Dickerman of WJRR 101.1 - A Journey of Creating Longevity in Traditional Radio, Overcoming Challenges of Technology, and Creating Opportunities and Community

This episode features our first guest from the world of radio, which is still one of the most important platforms to break new talent into the main stream. Dickerman is a radio personality, content manager, and social media manager for WJRR 101.1 in Orlando, FL. In this conversation we talk about Dickerman’s journey in radio, how his role has changed, opportunities and challenges with radio, and how he’s been able to not only build a 21 year long career in radio, but with the same station. He shares stories from when he used to work with Larry the Cable Guy, his favorite Earthday Birthday moments, and much more.

Highlights from Episode
Our first Meeting (5:30)
Stories of Larry the Cable Guy (7:55)
First time Dickerman called into Radio (13:15)
Journey of how Dickerman got started in Radio (15:15)
How would someone get into radio today? (18:42)
What the day to day in the life of Dickerman, and all the roles he takes on (22:22)
How have things changed from the rebranding from Clear Channel to iHeart Media (26:25)
His role in the Earthday Birthday Music Festival and Band Selection Process (29:56)
Favorite Earthday Birthday Music Festival moments (33:29)
The Future of Radio (36:21)
How do you build longevity as a radio personality? (39:49)
How to improve your skills as a radio host / personality, and interviewing people (41:18)
Pros/Cons working for a major radio station versus an independent station (46:44)
How does music get selected for radio? (50:18)
How can a band that’s not on a major label or big indie get their music on radio? (52:51)
Opportunities that radio can create for a career in the music business (58:05)
Facebook Question by Leslie Heindel – Do you have a go to question when an interview is going poorly? (1:01:15)
Facebook Question by Sergio Lugo – Do you feel you (or any radio personality) have an influence on the music industry? (1:02:12)
Why do radio stations play the same songs so often? (1:04:07)
Habits and Routines for Dickerman (1:05:55)
Dickerman’s Mentors (1:15:14)
What message would he put on a shirt that he could give out to every person at Earthday Birthday? (1:16:38)

Quotes from Dickerman
“Have a backup plan, have something else you can do”
“The key in this business is to get up and move around”
“It’s important that radio remembers the local element”
“The thing with radio is that community is real”
“Keep it local, topical, and like you’re talking to a friend”
“The best critic is you, as long as you’re honest with yourself”
“The pros of working for radio is that I get to talk for a living”
“Radio is a cool business to work in”
“You have to stay relevant, but also age yourself as your audience ages”
“The labels and your representation helps”
“This business is all about who you know, and who’s going to open that door for you”
“You got to get to know people, and not doing it in an annoying way”
“It’s about finding that breakthrough for your artist”
“Stay on top of things, and don’t fall behind”
“You have to be able to communicate”
“Keep Rock Music Alive”