Sharon Dastur,
Being part of a winning tradition because you’ve helped build that tradition is truly something special. Sharon Dastur has been a key member of the Z100 programming team for the past dozen years adding fuel to Z’s rise to prominence. Z100 has been synonymous with excellence in CHR broadcasting for three decades, and has garnered a surplus of industry awards and accolades, most notably the recent recognition by industry peers earning an FMQB Career Achievement Award as the top CHR station of all time.
After serving as APD at Z100 since 1997, Sharon Dastur was appointed PD in June of 2006, assuming control of one of the most influential CHR stations in the country. Under the tutelage of Tom Poleman, Dastur started her Z100 run in 1996 as Program Coordinator and co-host of The Pajama Party. Prior to joining Z, Sharon spent three years as Program Coordinator at KRBE/Houston. Z100 is coming off of one of their strongest Winter Books ever, and Dastur is poised to keep the station’s star rising.
e-QB presents excerpts from the FMQB May Magazine CHR Up Close featuring Sharon Dastur, PD, WHTZ/Z100 New York
On applying her APD experiences to the PD job… The playbook for programming a station is constantly changing and continues to evolve. Experiencing it and adapting to those changes as APD allowed me to understand that the things that worked well in the past may not be the case today and in the future. I had to be open to accepting change. Things like new technology came into the picture, and we had to figure out a way to embrace it and not fight it.
On Z100’s use of air personalities…They play a crucial role in the mix. Being in market #1, they could all have the biggest egos, but they don’t take anything for granted. They are constantly looking for ways to better themselves and seek feedback and direction. Plus, they understand that it’s not all about them, but about the listener they’re talking to each day.
On how Z uses production and imaging…We have made some adjustments to imaging the station. We make it less of what the station is about and more about what we do that benefits the listener. Our Creative Services Director, Dave Foxx, still injects his magic giving the station its energy and attitude, but in a more concise way.
On Z’s aggressive and balanced new music philosophy…Through the history of the station, we’ve seen that the most successful times are when the music cycle delivers a true variety of hits. We are very conscious of making sure the station stays well balanced. If we feel the available music product that is out there and making its way up the charts, doesn’t fit what we need, we may be a little more aggressive on something we all feel more confident and passionate about.
On Z’s two big annual shows Jingle Ball and Zootopia… We make a conscious effort to brand the shows as “Z100” shows and not just “Jingle Ball” or “Zootopia.” We view the brand extension of these shows as the live version of what we do on the air everyday. We try to anticipate what will be the biggest hits on the station at that time, and look to book those artists for the show. One of biggest benefits of these shows is putting together a line-up that will sell out right away, and create that huge demand to win the sold out tickets by listening to the station.
On marketing partnerships with music labels…The industry continues to evolve and change and as partners, radio and record labels need to come up with branding opportunities that benefit both sides. With initiatives like social networks, HD2, and station websites, there are a lot more ways to create these opportunities.
On expanding Z’s presence beyond on-air… It is now standard practice for us to weave most everything we do on-air to Z100.com and through our mobile program. Artist interviews don’t just get aired one time, but immediately go on demand on Z100.com with pictures and video. The same works for a world premiere of a new song from a big artist. If a listener misses it, we work together with the label for permission to stream the song on demand.
On the synergy of the five NY metro Clear Channel stations…Now that all five stations are in the same building, it creates incredible synergy. We’re able to have more frequent cluster meetings to share ideas, systems and strategies. It’s been useful to hear how a different station approaches some of the same things we do, and it allows us to always look for ways to do things better.
**QB Content by Fred Deane **
