10 Questions with ... Ron Harrell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Chief of Programming, Hope Media Group, Houston/Network 2022-2023

Vice President, Brand and Content WayFM Network 2021-2022

Brand/Content Director, 106.9 KRWM Brand/Content Director, 106.9 KRWM, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., Seattle, WA 2016-2020

Director of Music Programming, 103.7 KVIL / 98.7 KLUV / 100.3 KJKK / 107.5 KMVK Director of Music Programming, 103.7 KVIL / 98.7 KLUV / 100.3 KJKK / 107.5 KMVK, CBS Radio, Dallas, TX 2012-2015

Regional Operations Manager/Program Director, 96.3 WDVD / 93.1 WDRQ / 760 WJR, Detroit, MI 2004-2012

1. How in the world did you even get into radio?

My father was a preacher. When we lived in the New Orleans market, he rotated Sunday morning radio time with other preachers/pastors. He challenged me to prepare a five-minute speech to deliver live on the air when I was 10 years old. After that experience, I started creating mock radio programs with my neighborhood friends. We moved to Missouri, and I got my first weekend radio gig on KCRV when I was 15 years old. Conclusion: I give my father the credit for introducing me to this powerful medium.

2. What's one thing you wish you had known about radio when you first started?

The fine line between hobby and career.

3. How has God pulled you out of your comfort zone?

I have the gift of managing confusion and adapting to change. Maybe I'm subconsciously attracted to those situations. However, I wonder if He's trying to teach me something. One day I'll know. Right now, I enjoy the dance. Pivot!

4. Some great advice you recently received is…

We endure months of misery to avoid 24 hours of pain. (Used in the context of avoiding tough decisions)

5. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?

I'll go broad. People who work at the Apple Store. I'm continually amazed at how much they want me to have a good experience in their store. From Detroit to Dallas to Seattle to Nashville, I've never had a negative experience. They are evangelists for their products. Radio and Digital Street Teams need to give our audiences the same experience.

6. What's one thing you try to do when life gets hard?

Read Ecclesiastes. Read it when life is smooth, too. Balanced perspective.

7. What's something about you that would surprise most people?

When it comes to watching a TV/Film series, I'm good for one episode at-a-time. I'm not a binger. My wife rolls her eyes at my weakness.

8. What's your go to song when the windows are down and you're driving on the highway? "

"Whatcha See Is What You Get" - The Dramatics

9. In three words describe your ideal vacation.

With.My.Wife.

10. Tell us one thing that you bought recently that WASN'T on your grocery list.

Bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos. This is why I shop with a list.