Alex Tear
Alex Tear knows programming and Clear Channel knows cluster management…hence an ideal union between the two. It wasn’t too long after a successful run at ABC/Disney’s WDRQ/Detroit that Alex Tear was called upon to lead two of CC’s prized Pittsburgh possessions. Tear’s strong suit has always been versatility in applying his skills set, and it’s one of the reasons this former CHR PD of the Year and self-professed ‘Rock guy’ is currently piloting CHR/Rhythmic 96.1 Kiss and Classic Hits 3WS to ratings success in the Steel City.
eQB presents excerpts from the FMQB July Magazine CHR Up Close featuring Alex Tear, OM, WKST/WWWS, Pittsburgh
On the qualities he would look for in a programmer… The main qualities include track record and organizational. There is no question time management is key along with surrounding yourself with strong people that are proactive problem solvers. Passion to take care of all the small things is important because if you do, the big things take care of themselves.
On how these qualities apply to his job on a daily basis…To keep it all in check and balance, I have refined the Post-it system (inherited from my Father). This completely works for me. On any given day you can see twenty mini Post-it notes stacked on my desktop. It helps keep me focused. During your day chip away at the Post-it pile as time allows during your daily routine. At the end of the day gather the last standing Post-it’s and type up the next day’s to-do list.
On the biggest challenges in handling responsibilities for two major market stations… The most important is to have a system in place that works for you. Get into a pattern or grove with making sure you equally address day to day issues and operations. Allow for curve balls! Another key practice is human contact. That can be a daily challenge. You can of course convey many details and communicate through email, but nothing beats catching up in the hallway or sitting down for a few minutes with everybody you can.
On the biggest rewards and frustrations…The biggest rewards include ratings and revenue. I don’t mean to sound like a suit right now, but it is one of the biggest rewards. Putting together the ultimate promotion/event that includes the sales department for a combined win that fits is a great feeling. You can achieve more of these than most think when you have a great relationship with your sales department and both clearly understand each others objectives. The biggest frustration seems to always be the things you can’t control. Once you learn that and manage the things you CAN control, you are on the right path…this wisdom courtesy of our Market Manager/VP John Rohm.
On how Clear Channel helps him do his job better…It’s that intense commitment that makes it worth everything. The resources available to assist are a true wonder. It gives you strong confidence knowing many wise men have traveled many years to build a strong set of commandments that support and guide any situation. With every challenge you may face, you literally have a solution at your fingertips. If you don’t, just present the issue and you will.
On his initial impressions of 96.1 Kiss upon his arrival…The initial impression was great. The station was already on its way with the guidance of (former PD) Mark Anderson and (RVPP) Dom Theodore. I just couldn’t wait to get in and add more layers to further strengthen the foundation and expand the brand. After my first meeting with John Rohm, I knew this was going to be a good situation. It was exciting to me again and I was really into working with Mikey and Big Bob in the Morning along with pulling the most out of evening talent Bonics. Early on we added Shay Shayand Dylan to the line-up for a very strong team.
On the changes that first struck him early on…It felt more like my role was to help further develop, grow and evolve the station off the air and on. This included bridging the gap with sales and working with the talent, on-air sound and multimedia support. It was an important time for our sales department to grow with the station as new sales leadership and various AE’s began to click. We all knew it was key to have a great give and take relationship between our departments for full-on operational success.
On the highly successful Morning Freak show… Mikey and Big Bob are so talented, if I’m able to part a few strands of any historical experiences into their show or lives that help them move the meter – it’s a great thing. They have been very receptive. Their office is next to mine, so there is constant dialogue. Our daily interactions include everything from CAR CHASE ON FOX!!! to developing the next great Kiss event, sound or segment. After spending time with them in the beginning, it was clear my role was to keep the distractions away from them more than anything.
I wanted to help them problem solve, find solutions and lock into resources to help them with their vision.
On what makes the morning show tick…McDonalds and Mountain Dew! Seriously, it’s simply Mikey & Big Bob’s Big Adventure – just go! That being said, “just go” doesn’t mean wing it. They spend the entire day prepping for future shows and their execution is strong. They have a strong work ethic and see the rewards it can bring. Another key to their success is a dedicated passion to their multimedia presentation. Equal time is spent on multimedia support.
On how programming Classic Hits 3WS has made him a better programmer… Expanding into another format was great. You will always apply the basic fundamentals, but you need to zero in on the lifestyle and needs of that audience real quick. The on-air staff is great and takes direction well. I learn from them on a daily basis. The passion to win on 3WS is strong. Working with 3WS has helped me to revisit the basics, look at things from a different perspective and create fresh ideas that help with the other stations I get to work with.
On what it’s like working down the hall from CC SVPP Gene Romano…The instant feedback is great. Gene may have heard something on our stations or in his travels that we could apply and will simply walk into my office and lay it out. LOVE IT. The same also applies if I want to pick his brain on various programming ideas or creative. Just walk in and lay it out. Talk about a resource to tap into, Gene is a big part of the Clear Channel culture and a perfectionist that insists we all be the best that we can be. It’s a great feeling to know you have a programming partner at all times.
** QB Content by Fred Deane **
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