10 Questions with ... Zack Williams

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started working in radio in 2002 at WKBI AM/FM in St Marys, PA. I was training part-time when the night jock just no-showed and was handed the 6p-10p slot, and stayed there for 6 years. Moved to Pittsburgh not for radio and ended up winning a contest that won me an airshift on the legendary B94 (version 2) in 2008, which turned into a permanent part-time gig. When the second incarnation of B94 was killed, I took over 7p-Midnight down the hall on 100.7 STAR. Made a move to Myrtle Beach, again not for radio, and got my foot in the door at WMYB when it was STAR 92.1 and have been here for 11 years now, spending the last 7 in afternoon drive on ENERGY 92.1.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

I was working in a pizza shop at the time, going to school for broadcasting when I heard a commercial on B94 WKBI in St Marys, PA looking for part-time on-air jocks, who they would train. I applied and the PD at the time, Nancy Kelley, told me she had to hire me or call the police because my roughly made demo knew everything about the station. I did everything from on-air, to sales, to live events, to traffic, billing, production, you name it, I did it. I look back and am grateful for having to do everything because it's helped me every day since.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I had always wanted to be in radio. I grew up listening to it, and like some others, had stereos set up in my bedroom, that allowed me to pretend I was on the radio, mic, crossfading songs, etc. Before the computer did it all.

3. You still get to rock the mic every day on your afternoon show. What is that part of your day like for you?

It's great. I love it, when I get to stop looking at MusicMaster for a few hours, it's fantastic, especially when you can get the listeners involved, either on the text line, socials or the phones. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth, but it's a challenge I enjoy.

4. Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

Honestly, P!nk. I absolutely adore P!nk. I want her to be my friend. haha

5. You're on the air and programming in a great city, that's also a destination. What's it like for you to live and work in such an amazing place?

Myrtle Beach is an interesting place. The locals tend to stay as far away from the tourist traps as possible, and the visitors flock to them. It makes it fun though, because you get to interact with the locals and always have an opportunity to meet people from everywhere. You always think, I'll move to the beach and it'll be great to sit on the beach all the time…I've been to the beach maybe twice in the last 2 years.

6. How do Jared & Katie's morning show kick start the rest of the station's broadcast day?

They are entertaining. They're stupid, but they're also deep. They are real. They can go from talking about poop or Jason Goodman's BH (if you listen you know) to something serious happening in the personal life. The show has been picking up steam and listeners are connecting with it! It makes for a good jumping off point.

7. "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

We are out as much as possible. Any events that we can get involved in - we're there. We're partnered with the local Pride organization for their events, hospitals for breast cancer events, Down Syndrome Society, all kinds of local organizations, and we create our own events, like our cluster wide Poochamania, which is attended by thousands of locals every year. This year we launched our first 2nd Chance Prom on the Barefoot Queen Riverboat and it was amazing the response we received.

8. How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z audience?

Be local, be personality driven, and be and go where they are. Don't have someone who is in Los Angeles talking to someone in Myrtle Beach. Talent is not easy to find and cultivate, but if you can do it, do it. Train people, coach them. There are some college kids who are interested and have what it takes, if you take time to coach them.

9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?

I grew up in the middle of nowhere PA and there weren't any Top 40 stations where I lived, so I struggled, but made it work, I listened to Power 92 (Power 99.1) in Johnstown but my favorite was when I could listen to B94 from Pittsburgh. Bender, Adam Bomb, and of course JohnDaveBubbaShelley

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

I have to give it up to Cory "Kobe" Fargo, he gave me a shot in Pittsburgh and I'll tell you, B94 is a big one to have on the resume. Learning from the staff at B94 (v2) was priceless. I also have to say, my now interim GM/OM, Charlie Steele. Over the last several years, he's helped me take the next step forward.

With the venue of choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 6 acts would you pull together to throw a massive listener concert?

Obviously you have to go with Taylor Swift, throw in a little Lil Nas X, Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, Lizzo and then the ultimate would be if you could put them back together… NSYNC…gotta have that throwback excitement.