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This article was featured in the Democrat and Chronicle:
Playing second base for the New York Mets had been the extent of Tariq Spence's career plans until he came to grips with his less-than-impressive swing. His mother pointed him in the direction of radio. Talking had always been his stronger suit. It was a perfect match for Spence, who became known as DJ Lord Tariq in the college clubs.
What do you do?
I am the morning show host and music director for WDKX-FM (103.9).
What kinds of challenges did you face early on?
About two years in at the station, they asked me to host the show, The Watercooler. They gave me the keys to the car as I like to call it, it was shiny new Aston Martin, and I didn't want to be the one to crash it. Sometimes the topics are so tough and hard to talk about, I end up taking it home with me. But thanks to the people that I've worked with over the last nine years, this show has gotten better.
What are the industry challenges?
Staying on top of all the things happening in the city, county, state, country and the world. It's not about just finding out the problem, but figuring out what can be done to make things better. Leading on-air discussions on violence, the economy and education brings the community closer together to solve these issues.
The radio industry is facing a lot of cutbacks and it's hard for some of my friends in the business right now. That's why I appreciate WDKX and the Langstons for being a locally owned business.
As a radio host, what does a typical day look like for you?
I get up around 3:30 a.m., get to the station around 4:30 a.m., read the top stories of the day, check e-mail and voice mail and then talk to the rest of the team when they get in about what's going on. Then we go on the air from 5:30 to 10 a.m. After the show, I book guests for upcoming shows and leave the station around 12:30 p.m. Then it's off to job No. 1: Dad.
What sort of the things are you proud of?
There are a few things both professionally and personally I am proud of, like helping to organize and pack food and clothes for victims of Hurricane Katrina, playing Santa Claus for kids at Christmas, playing bingo with citizens at the senior center, talking to students at schools and taking superstars like Bow Wow and Sean Kingston to schools to speak to the kids.
On the professional front: hosting forums on race at RCTV, education at WXXI, and violence with City Councilman Adam McFadden, and political coverage on both WDKX and WXXI. Evolution of The Watercooler as the most informative hour in our programming.
What would you redo about your career choices?
Not too much. I've made a lot of mistakes over the years, but you get better after you make them. If anything, I wish I wasn't so worried about making mistakes. Didn't want to crash the Aston Martin.
Who were some of your mentors?
I listen to the wise men and women that I've met in my lifetime and I try and to duplicate their successes. With that said, I took a lot from one of my coaches, Warren Kozireski at Brockport's WBSU-FM (89.1). He saw the radio fire in me and kept giving me the tools to get better. My professor, Carvin Eison, was another person who motivated me. He never stopped telling me how far I had come in my progress, and how far I could go. At the professional level, Andre Marcel, WDKX program director, pushed me to a whole new level in my career. He had faith in me and trusted me to run part of his family's business. No one has ever given me that much responsibility.
What do you see in your future?
I have always loved sports, so I'm working on going in that direction. Maybe TV. In college, I loved radio and hated TV. Now, I wish I paid more attention in TV productions class.
How do you balance work life?
I like to play softball, go snowboarding, watch movies and be with my children.
What's your advice for other young professionals?
Intern. Study your craft and find people who are willing to teach you the ropes. Don't forget to ask questions!
Check out the video here:
DJWALLAC@DemocratandChronicle.com
