Daniel Greene

  Daniel Greene is a 2005 Radio Department graduate of Columbia College. Like many of our students, Daniel transferred to Columbia specifically for radio. His stay at Columbia included two internships and a stint at the school radio station, WCRX 88.1 FM. Most importantly, he never limited himself to just "on-air." He took talent/production courses as well as several courses in the business of Radio. Currently, Daniel is a morning show co-host at KKBS in Oklahoma. Here is Daniel's story thus far.

1. It has been a whirlwind six months for you. Can you fill us in on what has been happening?

After leaving Next Media I took a job doing promotions for a bowling alley and night club, but I wasn't happy. I missed being on-air and the Radio lifestyle, so I searched for four and a half months to find a FT on-air position. I would send out between five and ten demo's a day, most of the time getting no responses. But I didn't let that affect me. I kept sending out demos EVERYWHERE!

2. How do you like Oklahoma thus far?

There isn't much to do around here but I have had a lot of firsts here, such as going to a rodeo, shooting skeet, demo derbies, motor cross events, just to name a few. The people at my station have been great, and have introduced me to plenty of great people, and I really enjoy being here and meeting fans.

3. While a student at Columbia College you always had a knack for writing. What sticks out for you about your stint on the school station, WCRX 88.1 FM?

I would have to say learning the ins and outs of writing news, and my progression from my first news cast to my last. I will be the first one to admit that I sucked at first, but with the help of Mrs. Langston I made great strides in writing and reading the news.

4. Your internship with Next Media wound up turning into a job.  Looking back on your experiences, what made the internship a valuable tool for your future endeavors?

Well I received a lot real life experience, which was great. I was hired two weeks into my internship, and a few months later I was covering overnights when the automation would go down, and was named Asst. Promotions Director. I learned a lot about the corporate side of radio and was given chances that I wouldn't have been given in Chicago.

5. The Clear Channel News internship gave you exposure to many sides of radio. When you look at your current position, are there things that have carried over from that internship?

That internship was great because it helped me decide what direction I wanted to go in Radio, which was doing mornings and not news. So it took me to where I am today.

6. Before obtaining this position you had several jobs outside of the industry. What kept you motivated during your search?

I was making better money outside of radio, but I really missed the lifestyle and the rush of being on-air. I was looking for a radio job for four and a half months until I found one that I would like. I was up for doing anything and going anywhere to get my start. I remember many teachers told me that you have to get your start somewhere and you will get more chances in a small market. So here I am today.

7. What classes or instructors really stoked your passion for radio when you were at Columbia?

There were so many: Production, influenced my creative side; Sue Smiley helped me to get show prep down and showed me how to back up my opinions in debate with valid points; and Beth Hannon, who with whom I still keep in contact, gave me the confidence to be where I am today. Every teacher I had at Columbia showed me tricks to being the best I could be, such as Burt Burdeen, Cheryl Rae-Stout, and so on.


8. What advice would you give to a radio student embarking on his or her first gig outside of Chicago?

It can get lonesome away from home, but have no fear. The telephone, internet, and cards should be your best friends. I still keep in touch with many people I met at Columbia. You have to get your start somewhere and have fun doing it. There is always time to visit back home and, who knows, you might be working there in a few years. Keep positive and learn everything. Those are the things that will make you successful in Radio.