Is there any job better than programming in one of the most competitive radio markets in the country? Ask Dan Hunt. As PD of Wired 96.5/Philly, Dan has been battle tested and still loves everything about radio. From the music, to its creative fun promotions, to understanding radio’s responsibility to its community, Wired is firing on all cylinders. Dan has retooled Wired with its new morning show to a station that now has its finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the City of Brotherly Love!
Dan Hunt
By Bob Burke
Dan Hunt has always had a great passion for media… especially radio! In Savannah, GA he did it all from hosting afternoons at WGZR, to nights at WWVV, to mornings at WGZO which was also Dan’s first programming gig. Then it was onto WKPO/Madison, WI for PD/afternoon drive duties. But it was Dan’s five-year stint at Rhythmic CHR WWKX/Providence, where he served as PD/Midday host, that Dan really made a name for himself as an up and coming programmer. In 2009, FMQB named him the year’s “Most Promising Rhythmic Programmer.” Then in 2011 he made the big move to a big market, Philadelphia, PA. Dan was named Program Director at Beasley’s Rhythmic CHR WRDW (Wired 96.5). His leadership skills and experience made him a perfect fit for one of the most competitive radio markets in the country. Dan Hunt loves a challenge, his mission, make Wired 96.5 a winning radio station in the City of Brotherly Love!
How did the opportunity come about to join Wired in Philly?
I heard about the Wired 96.5 Program Director position while in the process of applying for the Power 96 Program Director opening in Miami. Being from the Northeast, the Philly job really appealed to me. I went for it whole-heartedly, and here I am!
What was the biggest adjustment for you both personally and professionally in making the move to a major market?
Personally, the biggest adjustment moving to Philly was being apart from my family for four months. Professionally, the biggest adjustment was learning about and getting acquainted with a new market.
Describe the Wired sound of today and how it may differ from say a year or two ago?
The Wired listener’s appetite for Pop and Dance has grown over the past two years. Our listeners still love Hip-Hop, but they’re tastes are now more diverse.
How do you balance your gut versus all the research data when making music decisions for the station?
A lot of factors go into every decision you make as a Program Director. I’m truly blessed that Beasley Broadcasting provides me with the data such as call-out and perceptuals that enable me to make good musical choices for the Philadelphia Market. With that said, a good programmer always factors in his gut feelings combined with the data before making a final decision.
Every team has to have good players and you took time to make sure you had the right people in the right positions. How excited are you about the staff that’s now in place including your new morning show?
Beasley Broadcasting has allowed me to assemble an all-star team. The Big Philly Show with Chunky, Ghia and Tingle is off to a great start with the help of Producer JP. I know this show will dominate the market. Casey has been with Wired since its launch and knows Philly. A market veteran is an unbelievable asset. Buster is more than just an amazing afternoon talent; he’s also an amazing music director. DJ Bonics just joined us for Nights and has made an immediate impact in the market. Behind the scenes, Bethany Kent runs our Promotions Department like no other.
You’ve really put a premium on creative, fun promotions. How has the audience responded?
The audience loves it! Philadelphia has a long history of radio stations that have done creative branding. Wired stands out because we are the only station that emphasizes this aspect day in and day out.
Every station should have a Promo Ace up the sleeve like Bethany Kent! How important is it to have someone who “gets it” working alongside you on this mission?
Beth and I make a great team. We’ve worked together since Providence, and I’m lucky to have such a talented partner in crime. Beth is the best in the game, and she’s always thinking about what’s next and how we can improve the station.
The station has also excelled in the new media area. How important a factor is that in extending and exposing the Wired brand beyond just the airwaves?
Since I’ve arrived at Wired 96.5, we’ve added 40,000 likes to our Facebook and 20,000 followers to our Twitter. We are the most followed radio station on Instagram. In the month of March alone, our streaming sessions passed 1,000,000. I look at all of these factors as signs of a strengthening brand.
The station has been very active and done quite a bit in the community since you took over what are you most proud of so far?
We dedicated one of Buster’s shows, who was doing nights at the time, to the disappearance of Autumn Pasquale. While other stations were talking up 7-second intros, Buster was making an emotional connection with the listeners and putting forth an earnest effort to find Autumn. Radio has a responsibility to its community. This is what gives our radio station its soul and what sets us apart from the competition.
What still excites you about coming to work on a daily basis?
I truly love radio – the daily challenges, the unknown, the ups and downs, my amazing co-workers. Every day is an adventure, and I live for that.
When people hear the name Wired 96.5 what would you like them to think of first?
I love this station!
[eQB Content By Bob Burke]
