The Infinite Dial

Name:
Matt DuBiel

Current Title/Position/Company:
Director of Programming 9 FM Chicago/News web Radio Company

How did you get your start in radio?
I started as an intern for Steve Dahl at WMVP AM 1000. I interned for what seemed like forever and had some amazing times and learned a lot, from some of the best.

What are your career goals?
Over the next 5 years I would like to help make News web Radio Company the best it can be from a ratings and revenue perspective in Chicagoland. It's a wonderful company to work for. I'd love to be in a position to take over for our GM Harvey Wells 10 years from now... In my spare time, I am focused on making Blue Collar Radio T a ratings and revenue success for owners and general managers throughout the country who need a lifestyle radio format that is fresh and will deliver results. My friend Mike Noonan and I co-founded Broadcast Barter Radio Networks and another project we have in the marketplace is a daily radio vignette hosted by Donny Osmond, for Oldies and AC. We'd like to see that reach the 25 station mark this year. Station ownership has always been a dream of mine for the long term.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really enjoy the processes of bringing things to life on the air. I enjoy helping clients reach people who will use them. I take a lot of time to interact with our listeners via email and phone calls.as well as onsite, and that is something I dig. Making a connection with people and their lives is something radio does well when it works.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Radio's biggest challenge is staying out of radio's way. The biggest successes in the future of radio (I think) will come from the stations, talents, and programmers who truly connect and reach an audience first, and then figure out how to sell to them and monetize it all. Build it, then sell it. Radio is going to have to check the ego at the door, because the frequency is going to be just a small part of the big picture down the road.
Starbucks might have more cume that any station before long.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
It can all change in a blink. You meet everyone 3 times in this biz.. As much as we love radio, there is more to life..and if you don't see it now, you will when it is too late. So take vacations and get out of the office and talk to real people! Work hard and play hard.