Lee Cagle
Cagle is heatin’ things up in the ATL as he leads “The Beat” WBTS/Atlanta to some of the best ratings in the station’s history. We cornered him just long enough to talk about the station and its recent success, and the man even managed to crack a smile…we think!
Lee Cagle’s career in radio broadcasting began in 1988 where he started as a part time air personality at Mainstream KKYK/Little Rock. Known to most in the industry as simply “Cagle” he headed toWEZB (B-97) /New Orleans in 1990 where he spent five years multi-tasking doing jobs that included being assistant music director, part time air talent, assistant production director, copywriter, remote engineer and research director. Having paid his dues he moved to Denver in 1995 to become the MD at KQKS/Denver. In ’99 he landed his first Program Director gig at KXHT/Memphis. In September of 2001 he moved into records doing A&R for JCOR Records. After the company went under he returned to his radio roots in 2002 as PD ofKWWV/San Luis Obispo and KPAT/Santa Maria, CA. Then in October 2003 he joined Cox Radio as PD of WFOX (97.1 Jamz)/Atlanta, after a year he was then tapped as the new PD at sister Rhythmic Top 40 WBTS (95.5 The Beat)/Atlanta. Under his leadership “The Beat” recently posted its best ratings in its history confirming that it is indeed one of the hottest radio stations in the ATL.
eQB presents excerpts from the March FMQB magazine Rhythm Q&A with WBTS (95.5 The Beat)/Atlanta PD Cagle
On posting some of the best numbers in the The Beat’s history… It feels good to see the hard work pay off. We strive to represent our listeners and Atlanta, and when you see the numbers reflect your efforts…it feels great!
On a more music approach in morning drive… I’ve always believed in a more music in the morning approach. I have taken that approach at every station I programmed and it always works. Playing anywhere between 9-11 songs in the morning is about where I like to keep it. The combination of compelling content and more music helped our morning show produce its highest ratings ever in the fall book.
On how important it is to win in the streets… The streets are definitely a factor, especially if you don’t have any other form of marketing. If you don’t have billboards, bus boards, etc. being on the streets is key.
On where the format is headed… More Hip-Hop and more R&B with artists like Chris Brown,Bow Wow and Pretty Ricky – all of who could be classified as both Hip-Hop and R&B. Both Hip-Hop and R&B play a vital part in the future of the format. But also more “Pop Hip-Hop” from artists like Justin Timberlake, Fergie, Nelly Furtado, and the Pussycat Dolls.
On The Beat’s music mix and who it targets… We are a mass appeal Hip-Hop station. We concentrate on Hip-Hop, but we also play the big Pop leaning Hip-Hop tracks as well like Justin and Nelly Furtado. We target female, but have a large male audience as well. We are very mass appeal.
On something about the market that we might be surprised to find out… It’s not all Crunk. A lot of great Rock music is also coming out of the “A.”
On working in the world of corporate radio… I have to say that Cox Radio is hands down the best company to work for. They value their employees and treat them with respect. You know they care for you as a person…not just a number. They are also a programmer friendly company. Our president, Bob Neil, understands that programming comes first. He knows the value of the on air product. Cox also gives me and my team the “weapons” we need to win which is very cool.
On the iPod… If it vies for our listener’s attention, it’s the enemy.
On what radio can do to strengthen its position as the go to media of choice… Be more local and rep your city. It’s the one strength radio has always had, but one a lot of stations don’t do well. Don’t worry about national charts so much. Just because a song is working in New York doesn’t mean it will work in your town. Pay attention to your market.
** QB Content by Bob Burke **
| Also in the March Issue: | |
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