Industry Spotlight

Dion Summers

by Cassandra Vaughn

As I a sure by now if you have read my Blog one of my favorite and dearest friends in the world is Dion Summers. Dion an executive with XM radio has climbed the humble role to success and has truly touched the lives of so many people. We never realize how much music runs our life until we think about our journey and the songs that have influenced us. What I guess most of us never realize is that there is someone who chooses what song we hear on the radio that influences us. I had the pleasure to sit down with Dion and share with him. In my debut to the Industry Spotlight I hope you enjoy and appreciate the words that this handsome brother has to share.

CaSay: Dion how long have you been in Radio?

Dion: I have been Blessed to be in radio now for 20 years! My first internship was at the former B104, when I was a senior at Poly in 1990. It was a hard-earned internship and one that I know for a fact helped to pave the way for the career that I currently enjoy. Everyday when you're able to do what you love for a living is a huge Blessing and I've always acknowledged that!

CaSay: Was Radio your first love?

Dion: Absolutely! I can remember when I was 12 years old, growing up in East Baltimore, having my own "studio" setup in my room. Ok, it wasn't as much a studio as it was a cassette/record player with a cheap microphone attached - but I still loved it. I would talk over intros of records and record "promos", all out of my little room. Even then I knew that I wanted to do this for a living. I was intrigued by what I call THE ART OF RADIO - being able to coherently deliver a profound message to an open audience. It's magic! And I knew at 12 that was what I wanted to do with my life!

CaSay: On this journey of life, what steps have you took to pursue a career in radio?

Dion: Life is a crazy and beautiful journey! When I was in college at Syracuse University, majoring in TV/Radio/Film-Management, and working at the campus radio station (of course), I met a young lady who also worked at the campus station. As it turned out, she knew a popular radio DJ from her hometown (San Francisco) who was, at the time, on the air in DC (near MY hometown of Baltimore). So, she introduced us and we hit it off. Imagine MY sheer shock and joy, as one year later; this DJ is made Program Director of 92Q - my hometown station in Bmore! Because I had already had the relationship with him from our mutual female friend, I was able to earn a position with 92Q, back in 1994. And that job catapulted me into the industry. That experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of relationships in our business. Above my educational background, references, and intelligence, it's those relationships that initially get you noticed!

CaSay: Ok, so you have managed to play several roles in this industry, Correct? Tell me a little about the various positions?

Dion: My first love is on-air. I love connecting with an audience and vibing with them. I've been on-the-air for FM radio since 1994. In 1998, I earned an opportunity to further my knowledge as a Program Director for 92Q. This was an incredibly awesome experience for me, as I was now able to "call the shots" and affect people in my own city! I was now responsible for the biggest radio station in the city that I grew up in. Wow! I am still thankful to Radio One for that unique opportunity! After Baltimore, I programmed radio in Miami for Clear Channel Radio. About 5 years ago, I earned an opportunity to join SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Now, at SiriusXM, I oversee programming efforts for four of our music channels.

CaSay: How much would you say that music runs your life? How much do you think that music runs our lives?

Dion: Music is the soundtrack to our lives. We can ALL remember a favorite song and it instantly takes us back to a special place in your life. That's what music is supposed to do. It provides a song to your life moments. That's the power of music.

CaSay: What is one of the most memorable experiences that you had in radio besides meeting me?

Dion: Well, present company excluded LOL!I don't geek out at meeting celebrities much (ok, except for Whitney!), but what does it for me are meeting radio pros who laid the foundation for me to be able to do what I do. Whether it was the first time I met guys like TIM WATTS, DONNIE SIMPSON, CATHY HUGHES, and FRED "BUGSY" BUGGS, that is what I remember. These guys are veterans in the game. I'd always think to myself that if I have a MEASURE of the success that they enjoyed, then I'll be OK!!

CaSay: We have talked before and talk a lot about making memories. What is one thing that you can say you have done to move toward that goal?

Dion: A big part of what I do is mentoring. I am proud that there are now a good number of today's radio pros who I have helped to shape, mold, mentor, etc. This is such an important part of growing our business. In this era of voice tracking and syndication, it is imperative as ever to teach new on-air talent and programmers those "basics" that are sometimes overlooked. Just as those before me had taken me aside to show me the ropes, I've "paid it forward" and extended a hand to my interns, younger staff members, and even those who work for me who are older than I am. Learning never stops!

CaSay: Here’s the big question ten years from now where do you see yourself?

Dion: Here's the thing, Vaughn. God Blesses us more than we could possibly imagine! If you had told me 20 years ago that you'd enjoy a strong, respected radio career that will take you around the country and in front of some of the biggest artists and professionals in the world...I would've told you, you were crazy! Now, as I am living the manifestation of God's Will, I am humbled beyond measure and eagerly await what He has next for me! If it's more radio....if it's pursuing my other interests (screen writing, acting, etc), then I will eagerly follow. Until then, I love doing what I do!

CaSay: Dion as always it is always a pleasure talking with you. Thank you for agreeing to premiering in initial edition, of Industry spotlight, for STR~8 magazine. I want to thank you for all that you have done for me in my life. Not only are you a GR~8 friend but your integrity and strength has open the doors for hundreds. Thank you for showing us that our Choices may come with Challenges but we will always have moments of Celebration if we work hard.

If you have XM radio tune into channel 50 The Heat and listen to Dion from noon to 6pm, Monday through Friday.