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his curiosity. “I tried to apply that to my little neighborhood,” Thanks For Coming Bailey recalls. “I bought an Allied Radio kit and put it together. It was supposed to broadcast for about 300 feet and I managed to turn it into a mile.” Home Bill Bailey by Mike Kinosian, Personality Editor The high school student attempted to put on a small campus radio station, but with no budget, there was consequently no support. Quintessential Top 40 pipes and flawless delivery provided him the ticket to the zenith of early-’ contemporary radio. EZ Transition One teacher, however, pointed him in the direction of a Board of That majestic voice and ultra-smooth textbook style are as brilliantly Education student workshop station (WBEZ). “I auditioned and evident as ever; but his place as a bona fide industry superstar - made the team,” Bailey proudly notes. “I was able to participate in every aspect of the word – is solidified because of the equally in the production of educational programs.” elegant and classy manner in which he comports himself. An even more proactive measure was taken regarding his radio Once and forever part of a “Rock of ” (WLS) hall-of- interest when the teenager called WLS personality Dick Biondi fame lineup, Regent/Grand Rapids’ Bill Bailey now shines as and explained to the Wide-Eyed Windy City radio icon he wanted one of Adult Contemporary’s brightest programming and on-air to get into the business. “He invited me to WLS and I actually beacons. spoke to him on three occasions in the same office I worked out of when I became an air talent there,” Bailey recounts. “It was at Blown Away the same desk for the air-shift he had. He influenced me in terms A case of the mumps forced the then nine-year-old native Chicagoan of sticking with it and for me to think anything was possible.” to stay bedridden for several days. “Not every room in the house had a television as we tend to have these days,” Bailey quips in his The first post-high school job Bailey landed was at WVON and familiar speaker-vibrating tone. “My dad was kind enough to bring 97.9 - Smack Dab in the Middle of the FM dial (WSDM). “It was in a portable radio so I could be entertained. I was just completely programmed by none other than Mickey Shore, who became one blown away and enamored with [what I heard].” of my mentors,” Bailey states. “It was a pleasure to sit and watch Herb Kent at WVON on a number of occasions. I learned a lot It wasn’t until Bailey landed his first radio job that he discovered his from just talking with him.” father attended the Columbia School of Broadcasting. “He never told me because he didn’t want that to affect my decision,” Bailey Road To Gotham remarks. “[Living] in Chicago was a real blessing because I had News Director Roy Wood also consulted WCHB/ and the chance to listen to really good radio at an early age.” recommended Bailey for an opening there. Even then, WLS was a tremendous influence on him, as was NBC’s Nine months later, he landed at Urban KXLW/St. Louis and then “Monitor,” which aired locally on WMAQ. “That was fascinating to completed a three-year Army hitch. listen to,” Bailey recalls. “It was old-line, MOR network radio.” After returning to KXLW, Bailey caught the attention of crosstown Tech-Head powerhouse KMOX and was hired as a staff announcer. “I worked Perhaps the most intriguing facet to Bailey is the conscientious for the amazing Bob Hyland for close to a year,” he points out. fascination he developed early-on for the medium and an eagerness “KMOX is a great radio station and it was a fabulous opportunity to read/study every aspect of it – including the technical side. [but also] a little frustrating because there was no outlet for “Before Radio Shack, Allied Radio had the greatest electronic creativity.” catalogue that showed every piece of equipment, connector and cable,” he recounts. “In a brief synopsis, they explained each one. Relatively brief stints followed at KWK/St. Louis and WDIA/ I studied it from cover to cover. You’d be surprised what can be Memphis before Bailey jumped to Top 40 WWDJ/, learned by reading technical manuals.” a station he thought would be Urban. “When I began talking to them I found out that wasn’t the case,” he explains. “They liked A Popular Electronics article about carrier current stations piqued my work and gave me the chance to do mid-days. [PD] Nick

