CAROLYN STONE
Assistant Program Director &
Air Personality
106.5 The Zone
(Toledo, OH)

Carolyn Stone has one of the most coveted jobs in radio. After all, no matter how fleeting, just about anyone who listens to the radio wishes they were in control of the playlist at one time or another.

Of course, selecting what songs get played -- and how often -- isn't as simple as it might seem. As the Assistant Program Director/Music Director (APD/MD) for Toledo's alternative rock station 106.5 The Zone, Carolyn's job is to attract and keep listeners. Therefore, her choices must be based on the station's overall sound (format), listener response (research) and nationwide popularity (ratings & record sales). In other words, listeners have a lot more say than they think.

Adding to the dilemma is the limited size of the playlist. On a given week, there may be only one slot available, two or three viable songs to choose between, and a parade of record reps vying for the position. While this is Carolyn's first job as a music director, having assisted with music at a rock station as large as WRIF the past several years has provided her with an invaluable reference point and view from the top.

In addition to her role as APD/MD, Carolyn has also taken on the high profile mid-day air shift at The Zone (10am-3pm). Toledo residents take note: Song requests are best made during the All Request Lunch Zone at noon each day. It may not wind up on the air, but rest assured the right person will hear it.

What advice would you give to females starting out in radio?
I think the gender issues would be the same as they are in any industry, especially in this day and age. I've found that by striving to become a valuable employee (for example, learning as many different elements in your profession as you can and putting out 100% effort) you can never go wrong.

What have been some of the highlights of your career?
Getting my first job three weeks after graduation from Specs; meeting Aerosmith; getting hired at the Riff; bringing bands up on-stage at sold-out venues like the DTE Energy Music Theatre.

Who is the person who influenced you the most?
Personally: My father. He taught me by example what a good work ethic is, and about what's really important in life. Professionally: Doug Podell. He taught me how to really "work" the crowd at gigs and to fine tune my on-air delivery.

What do you consider the largest challenge in radio today?
I have to refer back to the first question for this one... it's so important now to learn how to wear more than one cap in radio. Be a DJ and a production director. Be a DJ and a music director, or salesperson, or promotions person. The more you know, the more valuable you are. It's so much easier to get a better gig or maintain the one you've got with multiple skills.

Links to MORE about Carolyn Stone:

106.5 The Zone
(radio station's web site)