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10 Questions with ... Aaron Zytle
September 10, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I got into radio in January of 2001 as a part-time overnight jock when KRXP was Classic Rock "The Eagle." Soon after, the full-time overnight jock quit and I accepted the full-time position. Took the Promotions Director position in June of 2004, along with the on and off afternoon drive position. Promoted to Assistant PD in June of 2007 and officially named Program Director in June of 2011.
1. What stands out the most from when you first joined the company over 12 years ago?
I joined Bahakel Communications in January of 2001 with absolutely no expectations. It was my first job in radio and I was just hoping to stay employed. As I look back over the 12 plus years here I realize how fortunate I am to still be here doing what I love. Consolidation has taken its toll on radio and I see how hard it is to get a start in this business. What stands out the most? The lack of live bodies doing the job. We no longer have three positions that we use to have and one of the ones we lost was the one that got me started.
2. What do you love most about working for Bahakel Communications?
I love that Bahakel Communications believes in in-house programming. The staff at RXP gets to create a station that we all have a say in what we do. Everything from promos and imaging to music and clock formats. Once the staff feels invested in the product, you get everybody working together to accomplish the same goals. Our corporate offices let us run RXP as we see fit. Plus, I don't have to look over my shoulder every day to see if I still have a job.
3. What has been the biggest change you've made since being promoted to PD two years ago?
Embracing new music. I believe in the format. We've created our clocks from scratch to be able to play as much new music as we can and still stay "attractive" to our listeners that want the gold catalog.
4. What is your typical day like?
Starts with emails and voicemails, once I can get through that I look at promotions and see what needs to be done there. All the while I'm listening to new music and looking for the next big single. Show prep for afternoons then scheduling music logs till 3pm. We are "Live & Local" and I set out to prove it every afternoon.
5. What would an outsider find most surprising about the Colorado Springs radio market?
How good this market sounds. Colorado Spring has all the different formats in the market and they are all programmed very well. It's a battle in this city. If you are in the top 5 in ratings, you have earned it.
6. What is most important to you when championing new music for the station?
I like all kinds of music and sometimes I think everybody else has to like it simply because I do. That's not the case in reality. I look for something catchy, a great hook or strong melody, well produced and female friendly. I look for something that I want to hear again and again. I also like it when the labels are supporting their artists. Getting them into the market and giving us opportunity to involve the RXP listeners with the music and artists.
7. Who are some recent new music discoveries that turned out to be big hits at 'RXP?
There are so many that come to mind but the ones that are more surprising than others would include The Features, The Unlikely Candidates, Twenty One Pilots, Bastille, and MS MR.
8. What stations do you like to follow?
I always find myself checking out X96 in Salt Lake City, 91X in San Diego and of course KTCL in Denver. I think these stations really are the cream of the crop for Alternative.
9. What are you most passionate about?
I love to schedule music. It's like a puzzle trying to fit the pieces together to build a perfect sweep of music. On paper it may look good but you don't always know till you hear it on the air. When it's right it's awesome, when it's not...try harder the next time.
10. If you were not working in radio and could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I've always been into music one way or the other so if I wasn't doing this, and I could pick, I would be playing guitar for the Foo Fighters.
Bonus Questions
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from the station?
I've been in Colorado since 1984 and have always taken for granted the natural beauty of my surroundings. It wasn't till this summer that I started hiking in the mountains around me. It's so good to get outdoors and explore trails and hiking paths at our State Parks. I wish I was doing this all along but, better late than never.
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