The Infinite Dial

Name:
Brad Savage

Current Title/Position/Company:
PD with WCNR/Charlottesville (Saga Communications)

How did you get your start in radio?
My start came early, via a "Shadow Day" during 9th grade business class. I went to shadow PD Tony Powers at KJJO/Minneapolis "KJ-104" and never left. Later, I became a staffer of REV 105/Minneapolis initially through a high school work experience program.

What are your career goals?
Eventually, I'd love to end up in a consultant type role for Triple A, Rock, and Alternative stations. I love to travel and listen to different radio markets, and I want to be the guy that the local staffers curse out when they hear I'm coming to town! "What does the stupid consultant know anyway?" :-)

What do you enjoy most about your work?
My favorite thing is making an impact in people's lives. Whether it's introducing them to a new artist, playing their favorite song, or just being a part of a community event it is so powerful when we are able to impact their lives!

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Staying relevant, especially among younger listeners! With all the various technologies available now or coming soon, we need our brands to mean something and be more powerful than ever.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
I would say to gain an appreciation for the engineering side of the business, and how the signal and transmitter actually work. Also knowing something about I.T. and computer networking is helpful. Finally, befriend the engineering staff. Be nice to them! They are the ones you have to call at 3:30am to drive out to the tower site if something goes wrong.