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10 Questions with ... Kevin Callahan
April 2, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Operations Manager for Clear Channel in Colorado Springs & Pueblo; RVPP for Pamal Broadcasting overseeing stations in NY, VT & FL; and I've been in San Diego since October 2010.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Growing up my closest neighbors were cows most of the time, so listening to the radio was something that happened a lot. At the time legendary Rocker WPYX (PYX 106) had a morning show called Mason & Sheehan and they always sounded like they were having a great time and were getting away with everything just short of murder. As I was deciding what to do with my career I narrowed things down to being a lawyer or pursuing a radio career. After calculating school loans and length of time in college, the choice was easy! School loans have been paid off since the early '90s (THANKS MOM AND DAD).
2. What are you most proud of from FM 94/9's recent ratings increase?
We joke that we have done everything at FM 94/9 with "parts we found around the house." There is a strong staff in place with an appetite for winning. The staff is learning what they are capable of creating and walk in ready to "rawk" every day.
3. Explain the major music changes you made with the currents on the station?
We've made a number of changes to music on the station. In terms of currents, they have higher spin counts and higher cume appeal.
4. What is most important to you when championing new music for FM 94/9?
I think we are in a great time for music in the format. I look for songs that appear to have high appeal to our audience and won't be disposable. When we put a new song on the station we try to envision it becoming a library cut in a few years. We try to put songs on that will engage and excite the audience.
5. What are your biggest challenges programming an Alternative station and a Country station?
I've programmed nearly every format there is. The challenges are similar in all of them. Like everyone in the business we deal with limited resources. Then there's time... With so many shows, events and having a family it is difficult to cover everything. That's where having great staffs is key and I am very lucky.
6. San Diego is one of the few markets to have more than one Alternative station. Why is your company committed to the format?
The company knows we can win! We gather so much audience data and apply it to what we do. It's provided a road map that has produced significant cume increases and has significantly closed ratings gaps.
7. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
I can't picture myself doing anything else. I like creating strategies, watching the staff grow and learn and sharing the results with the entire team. Least favorite is easy... I loathe producing concerts, but I do it anyway as it is just part of the gig.
8. What excited you the most about moving from the east coast to San Diego?
Emma (my wife) said "Get me as FAR AWAY from New York winters as you can!" I achieved the goal without needing a boat. When Emma is happy, everyone is happy!
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Spending some time with my kids. OH and sending naughty texts to my wife.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
Probably that after 19 years of marriage that I still send naughty texts to my wife. Perhaps how eclectic my music tastes are and what I listen to when it's time to take a break from work.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
I brew my own beer. Five on tap. Stop by for a cold one. I am also a bit of a Jeep enthusiast although the cost of that hobby slows me down.
Last non-industry job?
Prep Cook. It's how I paid for my Camaro in high school.
First record ever purchased?
As I recall it was Quiet Riot Metal Health. I still have it. Although I did get my first album from a church garage sale for 10 cents if that counts. It was Cream's - Disraeli Gears. I have that one too although it has a lot of scratches.
First concert?
Ozzy / Metallica - 1984 Glens Falls Civic Center, Glens Falls NY
Favorite band of all-time?
I couldn't possibly...
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