Priya B. and I met in LA for the Baggage Claim junket a few years ago. She and I have a mutual connection; her program director was my operations manger (George Cook).
That was pretty much all we talked about but since then, I followed her career on K104 in Dallas.
She’s the midday chick who holds in down in the “Big D” and has been for some time now.
Priya B. is “the voice” not only for her people (you’ll find out her ethic background in her interview) but she also represents the city of Dallas, the youth, women, minorities, and radio chicks (and aspiring) from everywhere who want to live out their dreams of dominating the world over the airwaves! You doin’ it baby girl!
Whenever you’re driving through Dallas, make sure you check her out!
Priya B., Dallas/KKDA-FM/10a-3p M-S
How long have you been in the radio business? I started in radio in 2001 through an internship. From there, I have jumped from Houston, Orlando, and now Dallas/Ft. Worth.
How long were you in the television business? When I did radio in Orlando, I did work with an Afro-Centric Entertainment Show. It was fun learning about the many countries’ diverse musical background. That came to a close when I decided to move to Dallas to start my journey at K-104
(Priya B and Mary J. Blige)
What is more enjoyable/different? They are both intriguing, but different. Hosting a tv show, you have to be concerned with both visual and audio. I constantly blinked on camera, but it was my first experience with it.
What is your ethnic background?
I am Indian by way of my parents and American by way of birth.
Does your ethnicity give you an advantage or disadvantage to becoming successful or obtaining “favor” in the media industry? Being a minority woman, you do have to put in more work to become successful in the media industry.
(Priya B. and rapper T.I.)
Do you find yourself being the “voice” of your culture in Dallas? If so, can you explain?
I’m a “voice” in the Dallas area, but I wouldn’t say of my culture. When your live in an area that is a melting pot of different cultures, you learn about them, but essentially focus on the fact that we are all human at the end of the day. Personalities and intellect intrigue me more than a person’s background or race.
Are there other women of your ethnic background in radio/television dominating their markets? If so, who are they and what is it that makes them so inspiring? The one woman who comes to mind is Mindy Kaling. Her TV show has me glued in every week. She has worked on the Office, SNL, and movies. She shows that a minority woman can write, produce, and star in her own show on Network TV. Any minority woman can view this as inspirational.
Would you say it’s hard to work with/for women in radio than it is to work with/for men? I think each person is different and unique in his/her way. I wouldn’t base it on gender.
What do you think is the most challenging being a talent in your career? Playing the ratings game. Naturally the more ratings a station has, the more revenue it brings in. That is why a radio station has to have key players in each department. I am very blessed to be working with a team of stars at every level.
Did you (or do you) have a mentor in radio? If so, who are they and what have they helped you on in reference to your career? Anyone who says they didn’t have key individuals that helped give them game or helped hone their craft would be wrong. Even the people who were hard to get along can help teach you to be better at your career.
However, to name specific people that were positive in my career were J-Tweezy, Phil Becker, and currently Geo Cook. J-Tweezy was key in helping me filter my thoughts and ideas when presenting them to management. Phil Becker really made me understand that the talent you are on the mic is the same one off the mic. He really helped sharpen my craft in the beginning.
Geo Cook has taking the reigns on molding my on-air presence and constantly motivates me to get better. He challenges me to think and be different.
What was it about radio that struck your interest? The number one reason is because I love music. It transformed into connecting with the listener and providing an escape for them.
What makes a good radio talent? The number one thing is knowing the music of your station. That helps with artist info, teases, and entertainment. Our main objective is to entertain and engage our listeners. Relating and connecting to the listeners makes you more memorable.
How do you respond to women in the media who become out of touch from those trying to reach that particular level of success? I can’t speak for everyone, but I try to give advice to folks who are interested in advancement in this industry. However, I need to see passion and work ethic in order for me to show the effort as a mentor in radio.
What genre of music do you like to listen to the most and why? I’m a hip hop kid so that is always my goto regardless of what mood I’m in. However, I do love all kinds of music. For me to connect with an artist I need to be able to relate to the feeling of the song.
What is your LET IT GO song? (one that you would absolutely lose your mind listening to)
This is a difficult question. It really honestly depends on my mood and what emotions I’m feeling at the current moment. I love checking out new music. So I am definitely an iTunes fiend.
You’ve interviewed a lot of celebrities, was there ever a time you had an uncomfortable celebrity interview where it went terribly wrong? Describe. Not all interviews are a home run, but I really don’t feel it necessary to call them out. But I definitely have had more than a few. You are dealing with humans that deal with day to day things like a regular Joe. They are just in the spotlight.
Who was the best celebrity encounter and why? Meeting LL Cool J because it happened in the very beginning of my career and I had the biggest crush on him. Omg them lips though!
What’s the biggest misconception about you? That I am a bit of a loner and become social when it is radio-related. I guess the biggest thing is when someone puts their.
Why don’t people get about music when it comes to radio? Energy into making a song and expecting it to automatically be added to the playlist. That doesn’t happen.
Who do you most admire in the radio industry and why? There are so many to name. But the ones who stick out are the ones who created a legacy in this industry such as Tom Joyner, Howard Stern, Larry king, etc.
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? “Don’t be wallpaper, be a work of art!”
What’s the biggest misconception about women in radio? That women can’t get along in the workplace. I have and am working with some of the greatest women in this industry.
Where do you see urban radio in the next 10-15 years? I’m not much for labels, but commercial radio stations will just have to expand their brand and utilize every platform of the media world.
What do you think is wrong, if you do, with hip hop and R&B?
I really don’t think there is anything wrong with the genres at all.. There are great artists on both sides, but some get played more than others on commercial radio stations.
Who do you think is the most under-appreciated artist out there right now? There Are a few: Big Sean, B.o.B, The Weeknd … But I wouldn’t say they are “under-appreciated” I just think they thrive in different avenues more than on commercial radio.
Who’s in your iPod/radar?
I think the better question is who isn’t… I have everything from Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, UGK, Outlast, Kanye, to The Eagles. I’m very diverse, but Hip Hop holds the most slots in the catalogs.
What do you want your legacy to be? That is a very difficult question. As I learn more and more about myself, I think that path will be more defined.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to be a radio personality, what would you say?
Be prepared to move if need be. It is the nomad lifestyle!
Biggest regret is….
I don’t believe in regrets. Everything that has happened was for a reason and I learned from it all through the good and bad.
How can people reach out to you?
Twitter: @therealpriyab
IG: @therealpriyab
FB: Priya Bee
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown
FAN ME ON FACEBOOK @MsKiKiBrown
Read more about some down-to-earth, down south radio chicks:
ThisRadioChickRocks 
I had the honor of working with briB in Orlando. She was awesome and I will always miss her. Brett
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