10 Questions with ... Lisa Allen

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started in the Florida Keys at WFFG-AM, then moved to WRBA/Panama City, WIRK/West Palm Beach and then part-time in Miami (my hometown ) at WKIS. I really wanted to program and didn't see it ever happening in South Florida, so I took a PD position at WEBB/Augusta, ME, then programmed KCLR/Columbia, MO, WFRE/Frederick, MD, and WCYK/Charlottesville. When I was laid off from WCYK I had my mother living with me and wanted to stay close to family in the DC area so I took an available on-air position with Saga in Charlottesville at WQMZ. After 6 years Saga acquired another signal and I launched a new country station, WCVL, as PD. Unfortunately that didn't work out well, so after 7 years with the company I left to work in insurance for 3 ½ years. I came back here part-time to voice track a couple of the stations in the building, then afternoons opened again on Z and they asked me if I was interested. I took it, the PD left 2 months later and I became the PD.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

It was surreal – the station was on an island by itself in the Florida Keys just off Marathon. We didn't have any fresh running water but we did have electricity (most of the time). It was very small market, full-service community radio and you had to be on your toes with all the backtiming to network programming. It paid poverty wages, but I had a great fresh seafood connection!

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I really loved music and wanted to do something involving music, but I knew I didn't have the talent to be a stage performer. I was pursuing a business degree, and became friendly with someone who worked on-air who suggested the radio broadcasting program at the Miami-Dade County technical school. I went to meet with the instructor, Uncle Bob, and decided to pursue a radio career.

3. Last year you returned to a place you'd called home for 7 years. Now you're in the PD chair and once again doing afternoons. What was that whole process like for you?

I had been in radio for 34 years when I walked away, so I am glad I had the opportunity to prove to myself that my skills could transfer to something else and I could have some success outside of this industry. When I got the opportunity to come back here in 2021, morale was low in the building thanks to Covid related job eliminations. Shortly after I came back, the morning team and the long-time PD of 25 years resigned from WQMZ, so it's been a year of rebuilding. Luckily, we've assembled a team of enthusiastic, talented and caring people, some new and others returning like me, who have really pumped a lot of energy into this cluster. Admittedly, after listening to this station for 13 years in this town including the 6 years I was on the air staff, it's been fun to implement my own ideas.

4. No two stations in the format really sound the same these days. How do you know when a "current" is ready for the station?

Sometimes, I'm really shocked by which currents actually become hits in this format, i.e. "Heatwaves" or "Stay." If an artist like Adele puts something new out, I'll jump on it because everyone is talking about it. Otherwise, I'll wait until the record has achieved some degree of familiarity in the market through airplay on CHR, AAA or Country.

5. What is it like for you to still be able to hit the studio every day and do your show?

It's truly an honor to come in here everyday and be invited to be a part our listeners' everyday routines.

6. Who would be a "dream guest" to have sit in with you on your show?

Tom Hanks – he's one of the biggest stars in the world, but seems like such a regular guy.

7. The time for all-holiday music is looming. What makes programming 'the most wonderful time of the year' special for you and the station?

The holidays are all about nostalgia, fun memories (or in some cases, crappy memories that you can laugh about years later), and family. I try to convey that with the imaging, and also invite those spending the holidays alone to be a part of our radio family.

8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Be flexible. This business throws a lot of curve balls.

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

I grew up listening to WQAM/Miami (later worked there as a board op while I was in school). I also listened to Country WWOK, Y100 with Bill Tanner and WAXY-FM.

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

I learned a lot working with Scott Lindy in the Clear Channel days in DC/Baltimore, Jim Leven when he owned Pilot Communications, Bob McKay at WKIS and Steve Goldstein here at Saga. Consultant Joel Raab probably taught me the most about programming and helped me find jobs quite a few times.

Charlottesville is an amazing city. What would you make sure that first time visitors had to see?

I don't do any hiking, but a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive is a must! Also, check out Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, and UVA grounds. And definitely visit a few wineries, especially King Family Vineyards which has Polo matches in the summer.