-
10 Questions with ... Christopher Crate Morat
April 7, 2015
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Eight great years at WMFS (93X) in Memphis. Five awesome years at WBUZ (102.9 The Buzz) in Nashville. Now in Indianapolis!
1. How did you become interested in radio?
It seemed like a really cool industry to work in. I had some TV experience all through high school, so the chance to check out the radio side of entertainment was very intriguing. I applied for a part time job in Memphis and got it. Once that happened, I jumped right in!
2. What led you from The Buzz in Nashville to ALT 103.3 last year?
Leaving Nashville was a tough choice, but I knew the opportunity presented to me was one I had to take. It was the chance to work with iHeart Media, and reunite with Rob Cressman who had given me my start in this industry. He taught me all sorts of things that allowed me to build a strong career. I knew by accepting this position, I would learn much more that would benefit my future in radio.
3. You and iHeartMedia/Indianapolis SVP/Programming Rob Cressman have a long history working together. What is it like working for Mr. Cressman?
Rob is a really good person to work for. He is heavily invested with each talent here in Indianapolis, from weekly programming meetings with the on-air staff, to weekly airchecks with each individual talent. Every week I learn a new way to approach my afternoon show. He is also a very creative individual which makes imaging a lot of fun!
4. How would you describe your afternoon show?
Some funny one liners, mixed with a few quirky opinions... Forward momentum is an important part of my show, it keeps the energy alive. Also, when listeners call in, it's great to make them the focal point because you never know what kind of a personality is going to reach out to you.
5. What makes your show unique?
Some of what I said in regards to the last question, but also I try not to be an over-hyped person on-air. I like to talk on the radio as I would to your face. I feel the audience can see through the "radio voice," and hokey delivery, so I strive on being a normal dude that's there to talk with you about the music and viral news you're passionate about.
6. Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Drake and Zeke out of Memphis was a show I listened to all through high school. Loved their show. Unfortunately we lost Zeke recently to illness. Memphis radio lost a real radio legend.
7. Tell us about your imaging skills for the cluster and how you put your stamp on each station?
The chance to come into an Alt format here in Indy has been a breath of fresh air, so to speak. It has challenged me to put my creative efforts to the test by finding a way to image the station that remains true to an Alt format, while sounding unique when compared to other Alt stations in the country. The outcome has been really cool, and it fits well around the music we are playing, while not sounding like anything else in Indianapolis.
Q-95 is a classic rocker unlike any other. The fans are extremely loyal and love what we do, so I didn't want to alter much of the imaging. Instead, I'm enjoying making it more "crunchy," while being creative with the delivery of our message, i.e., writing witty scripts, incorporating humor around the message.
1260 WNDE is our sports station, and any imaging director will tell you, imaging a sports station is always fun. Building elements around the Colts, Pacers, and the NCAA Final Four has been an outlet to just let loose and see where the creative juices take me!
8. What do you love most about your job?
I love the creativity that comes with imaging. I find it very rewarding.
9. How did you become a laugh-aholic?
Nice! You read my profile on Alt1033.com! Laughter is my favorite thing. My parents, sisters. and I are constantly cutting jokes and laughing when we're together. All of my close friends are freakin' hilarious. My GF is one of the funniest people I know. So I surround myself with laughter. If you haven't laughed with me, it's because you haven't gotten to know me very well.
10. What may surprise people most about you?
The way I tie my shoes.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
I have this strange desire to collect movie soundtracks.
Last non-industry job?
I edited the news for an ABC affiliate. I also worked in the insurance business for a couple of years.
First record ever purchased?
Ah geez... it was actually a tape, and it was M.C. Hammer - Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em.
First concert?
Dave Matthews Band in 1999. The flood gates were open after that...
Favorite band of all-time?
There is no favorite, because there's always something else to discover.
-
-