If you've been around Black radio for the last 40 years (sorry Jerry!), you know the Doctor. A frequent speaker at conventions and a must on urban panels, Boulding has programmed 16 radio stations in markets that include New York, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Richmond and Rochester, N.Y. He's worked on the air, as production director and as PD, as well as a consultant. Among his many accomplishments, Boulding developed "Heart & Soul," the first urban format for satellite delivery, produced "Kickin' It At Christmas" (THE Black Christmas song countdown show), he ran the Black division of MCA Records, co-founded BRE, founded Urban Network magazine and served as Sr. VP/Entertainment Programming for American Urban Radio Networks (AURN). Currently, Boulding is the urban/urban AC editor for All Access.com. He also heads his own consultancy, which specializes in Arbitron diary analyses.

Star - Looking back on this year, what were some of the highlights for urban radio and what were some of the lowlights?
The Doctor - Some of the highlights include the moves that Radio One made to acquire controlling interest of Reach Media, and as a result in markets where they compete with Clear Channel... they were able to put "The Tom Joyner Show" on. Clear Channel responded by hitching up with Steve Harvey, which was a significant move from them and WBLS in New York. It will be interesting to see how this whole things plays out. The low light was the ongoing payola situation. It affected not just urban radio - it will affect the

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And be prepared if you are in a smaller market to lead life rather than let life lead you.

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independent promoters that provide a valuable service to the independent labels. For many indie labels, there is no other choice.

Star - You talk to programmers in volume every week. First, are play lists getting smaller or more limited? And second, what are some of the biggest complaints you've heard from urban programmers?
The Doctor - I don't think they are necessarily getting smaller, I just think urban radio is being more selective. They are doing so because group ownership has provided additional tools, such as research. It can be a good thing. A small station that is in Jackson, Mississippi, that is attached to a big company now has access to better information. The downside to that is that same programmer may not use his or her ear and depend totally on research. There has to be a balance of research, instinct and market knowledge, which will come from getting out there and knowing your listeners. The biggest complaint that I hear is that major labels, even some smaller labels, make every record a priority. If every record is a priority, then radio stations are forced to make decisions based on their needs... that means labels don't pay attention to tempo. For example, if an urban AC station is ballad heavy, the labels don't see there is a reason why the station can't always jump on their priorities.

Star - There are more options for radio in terms of syndication and in some day parts not formerly covered, such as Michael Baisden turning up afternoon drive. What advice would you give personalities in radio to help them keep and secure their positions?
The Doctor - Always remember in show business, there is no security. You have to be prepared to move. Air check every day. And be prepared if you are in a smaller market to lead life rather than let life lead you.

Star - OK. Let's talk about programmers. The competition is as hot