randomly sing or rap songs in my office. I’ve had a couple of wellness checks called on me.
10. And the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“The energy you put into the universe is what you get back.” – Colby Colb
Now I may be paraphrasing a bit but that was the general message. The effort you put into anything will match your results more times than not.
Bonus Question:
What thing or things you are most proud of?
I am most proud of how many people, in the communities I have had the privilege to work in, that the stations I’ve managed have been able to truly help. From thousands of school supplies, food drives, toy drives, health, and resource fairs, and so on…. That’s God’s work and so much bigger than music. I could not be prouder of those things.