Five Questions with radio Program Manager Bill Halman
Interview and photo by Jason Setnyk
Cornwall, Ontario – Bill Halman has been living in Cornwall for nearly 12 years and moved here from Alberta, where he previously worked in radio for six years. Bill started at Corus Entertainment in Cornwall as the afternoon host on CJSS and is now the Program Manager of both 104.5 Fresh Radio and Boom 101.9, as well as co-host of the Boom Breakfast with Dan Allaire. Bill, his wife, Kristin Davey, and their three kids, Jack, Delilah, and Persephone also own and run the Happy Popcorn Co. in Downtown Cornwall.
Five Questions with The Seeker
1 – Can you discuss your background and how you got into radio broadcasting?
“After a decade of working for corporate audio-visual companies, I wanted to do work with more creativity, so I went back to school and took Radio Broadcasting at Loyalist College in Belleville. I wanted to try it as it was one of my options in high school that a Guidance Councilor had recommended. After graduating, at the age of 32, I found work out west in Alberta and Yukon. After six years, I wanted to experience more of a management role. I ended up in Cornwall, where I was trained to help manage the radio stations alongside some very talented people. I’ve been in my roles as Program Manager and Morning Show Co-Host for nearly nine years now.”
2 – How do you prepare for your shows and choose the music you play?
“Truthfully, Dan does the lion’s share of prep for the show; however, we communicate on a daily basis when it comes to show topics. Our vision for the show has always been to keep things light and comedic as much as possible. We really want to help our listeners be in a good mood to start the day. That philosophy is the basis of everything we chat about on air. As for the music, Corus does music surveys several times a year with test audiences to see which artists and songs resonate with them. Those songs then make up our library of daily music. We are able to throw a couple of tunes here, and there that might be referred to as “Hidden Gems” when we can to throw some “Spice” into the show.”
3 – How do you interact with listeners and build a relationship with your audience?
“I’ve learned over the years that the best way to do this is to get out into the community and be a presence wherever and whenever I can. Along with fundraisers for different charities I help with through the radio station, I volunteer with several organizations in one way or another, which helps get my face out in the public on a regular basis. For example, I sit on the Board of Directors of the York Centre and recently hosted the Cornwall Community Hospital’s Dancing with the CCH Stars. These events and organizations allow me to meet and see radio listeners on the regular and help me keep a pulse on the community. It’s also a great way to help my listeners also know what’s going on in the community so they feel informed as well as entertained.”
4 – Can you discuss how technology has impacted radio broadcasting and how you’ve adapted to these changes?
“Technology has existed for many years that allows a Broadcaster to record a radio show in practically anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world and that has impacted many jobs in radio over the last several years. The reason I wanted to get into management when I moved to Cornwall was to have more skills that would make me invaluable to a company like Corus Entertainment and make it so that it would be tough to replace me despite technological advances. Along with my skills as an On-Air Personality and my 12 years in Cornwall, I’d say that strategy has worked fairly well.”
5 – How do you envision the future of radio, and what role do you see yourself playing in it?
“The future of radio is bright. As long as it remembers that to appeal to the largest audience possible, it must remain local. Radio still entertains and informs listeners as it always has, but if the ability to talk to the audience about what’s happening here at home diminishes, radio could lose its appeal quickly. I’d like to continue on the air as long as the listeners want me. I enjoy starting my day across from Dan and sharing some laughs with him and the audience. But I will also relish in the ability to train my successor in management (and on air) as the future of radio lies with the youth in this industry. If we willingly hand over the reins and let them run with them, I believe they can take radio into places it never imagined it could go. I am always soothed by the words of the band Queen in their mega-hit “Radio Gaga,” You’ve yet to have your finest hour, radio.”