INSIDE RADIO Personality Interviews by MIKE KINOSIAN — Sponsored by ASCAP www.InsideRadio.com Monday, November 20, 2006 INTERVIEW Page 2 of 6 Anthony built an amazing [CHR] station in Hackensack [NJ] that archrival WCFL. “We had a meeting his first day [at WCFL] and had virtually no power yet was able to make a name for itself in it ended just as Larry’s shift was about to start,” Bailey notes. “It’s New York City.” 2pm and Larry’s first words were, `I know you guys are over there listening to me and I will now attempt to bite the hand that fed Dynamic Duo me.’ The funny thing is the radio was on and all of us really were As Bailey was en-route to WWDJ he heard someone on-air in listening to Larry.” Philadelphia he thought was absolutely sensational. “In a short period, he managed to do things I’d never heard [anyone else Colorblind Support on radio] do,” he maintains. “When I got to Hackensack, I said Awesome juggernaut-like magic that stations like WLS and if they needed more on-air personalities, I knew of a very good “Boss Radio” outlets CKLW/Detroit and KHJ/Los Angeles (and one. There weren’t any openings but six months later, I again others) created might never again be replicated because Bailey mentioned the Philadelphia guy and actually drove back down opines, “It had to do with the time and situation. There wasn’t any there. I pulled off to the side of the highway and air-checked him substance on FM and everyone didn’t have an FM radio. To be on from a cassette recorder. I gave the tape to Nick but he’d already a clear-channel station heard [in nearly every state] and in three hired someone else.” countries was an unusual phenomenon. [WLS] had great talent and immediately became a heritage station [after it] went rock and While in New York, the burning desire Bailey had to work at WLS roll [in the mid-1950s].” only intensified and he and WLS’ then-PD, Mike McCormick, were able to put a deal together. “When I got to Chicago,” Bailey It wasn’t easy for him to get there but a humble Bailey, who recounts, “Mike said another guy would be starting the same physically and professionally towers over the crowd, declares, “I night I was.” was lucky to be in the right place at the right time.”

You’d be correct if you somehow surmised the other “guy” was the The youngest air personality WLS ever hired remained at “The same Philadelphia talent Bailey was so enthusiastic about, and you Big 89” for two years and concedes it was difficult to move on score impressive bonus points by further knowing his identity. after achieving so much at such an early age.

Hint: That person’s middle name is truly Records. . .the Nevertheless, the extremely gracious Bailey quickly asserts, incomparable John Landecker. “I’ve been fortunate to work with some brilliant people and great stations. There were many highlights but I don’t think anything will No Identity Crisis mean more to me than WLS. My prime directive when I left was Speaking of memorable monikers, others have identified to work for a station that wanted to win [without taking] prisoners. themselves as “Bill Bailey” and there was even one at WLS prior WDRQ/Detroit’s George Wilson took a chance putting me on in to the one arriving from WWDJ. “When I got to Chicago, I asked the morning. There weren’t many [other minority talents] doing about my name. Mike McCormick thought I didn’t like it.” AM drive in America then – nor are there now - on non-ethnic stations. George gave me all the support I needed. It was an FM But the reason he mentioned it was his awareness of WLS’ previous Churban long before there was such a thing.” Bill Bailey. “Mike said the audience would forget about the other one as soon as I went on the air. On occasion, there’s been some That’s also where Bailey got his first taste of programming and confusion with [additional Bill Baileys] – but it’s rare.” he was handed WDRQ’s PD chair after 18 months. “I went back to Chicago to get married and got a call from George,” Bailey Something undeniable pertains to the monumental impact remembers. “I thought he was congratulating me on the wedding, Chicagoland legend Larry Lujack had in building WLS’ legacy, but he told me I was the new PD. That was a fabulous opportunity and Bailey was there when Uncle Lar jumped to afternoons at to work for a great station.”

