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10 Questions with ... Brad Holtz
October 20, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started with Emmis/Indianapolis while in high school and continued through college in various programming and promotion capacities for classic rock WNAP and AC WENS. Moved over to WTTS and worked my way up the ladder. Became PD in 2002, added PD duties for sister WGCL in 2009. Launched Alt 99-5 in September 2015.
1. What do you remember most about listening to Ron Chapman growing up and how did that lead to your broadcasting career?
That's funny... Growing up, I have a distinct memory of hearing Ron on KVIL when my mom was driving me around Dallas. I remember the songs he played and the resonance of that voice. It was all so larger than life. At that point, radio became a very attractive idea.
2. After not having an Alternative station in Ft. Wayne since WEJE (The Edge) signed off in the late-'90s, what led to Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. signing on ALT 99.5?
We took a good, hard look at the market and believe the appetite is there. Alternative from the late 90s versus today is a little hard to compare. The selection of music in 2015 is tremendously healthy. Not that there was a huge problem in the late 90s, but we believe we have a more mass-appeal body of music at our hands that can really attract the right audience in Ft. Wayne.
3. In the press release, it stated ALT 99-5 is targeting 18-49 year old music lovers. Explain your music position.
The beauty of alternative is our belief that the format can attract males and females alike, and can perform in 18-34 and 35-49 demos. The 90s gold is an incredibly resilient collection of music that derives a tremendous amount of passion. Mix that with a strong body from the 00s and a keen interest in what's new in 2015, and I believe you have a station that is attractive to today's rock-based music lover.
4. You have programmed the company's Triple A WTTS/Indianapolis for the past 13 years; tell us about the Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. Bloomington-based radio/TV company.
Sarkes Tarzian is hyper-local and fiercely independent. The company graciously affords a high level of autonomy to local staffs and operates with the golden rule in mind. If we're taking care of the listener, the client and the community, we're doing our job.
5. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
You'd have to ask those with whom I work, but I'm proud to be a part of a highly reputable (and effective) station in WTTS for 13 years now, with a strong staff that has remained largely consistent throughout. We have strong values. We maintain a vision. We aim to take care of the listener first and foremost and the rest generally falls into place.
6. The station launched with 10,000 songs in a row. What are your plans for adding to the Alt 99.5 team?
We're focused on music, messaging and branding right now. While we are jock-free right now, we have a digital director in place and are developing promotional strategies.
7. What may surprise people most about ALT 99.5?
Hmmmm.... Well, we're on a brand new frequency in the market. It's a cool feeling to turn on the transmitter and broadcast over a frequency that's just been sitting vacant.
8. How do you split your time between ALT 99.5, Triple A WTTS/Indianapolis, and News-Talk WGCL-A/Bloomington?
With care and delicacy. I trust my staff and rely on them to do their jobs. I try to plan out days and weeks carefully to make sure I'm focused on the important things, while allowing a level of flexibility as well.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without my ____________?
Google calendars.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I'm the proud father of two very rambunctious dogs with completely alternate personalities: a Weimaraner named Albert and a Miniature Daschund named Rusty.
Bonus Questions
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
I love to play golf, watch sports, sample wine and travel with my wife, Amy.
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