Scoot is still talking and loving life while celebrating 50 years on the radio. He shared insight into his personal life and the journey of his career in radio with WWL’s Tommy Tucker.
Scott ‘Scoot’ Paisant is a New Orleans native and a class of 1970 graduate from East Jefferson High School.
His first radio gig was a part-time job as a producer for Bob Ruby’s Morning Show on WWL radio.
“He [Ruby] was very talented and I learned a lot from him, and here is the irony, I’m producing Bob’s show, but I’m like cutting out articles, I’m answering the phone, I’m writing down the times for the commercials, I’m getting him coffee things like that,” Scoot explained to Tommy Tucker.
Scoot’s career in radio later took him all over the country including, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Antonio.
Locally, Scoot’s voice could be heard on B97, WQUE, WNOE, Magic 101.9 until about ten years ago he landed back where he started at WWL870 AM.
“So, when WWL FM changed from what was elevator-music at the time...and they went to Top 40... they put me on in the morning because at the time nobody listen to FM in the morning...there was no audience there. FM was popular at night and a little bit in the afternoon. Midday, no mornings, nothing,” said Scoot.
“And with no guidance I thought to myself, the shows that are popular are on AM. People aren’t going to care if it is AM or FM...I’m going to do a personality show on FM...and it worked. I didn’t know anybody in the country who was doing that.”
WWL Radio \ Kenny Kuhn
Scoot says a highlight of his career was the moment he took the midday show on WWL FM.
“It was the moment when I had went from Magic 101.9...when I finally got the job middays at WWL...I think the moment that I sat in that studio...ready to do my talk show...I thought to myself...this is what God put me here to do.”
On his show, Scoot often tackles tough social issues, which he uses to bring about balanced dialogues with his listeners and his guests.
Scoot will celebrate his 50 years in radio with a huge 80s-themed throwback party at Generations Hall this Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets are on sale now.
