Sue O’Neil
While attending the University of Akron, and needing one credit for financial aid, Sue signed up for the only one credit course offered…radio. While on the air at WAUP, then WKDD/Akron PD Nick Anthony was listening, called her and gave her a job. After a solid run at WKDD, Sue segued to Buffalo and found a home at WKSE, then WMJQ (now WTSS) and then added WWWS to her resume. Sounds simple enough, but Sue has proven over the years her ability to grow and adapt as an air talent, Music Director and eventually a programmer. Her longevity at WKSE is a tribute to her many talents and leadership skills.
e-QB presents excerpts from the October FMQB magazine CHR Up Close with WKSE (Kiss 98.5)/Buffalo PD Sue O’Neil
On what she sees as programmers’ biggest challenges… I think the biggest issue is the very question you are asking…there is no PD. There are PD/on-air talents, PD/OM of multiple stations, PD/production guys, PD…and the list goes on and on. I have multiple titles and instead of letting it be a challenge, I use it as an opportunity.
On how she would describe her management style and philosophy in general… I DO NOT BABYSIT. I hire capable, talented people and I let them fly. Most of the time they soar! I love air talents. I love creativity. I love to air-check. I liken it to an NFL coach. I’m there to bring out the best in your performance. The rest is up to your willingness and drive.
On if she believes in micro-managing specific goals in the programming department… I don’t like it when it’s done to me. I don’t do it to my team.
On how involved does she get in marketing and imaging areas of the radio station… I am involved of all aspects of marketing/promotion and brand image.
On what isn’t CHR radio doing today that it should assure a healthy future… Exclusive content. Things you can’t hear anywhere else. Whether that content is the air talents, music unavailable on iTunes, or for sale. Specials that are only on radio and not TV. The labels could help with this, as well as the artists we play.
On what are her music rules when assessing new music… The rules are there are no rules. Every song should be considered on a case by case basis. What’s selling? What’s being exposed in the market? What artists are in the news?
On the very accomplished morning show with Janet & Nick… These guys, along with producerWease, never stop working. I often get calls and text messages as late as 10 p.m. with ideas, thoughts and brainstorming. They are really creative and do a tremendous amount of work, outside of their show to benefit the station.
On MD Shannon Steele and what she brings to the table… She brings a wealth of knowledge about the industry. She’s a fan of music and knows what’s breaking or going to break. She’s a great teacher, and lots of aspiring MD’s in the building have learned Selector. I have complete faith in her. She’s a great MD and even better air talent!
On how the station evolved on the new technolgy front… Entercom has led the way with HD and has a huge emphasis on Web content. Kiss has a very interactive web site that the jocks participate in on a daily basis.
On how the image of the station changed since she has been PD… We have taken the creative/promotions up four notches. We got rid of the same old, same old and brainstorm ideas that are local, topical and new! We have also embraced the new technologies available, such as texting.
On how active the station is in the community… The morning show has raised a million dollars for the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. We are the lead in a program called, Fit for Kids. This generation of kids is the first that will not live as long as their parents, due to their dietary habits. This initiative gets young kids active and educates them on healthy eating habits. This involves four hundred schools in western New York and Kiss 98.5 is on board! The benefits of community involvement are thousand fold.
On what advice she would you offer to other aspiring programmers… Ask a lot of questions! Ask your VP’s, GM’s your co-workers. Keep an open mind and be willing to do whatever it takes. Move if you have to. Scrub the jock lounge if you have to. Take on dual roles if you have to…Learn….Learn…Learn. No one can ever take knowledge away from you. It’s yours to keep.
** QB Content by Mark LaSpina **
| Also in the October Issue: |
|
Q&A: Bob Patrick, MD, WXLK (K92)/Roanoke Hot Shots Jesse McCartney, One Block Radius, Jessica Simpson, We The Kings, Laze & Royal |
