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Eric Hines

“I’m an advocate for amateurism,” Eric Hines says, “which means you love what you do.”  What Eric does is manage WNMC, the radio station at Northwestern Michigan College.  “Radio is increasingly homogenized,” he says.  “Fewer people are doing adventurous things.  We’re a place for people to do locally-focused radio that isn’t professional.”

“I push on my DJs,” Eric says.  “Don’t make it perfect; make it good.”  By “good,” he means something to engage the audience—which is a very diverse group.  “Our bread and butter is music,” Eric says.  “Jazz, naturally, and also world music—which I love because I grew up in a Puerto Rican neighborhood in South Philadelphia hearing salsa.  In many cultures, music is more than entertainment.  It carries the news.”

“One of our core things is to feature local musicians live in the studio,” he says.  “I’m big on spontaneity and sincerity—and having it go out in the moment with no editing.  I hate perfectionism.”

All this happens with the help of 85 volunteers.  “I’m not a people person,” Eric says, “but I love being with these folks.  They’re plugged into the community and each one has something personal to bring to the air.  A passion.”