Chris Tyler is living his dream job of overseeing programming for two of Boston’s biggest radio stations WXKS (Kiss 108) and WJMN (JAM’N 94.5). His long tenure with Clear Channel proves that you can move up the ranks in the world of corporate radio and that hard work, focus and determination are rewarded. Both stations continue to be dominate forces in the Boston radio market.
Chris Tyler
Chris Tyler began his radio career interning at WPRO (PRO-FM)/Providence in 1990 just before becoming an Assistant Production Director and on-air personality. In 1996 he would become a part of the programming department at WERZ/Portsmouth, NH, serving as its Music Director. But it was in 1998 that Tyler’s career would begin to take off as he joined Clear Channel and became MD at Rhythmic Top 40 WJMN (JAM’N 94.5)/Boston working under PD Cadillac Jack McCartney. In 2006 he made an even bigger move by accepting APD/MD duties at the legendary Kiss 108 (WXKS), a Mainstream Top 40 that just happened to be the sister station of WJMN.
In 2008 Chris Tyler realized his dream job would become a reality and was named Program Director overseeing both Kiss 108 and JAM’N 94.5. It’s a true sign that you can move up the ranks in the world of corporate radio and that hard work, focus and determination are rewarded. Since his time at the helm both stations haven’t missed a beat and continue to be dominate forces in the Boston radio market.
eQB presents excerpts from the October FMQB magazine
CHR Up Close with WXKS (Kiss 108) & WJMN (JAM’N 94.5)/Boston PD Chris Tyler
“Our support staff is the heartbeat of this cluster. Every person here has overcome the adversity this business faces today because of their positive attitudes, strong work ethic and tremendous talent.”“Sunny Joe White, Steve Rivers, John Ivey and Cadillac Jack. That’s a lot of pressure to live up to. But I love that pressure. It’s what makes me tick.”
“One of the things I’ve loved most about working for Cadillac all these years is that he never stood over my shoulder and over analyzed everything I did. He trusts his people and allows us to do our jobs. I adhere to the same philosophy.”
“We have severe tunnel vision when we’re in a music meeting. So when it comes down to which songs we add, we simply pick the songs we think the given audience will like the most.”
“We have a great blend of Pop, Rhythm and Rock that appeals to both the young and older ends. The soccer moms seem to like Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peas and Kelly Clarkson as much as their kids.”
“One of the problems Rhythm programmers face is the fear of hurting the station’s image and the brand they spent years building. If you’re station is branded as a Hip-Hop and R&B station, then it’s tough to play artists like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.”
“There are so many options right now including our web sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. The real challenge is promoting all these options without cluttering the airwaves.”
“Kiss Concert has become more than just a concert…it’s a community event. The people in this market actually hold the date on the calendar and treat it as an unbreakable commitment.”
** QB Content by Bob Burke **
Up Close: WAEB (B104)/Allentown PD Eric Chase
“I know I’ve gotten a reputation as being brutally honest, but understand that comes from my passion for the product, both yours and mine. Though I may be blunt, and sometimes even terse, I’d like to think I’m a good conduit of information for the record community, but more importantly, a source of fairness. I never let grudges or personal biases get in the way of me providing my audience with the best product possible.”
Hot Shots
Justin Bieber, Jay Sean, Esmee Denters, We The Kings, Owl City
