The Infinite Dial

Title: Program Director for WXTB in Tampa, KYRK in New Orleans, & WTZB in Sarasota.

Who is Doubledown? "(6/19/06-Present)-I am now the Program Director for WXTB- 98 Rock in Tampa, KYRK- The Rock of New Orleans, & WTZB- The Buzz in Sarasota. I oversee the day to day operations while developing the future vision for these rock brands. Programming, Marketing & Promotions, Internet Strategies... you name, I do it.

(6/6/05-6/12/06)- Executive Assistant to Marc Chase-Senior Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel's Southeast & MidSouth Regions. This job was designed to help an up and coming programmer learn how to do radio on a huge level. It was in essence a master's degree program in all aspects of radio.

(6/2/03-5/28/05)- PD at Clear Channel's 100,000 watt WRAK in Albany, GA. The move to small market radio has allowed for extensive and rapid growth to better learn the art of radio broadcasting. One man show would be an understatement, (programming, music, imaging, talent development, promotion, engineering)... circumstances continually arise in which demands the need to learn at an accelerated pace.

(1/22/03-5/28/03)- Worked as an Account Executive for WQTM- 740 The Team, Orlando's Sports Leader. Initiated and developed compelling campaigns to add value to the station clientele.

(4/17/02-5/28/03) - Worked as a swing shift/weekend on-air personality with WJRR Real Rock 101 One. Received extensive on-air live, voice-tracking, spot production, event appearance, and board operation experience to build the foundation for my career."

What would your dream job be? "It's hard to answer this question because being the Program Director of these brands is already hitting close to the pinnacle of our business. I got into radio to move people; through music, commentary, and public works. My job could only get better if I were in a position to affect more people that I do right now."

Who has been your greatest influence? "I have to give credit to so many people for leading me along this amazing journey. John Richards, my GM from Albany Georgia was a huge mentor to me. Brad Hardin, my current OM has helped tweak my talents and skillsets to where they are today. But I would have to say that Marc Chase, my former SVPP has influenced me in the most profound of ways. He taught me that there isn't anything that we can't achieve, when we have the right mindset and people who believe. Spend an hour with him, he's incredible."

What is the one format that you can't believe nobody has done? "Hot Tambourine Mixes. :) Actually, Old School Hip Hop. I realize that Hip Hop Brands do features, but we are getting close to having a library that can facilitate a lifegroup."

How could radio do a better job of attracting younger listeners? "We don't do a good enough job of being where young people are; online, onhand, and in their pocket. Young people have one common interest that crosses all demographics and lifestyles... they are consumed with the next thing. Right now, in young people's mind... radio is not the next thing, it used to be. Through innovation, we need to turn our radio stations into audio brands that transcend our delivery system."

How will radio remain relevant in a digital world? "Our audio needs to be available on a wide variety of platforms. Right now, radio is known as a separate and exclusive medium. We need to look at what we do differently. We provide entertainment, music, reflection and a place for the community to talk to each other. For the most part, we deliver our products to the marketplace with our signals, and that's it. Just like in the world of economics, there isn't one correct answer to fix or change the movement of a medium. It will take many changes from different angles to remain relevant in a market barraged with messages and products. Fortunately for us all, radio still dominates the audio product landscape; but unless we get better at thinking about what's next, we may not be honoring the "30 Under 30"... because there won't be anyone young enough."