10 Questions with ... Mason "M-Dub" Whitman

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've been with Zimmer Radio now for over 11 years. Full Time on KSYN for the last 7 years. I started doing the evenings and as of this fall am now Program Director and host afternoon drive.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

I would describe it as awesome and amazing since I'm still working it. Zimmer is the first "real" job and only radio job I've ever had.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I was always interested in media and sports. A friend who worked at Zimmer at the time told me they needed part-time board operators. I had just graduated High School that summer and was starting college and needed to get some kind of job so I thought it was a great opportunity. I started board op-ing high school football and college football and basketball games. I eventually got on the air on our Country station doing weekend overnights. About a year after that, I got on to Kissin, covering Sunday afternoons and it's where I've been ever since.

3. In addition to programming Kissin', you also do afternoons. What's it like for you to still be able to be on the air every day?

It's awesome to still be able to put together and deliver a live afternoon drive show every day. I think I might go crazy if I didn't still have the opportunity to be on the air talking about music and pop culture and interacting with listeners.

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

That's a tough one. Probably Kendrick Lamar for no other reason than the fact that he's my favorite artist and I'd probably be in shock the entire time.

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

We stay busy attending as my different local parades as we can. We visit different local events throughout the spring and summertime in our market. What better way to connect with your local community than visiting with our listeners literally on the streets?

6. What would you say to the naysayers that insist that radio is a "dying" industry?

I would say that they are very wrong. Radio is still one of the most effective forms of communication and best ways to get your message out to a wide audience. I see it in the feedback we receive from our clients and listeners.

7. How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z and Generation Alpha audiences?

Expand our brand reach to alternate forms of media consumption (TikTok, reels, podcasting etc.) and make sure our message is short, precise and engaging.

8. What was the first concert that you ever attended?

Believe it or not I think was a Sawyer Brown Christmas concert when I was about 9 or 10 years old.

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

Honestly, I listened to a lot of Kissin 92.5 as a kid. I always enjoyed Kraus in the house (who I eventually hired me to do evenings on Kissin) and Snacks.

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

Steve Kraus and Cody Glaser were people I learned a lot about the radio business and top 40 radio from. I don't know if anyone in particular has influenced my career. I've always just taken traits that I liked from people that I thought were really good at their craft and tried to adapt them to my career as a jock.

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?

I'll go with Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. You get a nice variety that everyone can enjoy.