Ozarks Profile - Mitch Baker

What is your job?

"My title is operations manager," Baker said. "I oversee programming, promotions and marketing for 105.9 KGBX, My Country 100.5, Alice at 95.5, US-97, and ESPN 1400-AM I'm an on-air personality on KGBX from 10 a.m. to 12 Monday through Friday."

Please tell us about your company.

Clear Channel Communications owns or operates approximately 1,170 radio and 19 television stations in the United States and has equity interests in more than 240 radio stations internationally. "The stations that now make up the Clear Channel Springfield family each have their own format and demographic influence," Baker said.

What prepared you for work in your field?

"I was very lucky to have had the support of my teachers and administration at Pacific High School," Baker said. "They allowed me to do a little schtick every morning on the school-wide PA system. That led to my first radio job at a station in Union. I was 17. Later I went to school at the University of Missouri where I was on the campus radio station."

Are developments in the economy having an effect on your field?

"Yes, it's been a difficult year not only for our industry but other media as well," Baker said. "But we're lucky to live in Springfield where we have been insulated from many of the economic realities that many cities are facing. We've chosen not to participate in a recession and encourage other businesses to join us. Our job during this kind of economic climate is to calm unwarranted fears. ..."

What trends do you see now and anticipate seeing in your field?

"One would be the ability of stations owned by large groups such as Clear Channel to fully take advantage of the resources that "bigness" provides. For example, stations are now able to import talent from across the country via new technologies," Baker said. "It's about an on-air personality in Tampa, for example, doing a show in another market via computer. They have all the local information to talk about and sound like they're a part of the local staff when it's done right."

What's the best part of your job or profession?

"Working with some of the most talented and creative people you'll ever meet," Baker said. "My job ... is only limited by how creative I am with my time. There are so many things that I get to see each day where our stations impact people's lives in a positive way. Radio touches people's emotions in a way that few things can."

Can you tell us about your personal life and family?

"I'm originally from Pacific," Baker said. "My wife Donna is the vice president and general manager of our five stations. We have a son, Chris, who attends Kickapoo High. Donna and I met here many moons ago when she was a salesperson for KGBX. We'll celebrate our eighth anniversary in December. Other family members include two cats, Kirby and Sam, and two dogs, Brigitte and Laura."

How do you like to spend your leisure time?

"I play a little bad golf but cook a lot of good food. I'm a die-hard Cards and Mizzou fan. Donna and I are blessed with lots of great friends that we enjoy spending time with, not to mention having plenty of opportunities for fun activities with five radio stations to choose from that have promotions and events going on almost every weekend."

by Frank Shipe