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| An Interview With: Alice Bayliss by Steve Southwick (Editors note: Steve Southwick was the appropriate choice to interview Alice Bayliss. He has been with KSMA and SUNNY COUNTRY for 24 years and associated with Bayliss Broadcasting since 1980. He is the recipient of 2 Golden Mike Awards for Best Newscast in Northern and Southern California. This article was written in collaboration with Linda Smith, Office Manager, Bayliss Broadcasting Co., Inc.) March, 1994 - Alice, I know that you and your husband, John, purchased the stations in Santa Maria in 1980, but when did you take over the management reins? Even though we purchased the stations in 1980 we did not move to Santa Maria until 1984. Tragically only two weeks after I arrived to join John in Santa Maria, we had a head-on accident in San Luis Obispo that caused the death of my husband. I was seriously injured and unable to assume the responsibilities of ownership. During my long recuperation my three sons, John, Jim and Joe literally put their own lives on hold, moved to Santa Maria and took over the management of the stations. It would have been impossible to have succeeded without their love, expertise and support. Later I started working half days and gradually, full days. It was a very long and difficult proces. In 1986 I made the decision to plunge into management. Obviously, this was a very painful time both emotionally and physically. Did you ever have any thoughts about not taking on this added responsibility and just sell the stations? No, that was never a consideration for me. I intended to keep the stations. I have a true love for this business, to me it’s a positive addiction. Maybe it is exactly those two things that helped me then and make it all worthwhile today. I did not follow the "traditional" path to ownership and management. I was probably against all odds, and probably illogical by most peoples standards, but I decided to do it anyway. I’m certain others doubted me, but I always responded under my breath…"Watch me". That was eight years ago. Developing a strong support system both internally and externally was paramount. I have been fortunate, the shining stars for me have been Joe and Jean Hagerman. Well, not only did you take over the management of the stations but you also built one of the finest broadcasting establishments on the Central Coast. We were originally located on what is now the parking lot at Mervyns’s. I knew that it was only a matter of time before renovation of that area was going to start. Designing and building the facility was challenging and I credit Jeff Harris, who was with me every step of the way. The objective was to design a building that was functional for business and aesthetically pleasing as well. I believe we accomplished that. The staff feels a great deal of pride and satisfaction in our facility, and we truly enjoy giving tours to our listeners, advertisers and community groups. It is this kind of satisfaction that makes all the difficulties that occurred during the building process melt away. You seem to deal in a great many areas that are dominated by men, owner/operator of the two radio stations and building a state of the art facility. Did you feel that you were treated differently at the time because you were a woman? I grew up in male environment and then had three sons. I was so accustomed to dealing in a man’s world that I never gave it a second thought about entering areas that were male dominated. I don’t remember a time that I was treated differently, but perhaps because I’m usually so focused, I just didn’t take notice. What is your management style? I believe management style is an individual preference influenced and governed by a multitude of factors, not necessarily by gender. My style happens to be a collaborative, inclusive one. I have a very professional, qualified, experienced staff who think well and have ideas of their own…why not tap into all those resources? We each have our strengths and weaknesses. I believe in delegation with accountability, and I am bottom line focused. I have learned to trust my hunches, listen to that inner voice and rely on my instincts. My staff knows that I value their honesty and trust. Do you feel that your stations have a responsibility to the community it serves? Absolutely. It is a requirement of the F.C.C. to operate in the public interest. For us that’s easy, we feel strongly about that as a company. It is important that we be contributing member of our community, this is a responsibility we take seriously and seriously enjoy. There is also a John Bayliss Broadcasting Foundation that was founded by Paul Kagen of Kagen World Media. It has been extremely successful, and since 1985 we have awarded over 100 scholarships to students in over 30 universities nationwide. The goals is to enhance the education of radio students and increase their knowledge and interest in the medium, thus perpetuating the legacy of John Bayliss. KSNI has been a powerhouse in the market for many years. How do you continually stay competitive with the other stations? Radio is a very personal powerful medium; it goes everywhere - home, car, outside, even the shower! We have tried to make our stations feel like a warm wonderful “all purpose friend.” But, SURVIVAL CANNOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED; we live that everyday. I believe that you always sleep with one eye open, but that our focus is always straight ahead. Competition actually strengthens us. What are the benefits and disadvantages of station ownership? Ownership allows me the freedom to live my life in a somewhat unorthodox fashion and that works for me. Because I am alone I have a tendency to pour myself into my work. I have learned that you can lose your objectivity along the way, along with your mind, if you don’t create “balance” in your life. That used to be a problem for me, but I have been working on this resolution over the past four years. I’m getting there. What would you like to say to women who are interested in entering the broadcasting business? The industry offers a multitude of opportunities for women. They have made vast inroads in sales, but all positions are wide open - marketing, promotions, management, talent. It’s possible to go as far as one’s mind and heart dictate. I encourage women to fulfill their dreams no matter what area of business they are looking at. What does the future hold? Goodness knows! We’re a healthy company with a fine staff. Even though we have been in the market for thirteen years, there is still a great deal more to accomplish. NewsCenter 1240 KSMA had made significant growth to where it has become a major play in the news talk format and SUNNY COUNTRY continues to be widely accepted in the community. I can still see major goals to be accomplished and nothing to hold us back. |
| Strictly Business Magazine Copyright 1990-2003 A division of S&S Enterprises, a Floyd Snyder Production. Santa Maria, California. |
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