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10 Questions with ... Ross Mahoney
March 19, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
1996-2011 WPBZ (Intern to APD); 2012- PD of the short lived WMSF; and started in January 2013 here in North Cackalacki.
1. What stands out the most from 16 years at The Buzz in West Palm Beach?
How influential the station was to South Florida with the promotions we did, The Buzz Bake Sale, and the people that passed through the halls. I think everyone that worked there felt how truly special it was and 95% of those people are still in touch with everyone. I give all the credit to John O'Connell for making it a family. Also, the incredible loyalty of the listeners made it stand out. It truly was one of the GREAT Alternative stations.
2. What led you to Modern Rock 98.7?
Just wanting to get back to a current based format and what a great time to be in the Alternative format. I came to Wilmington and interviewed with our GM Brian Schimmel and met Vaughn and Christine Martinez and realized that they get it. These are people that I want on my team... Not to mention, Coastal Carolina is a beautiful place to live!
3. What would surprise people most about the station?
How big of a listening area we really have. You can drive an hour and a half north and still hear the station.
4. What is most important to you when championing new music for Modern Rock 98.7?
That we agree as a staff what's best musically for the station. Vaughn, Christine and I meet every week to talk about and listen to music. We don't just say what we like; we talk about why we like it and why it would fit what we do. Then we are genuine when we talk about these bands on the air.
5. What new bands are you most excited about and who will you be scouting at SXSW?
Atlas Genius, The Chevin, Alt-J, Middle Class Rut, Surfer Blood (West Palm Beach band), Mona, Capital Cities, Dead Sara, The Virginmarys, Beware of Darkness, IAMDYNAMITE, A Silent Film....and some favorites like Green Day, Vampire Weekend, and The Sound City Players.
6. What part of your job do you love the most?
Being on the air, making people laugh, and talking about music!
7. How are you using Social Media to interact with listeners?
Social Media is making us as an industry change the way we communicate with listeners. We have a station Facebook page and Twitter page. I try to keep it fun, by not constantly posting about station appearances or promotions. We post viral videos, concert announcements, and music news about the artists we play. It's great to be able to say on the air something to the effect of..."STP claims to have fired lead singer Scott Weiland, if you want to find out why, check out the article posted on our Facebook page." And move on. If people are interested or see other people commenting, they will go click on it!
8. What stations do you like to follow?
I am a fan of the medium of radio and particularly the Alternative format, so I try to check out everyone. Not necessarily to influence what we do at Modern Rock 98.7, but to hope that everyone in this format is successful. I like some of the west coasters like 91X and KROQ, KNDD, KNRK and east coasters like WBOS, WRXL, DC101, WKZQ, and WRFF. I also like KXTE, WLUM, KROX, and Q87.7. I also keep a close eye on that asshole in Rochester Nik Rivers and WZNE. These are all great stations and I like what they are about!
9. What has been your biggest adjustment moving to North Carolina?
Being away from my family and friends in South Florida.
They may know how to screw up an election or two, but I still love them!
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Diet Coke, Sugar Free Red Bull, and playing Song Pop.
Bonus Questions
I know you love poker, music and sports. What are you most passionate about?
I LOVE poker and live music ... but, I am most passionate about watching the Patriots during football season. I have a total heterosexual man crush on Tom Brady.
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