The Infinite Dial

Title: WLZX Lazer 99.3 Program Director/Music Director/Middays

Who is Courtney? "In the spring of 2001, I fell into radio during my final semester at Virginia Tech in a desperate attempt to fulfill an internship requirement. Blacksburg's independently owned classic rocker, WBRW 105.3 The Bear, was looking for an intern and I jumped at the chance; and, since I was the only one willing to work for college credit I landed the gig. There, I jumped into the pool without water wings and loved every second of it. During my tenure with WBRW and New River Valley Radio Partners I was an intern, the afternoon drive sidekick, a promotions assistant, a news chick, the cluster promotions director, the midday gal and, in the end, the Program Director of active rocker WBRW. I left in the summer of 2004 to return home to Virginia Beach, Virginia to work, albeit briefly, at mainstream rocker WXMM 100.5 Max-FM. That same Christmas, I accepted the MD/Music Director position at active rock WLZX, began working in that capacity in January of 2005 and was elevated to Program Director in November of 2006."

What would your dream job be? "Music Supervisor for a major production company."

Who has been your greatest influence? "My greatest influence is an amalgamation of a host of different characters. During my time at New River Valley Radio Partners, I had the absolute pleasure of working for Ron Walton and with Robbie Raggs. As President of NRVRP, Ron ruled the roost with a six shooter and a pack of Marlboro Red's, encouraging his staff to create at will. His fiery leadership will resonate with me always. As the most memorable radio dude that has ever come and gone from Blacksburg, Robbie is and was my first and only mentor. He is the master of theater of the mind, the guru of goof. He can be topical, playful and giving yet rambunctious and controversial. He's all the dichotomies anyone could ever be; but, he is one of the greatest personalities I've ever worked with and I'm proud to have created great radio with him. Terry Jaymes. I had the profound fortune of striking up a friendship with Terry when L&T signed on with WBRW. He truly makes me think about the bigger picture and the struggle of creative types such as ourselves; the war of art, if you will. Danny Buch. The first time we met at R&R in Dallas I was completely taken aback by his passion for his work. I wish I had half his energy. Danny is one of the most inspired - yet maniacal - individuals working in the business today. He's a gem. Gary Zenobi. As the current General Manager of WLZX and Springfield Rocks Radio Group, Gary has given me all the chances in the world: the chance to become a better person, a fair and complete manager, an independent thinker and a creative programmer."

What is the one format that you can't believe nobody has done? "All Thievery Corporation, all the time."

How could radio do a better job of attracting younger listeners? "We can attract younger listeners the same way we attract adults: by being touchable, topical and relatable. If you speak their language, you know how to find them and they know how to find you, they will come."

How will radio remain relevant in a digital world? "It's clear the industry has some big strides to make in the next ten years; hopefully, the NAB's Radio 2020 initiative will be a great catalyst to get us all heading down the same path. Once we're all on the same digital page, the battle still comes down to content. Who's your customer? What do they want? Do you know how to find them? Do they know how to find you? How can you deliver your product to them in an entertaining and compelling way? Remaining relevant - in an AM, FM or digital world - is all about awareness. It's about accessibility. It's about creating a product that your audience wants and creating a product that will keep that audience coming back for more."