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10 Questions with ... John Boyle
April 19, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Too many stations to list, but they got me to where I am today
1. After joining Cumulus in 2015 to program Rocker WSJZ (95 Rock)/Melbourne, Florida and having your position eliminated, what were your thoughts on moving to New Orleans to become PD of Alternative 106.1 The Underground and Country Nash FM 92.3 in 2016?
My phone didn't stop ringing from the moment I walked out of the building in Florida. I had some really good conversations about some really good gigs. But, I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to lineup once again with Cumulus VP Rock Troy Hanson. The thought of jumping from market #103 to market #47 didn't suck either.
2. Give us the 411 on 106.1 The Underground and the station's music position.
We're a New Orleans radio station. This city is known for its music heritage and alternative radio in the market has a long history dating back to 1991 when WZRH was launched as The Zephyr. Core artists include: Foo Fighters, Muse, The Black Keys, Mumford & Sons, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Imagine Dragons, Green Day, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Linkin Park, and Fall Out Boy.
3. What sort of things makes 106.1 The Underground unique?
We're the only alternative rock station in the market. Our air talent, imaging and promotions separate us from other choices the listener has. It's also kind of cool to play a New Orleans band like Galactic. "Right On" sounds really good on the radio.
4. Tell us about your on-air staff on the station.
In middays we have Shawn Williams. She's a New Orleans native and great resource for helping me acclimate to all the cool localisms. It's inspiring to see how easily she localizes her show. Her work ethic is second to none.
I'm doing Afternoon Drive...still the sarcastic smart ass that I've always been.
Pyke at Night holds down 7-Midnight. There's no better night guy in the country.
5. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
Progressive, outside the box, strategic thinker who doesn't get locked into the closed mind set thinking of "that's the way we've always done it". I'd rather be moving forward than moving backward.
6. What do you love most about working for Cumulus?
There's a new sense of enthusiasm that's exciting to be a part of. I dig working with the Krewe here in New Orleans and the staff at corporate too.
7. After 25 years in radio, what is your favorite part of your job?
Connecting with the listener. Creating the magic.
8. What is a typical workday like for you?
Not sure that I really have a typical day which I like unless I get to 1pm and haven't prepped for my afternoon drive show yet. Having only been here since 2/1/16 I'm still getting settled which is a challenge during business hours since my office is a mini Grand Central Station. But it's given me the opportunity to develop relationships and collaborate on projects with people in every department in our cluster.
9. What would surprise people most about you?
Wow...that's a tough one! Maybe that, while I'm not Catholic, I go to mass with my family every Sunday because they are Catholic.
10. What do you like best about living in The Crescent City?
It's felt like home really from the moment I got here. My family feels the same way. I've very quickly turned into a crawfish freak to the point when our oldest son is like, "Dude, do we really have to eat crawfish EVERY Saturday night?!" I'm blown away by the incredibly friendly people and century's old culture of New Orleans.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Football, cooking, fishing
What do you enjoy doing on the weekends with your family?
Throwing the football, fishing, teaching our oldest daughter how to ride her big girl bike. Laughing. Hanging out. Watching the NFL Network. Cooking...I mean "boiling" crawfish.
What is your favorite music to listen to when you are not working?
You know it's funny, I don't spend as much time listening to the music I love like I used to. But I do love exploring YouTube and finding magical concert moments. I found a clip of Bon Jovi live in Detroit from like 2012 the other day. They're playing "Wanted Dead or Alive" and Kid Rock strolls out and sings the hell out of the second verse. And you could see just how turned on Jon Bon Jovi was. That was cool!
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