May 12, 2023

Who has been the most influential person in your career that you have learned the most from?

Brian Mack, iHeartMedia: This is SO difficult and the process continues. So many have made a lasting impression on me or helped me crack the code for what’s next in my life, if I had to pick two: Tom Poleman (wouldn’t be in this biz), Linda Byrd (the GOAT).

Valentine, WBHT: Alex Tear has guided me well professionally and personally.

Mike O’Donnell, WKRZ: I’ve been thrown to the lions in every job I’ve had with no one really to mentor me. I learned a lot when I was at my first station and we worked with The Research Group as our consultants. I’ve also learned a lot by listening to other great programmers and their products. KISS 108 in the 80’s probably had more influence on me than anything else.

Buster Satterfield, WIOQ: Includes but not limited to Jerry Clifton, Dom Theodore, Dan Hunt.


Jana Sutter, WXXL: First and foremost, Linda Byrd. She taught me that you could be very creative and really busy at the same time, and to surround yourself with the best people to help bring out the best in yourself.

Randi West, WRMF: My listeners.

Orlando Davis, WLLD: It’s too hard for one. I’ve learned the most from Tom Rivers (dec.), Joe Bullard (WHBX-FM), Jerry Clifton (The World), Scott Herman (CBS), and my listeners. Much more to learn.

Guy Zapoleon, Zapoleon Consulting: My Dad, who taught me to think of other people first, helped me build great teams, The Golden Rule! Mickey Franko, Jon Coleman who taught me to research the audience and create a strategic plan for just about everything. Understanding why 93/KHJ was great under Bill Drake/Ron Jacobs at KHJ which became a lifelong lesson in my efforts to create great radio. They were a combination of great gut and instincts married with precise strategy and execution.

Rick Vaughn, KENZ: Dom Theodore. And I’ll say this knowing it will offend someone I’m sure I appreciate very much, but there isn’t a close second.

Erik BradleyErik Bradley, B96: I learn from almost everyone I’ve ever worked with but the 3 names that are on the very top of that list for me are Todd Cavanah, Keith Naftaly and Mariah Carey.

Jonathan Shuford, WRVW: Don Christi in Tulsa, Jammer taught me a lot. John Ivey and Alex Tear were both very instrumental in my PD early days. I learned a lot from a lot of good people.

Dom Theodore, Radio Animal Media Strategies: There are many, but the top of the list is Randy Michaels, whose mentorship and friendship for the last 30 years mean the world to me. Also, BJ Harris, Jeff Kapugi, and Dave Reinhart who took me under their wings, and took a chance on me at Jacor. Jerry Clifton, who inspired the creative side of me at the very beginning. Bill Tanner, whose insights and stories were priceless. Rick Belcher who let me make mistakes and learn from them, then showed me the right way. Dan Mason at CBS, Kid Kelly, Gillette, Marc Chase, Guy Zapoleon, Gabe Hobbs, Dave Crowl, the list could go on and on. I have been blessed with incredible mentors, and still learn new things every day from those that I work with now.

Jon Zellner, iHeartMedia: Guy Zapoleon taught me everything about the science behind programming. Dave Robbins taught me everything about the art and making everything sound larger than life. Bob Pittman teaches me daily about marketing, branding, leadership, and business. Herndon Hasty taught me everything about managing, motivating and inspiring a team.

Adam Rivers, WKCI: JB Wilde and Joey Brooks.

Rich Davis, KDWB: I met Guy Zapoleon when I was in Philly in ’95 and he was with me through a lot of my career. Dave Allan in my Philly days also had impact on me. Steve Rivers was also instrumental.

Derrick Cole, WAEB: My dad, who used to work a full-time factory job and always had 1-2 part time jobs to support the family. I know he didn’t always like being away but as a father myself, I do understand you do everything you can for your family, and I’ve gained so much more respect for him as I become an adult because of it.

Matt Johnson, WPLW: Jerry Clifton and Dom Theodore.

Bob Patrick, WXLK: My college advisor in radio, Wynn Moore. he would aircheck me every week. He would also go back to the college board fight for us and the format we played.

Jammer, WEZB: Elvis Duran and Mark Driscoll.

Toby Knapp, WASH: Countless influences have graced my professional journey, yet my daughter Kyla stands above all. Her birth ignited a blazing purpose within me, transcending self-interest. I endeavor to redefine boundaries, rewrite rules, and reflect the desires of our audience. Triumphs and setbacks alike, all for her. Unwavering. Eternal. At 1:23 AM on March 30th, at Tampa General on Davis Island, while serving 93-3 FLZ, a profound awakening, forever altering my course.

Jagger, KCHZ: There have been several, but I’ll pick the person who gave me my first shot in radio Tom Pappas from WHOT in Youngstown. He was my first mentor and taught me a lot about being a personality and about programming.

Drew Heyman, WHYI: Alex Tear, Taylor Jukes, and Rob Miller.

Next Week’s Question Of The Week:
What’s your opinion on the current state of Pop music and where do you think it’s heading?
e-Mail your responses to: bburke@deanemediasolutions.com