— Sponsored by ASCAP INSIDE RADIO Personality Interviews by MIKE KINOSIAN www.InsideRadio.com Monday, November 20, 2006 INTERVIEW Page 3 of 6 Sense Of Belonging Competitive factors are unquestionably more demanding these Two further entries on Bailey’s resume beside WDRQ involve days and as Bailey notes, “There are many more facilities. With Bartell-owned properties: KZBS & WOKY/ City and that comes a difference in opportunities. We’d listen more to [out- KSLQ/St. Louis. “Each was a challenge because of the market of-market] stations [which had impact] far outside their markets. and the kind of station, but what stands out is the great people,” he We’ve gotten away from talking to different demographics in declares. “Al Casey built KSLQ and accomplished a lot. PD Reid lieu of focusing on target demos. It’s not quite as much fun as it Reker had some amazing talent at [George & Reg Johns-consulted] was when you had the chance to affect more people and more KZBS. [George & Reg] are talented programmers who know how demos.” to build stations around creativity, personality and fun. It was like I belonged at Bartell. Buzz Bennett, Jerry Clifton, Jack McCoy ’Tis The Season and [All Access Founder/President] Joel Denver worked there and It’s been nearly four weeks (10-27-2006) since Beasley pushed the envelope. They did whatever it took to blow up a market WGOR/Augusta, GA won honors as the year’s first all-Christmas and create great radio stations that attracted listeners.” music station and about 80 other stations have followed suit. “It seems a little over the top but listeners actually began calling us Versatility and the ability to adjust to situations certainly describe in mid-October to ask about [],” Bailey points Bailey who has programmed and/or been on-air in Top 40, Urban, out. “They clamored for it and really wanted it. Regardless of Churban, Adult Contemporary and Oldies. how jaded we as broadcasters can get, you have to remember it’s about the listeners. If they tell us that’s what they want, we Not only does Bailey program WLHT and handle 2-7pm duties on should give it to them.” the up tempo-leaning, “Lite Rock” AC - he’s also PD of Soft AC “The River” (WTRV) and “Oldies 98.7” (WFGR). “Some people In light of Bailey’s extraordinary talent and ability, one might are able to adapt as they get older and others aren’t,” he maintains. wonder why he’s been so content to work the last nine years in “Generally as you get older, you become more sophisticated so Arbitron’s 67th-largest metro. “There’s a talented staff here, it’s a you begin to fit into a different mold. You’re able to talk to an older heritage station and this community has a personality,” he stress audience. You don’t want a kid screaming to an Adult Contemporary of Grand Rapids and Marconi Award-winning WLHT. “We’re audience – you want someone who can relate to older [demos].” halfway between Chicago and Detroit. My daughter has always felt very much at home here. This is also where I feel comfortable. Split Personality I’ve been given the tools to be creative and it’s been a lot of fun. The eye-opening situation at WDRQ enabled Bailey to discover It’s about the people and that’s why I like working for Regent. I another creative aspect to radio. “Programming had a natural appeal can’t think of a better place to be. It’s a pleasure to come to work to me,” he states. “It was an extension of being an air personality. It every day and work with Market Manager Phil Catlett. I’m very helped me create and maintain that atmosphere I felt was necessary happy what I’m doing.” for making a really great radio station. I just want to be part of this business and communicate with people. There are many good stations out there: I want to [be part] of the greatest station I’ve ever heard. [Some] programmers forget radio is supposed to be fun. We get lost in the mechanics rather than having a good time. Listeners can pick up on whether or not your station is a fun place to be.”

As much as Bailey enjoys programming, the most fun aspect of his job is still being on the air. “There’s no question about it,” he proclaims. “Trust me – the programming side of me is always there [because] you can’t shut off that side of your brain. I know it’s a business [but] it’s playtime when I go into the studio. I’ve always wanted to be an air personality and to make people smile. The ability to communicate, have fun and make a difference is the WHO: Bill Bailey greatest challenge.” WHAT: Program Director-Afternoon Drive Talent WHERE: Regent AC WLHT/Grand Rapids It subsequently also carries the greatest meaning for him. “It’s (Also PD of co-owned AC WTRV and Oldies WFGR) [very satisfying] to be able to say something in eight seconds that will make people think,” Bailey comments. “You’re always looking to be better, [play] the right song, [do] the best contest/promotion and reach out to the community. A creative atmosphere has to be nurtured and requires concentration to keep out negative elements. You have to create an atmosphere where people are happy to come Published by INSIDE RADIO.com Monday, November 20, 2006. Written by Personality Editor, Mike Kinosian for INSIDE RADIO and M Street Corp. All to work.” rights reserved. No alterations to the content of this story are permitted.

INSIDE RADIO Personality Interviews by MIKE KINOSIAN — Sponsored by ASCAP