Stability in radio is something that’s rarely spoken about nowadays, but being well respected and an invaluable asset to your company sure can’t hurt. Erik Bradley is just that for CBS Radio’s B96 in Chicago. It’s been sixteen years and counting for Bradley, one the industries most passionate programmers, who’s still loving life and radio in the Windy City.
Erik Bradley
Sixteen years is a long time to be associated with one station but that’s how long Erik Bradley has been searching for the right hits to play on CBS Radio Rhythmic CHR WBBM (B96)/Chicago as its APD/MD. He’s long been considered by his peers as having some of the best ears in the business, and he has the hardware to prove it, including many radio industry awards and achievements. His passion for artists and music is as strong as it’s ever been. It’s that time again when we check with the man who has become a staple in the Windy City and ironically that time usually coincides with the release of new Mariah Carey record, an artist who Erik shares a special bond with since her debut in 1990. So with a new Mariah record just released and B96 coming off one of its biggest Summer concerts, we caught up with EB to chat about MC and some hot artists to be on the lookout for, along with all things B96.
eQB presents excerpts from the July FMQB magazine Rhythm Up Close with WBBM (B96)/Chicago APD/MD Erik Bradley
“It’s important for me to represent this station and myself in a way that I hope can forge some kind of long-standing relationship with the artist, especially if he/she/they go on to become big stars!”
“PPM has definitely changed the game. You constantly re-evaluate everything, but that’s been energizing. The focus has to be on continuing to play the hits and taking care of your core, after all – hits will always win.”
“History shows you time and time again that EVERYTHING in the music business is cyclical, and tempo music will always have a place. At the end of the day, it’s always about the song and if it’s a hit, it’s a hit, no matter the BPM.”
“A few years ago many of us probably couldn’t fathom the day that our online presence would be as important as what we do on-air. It certainly is and I love it!”
“Launching a brand new morning show with people who have never done morning drive becomes a constant work in progress that requires the focus of the entire programming department. The key is to have talented anchors who you know CAN do it, and equipping them with the guidance and tools they need to do it.”
“Much of the credit goes to people like [CBS Radio President] Dan Mason who understand so well that this is where we need to be and because of that, we’ve been on the forefront of this [Technology] movement, as evidenced by our AOL Radio partnership, among many others.”
** QB Content by Bob Burke **
Also in the FMQB July Magazine:
Street Scenes: B96 Pepsi Summer Bash
Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Akon, Asher Roth
