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10 Questions with ... Zach McHugh
January 17, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started in the mid-late '90s-in Erie, PA at a cool rock station WRKT(Rocket 101). I interned there and worked part-time for a while before nabbing my first full-time air shift doing nights. Having had enough of lake effect snow I headed down south in 2001. I started doing weekends in Wilmington, NC at WBNE 93.7 "The Bone." By the time I left as PD in '09 it was a simulcast (WBNE/WBNU). I was "radio free" for about two years when Sunrise Broadcasting launched WRMR (Modern Rock 98.7). I couldn't resist! I guess I got the itch to go further south this past September. And here I am at WSFS, a happy shark!
1. How did you become interested in radio growing up in Rochester, NY?
As a kid I remember listening to 98PXY! But really, it was all about Brother Wease and the morning circus on 96.5 WCMF. Rochester loved him. A Vietnam vet, he was always authentic and open with his listeners. He had a great crew; his show was always good for laughs on my way to school every morning.
2. After so many years working in Wilmington, what led you to 104.3 The Shark in Miami?
Kind of a long story. But it all started on a beach in Southport, NC with my wife, Amy, and my friend Jonathan. But I digress. Basically, after Ross Mahoney left WRMR for Vegas I started looking. He put me in touch with my current PD, John O'Connell, who was formerly Ross's PD at 101.3 The Buzz all those years down here in West Palm. The rest is history.
3. What is your favorite part of your job?
The people I work with. Especially my fellow sharks who I have quickly fallen for. But everyone at Entercom South Florida is class, I feel blessed to be here. I also love sharing the new music discovery experience with our listeners. In particular, giving them access to the artists they hear on the radio. It's rewarding to be a part of it - seeing how excited they get when they meet their favorite bands. I get excited too!
4. How would you describe your afternoon show and your on-air style?
Music is the star of the show here; I'm just the supporting act. We add great songs every week so I do my best to rein myself in and not blabber on about it. Pretty much my inner dialogue is like: shut the bleep up and play the song.
5. What is your new music discovery process and what are music meetings like at the station?
People get hurt. It's not pretty. No, it's actually very efficient. Essentially, the radar is always on for the best new stuff. John and I put a lot of hope and thought into the songs. When they work we hang on to them - in some cases much to the chagrin of our label friends! There are some typical variables we keep our eye on week to week, but Miami definitely has a unique vibe so we're mindful of it and careful to appreciate it.
6. What is your typical workday routine?
Well, lately I've been starting out my day reading all the thoughtful things my morning show said for me because I forgot to log out of my Facebook page in the studio! That reminds me... Honestly though it doesn't feel like a "workday" at all, really. This building is packed full of pros who inspire me every day. I listen to music while I schedule it, take calls about it, then go on the air and jam out to it! Sound like work to you?
7. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ______________?
seeing my 3 kids.
8. What do you like best about living in South Florida?
80 and sunny in January isn't so bad! Also, I'm frequenting this Hispanic grocery store, Sedano's, more and more these days. My new favorite sandwich is called "medianoche." It's marvelous.
9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Don't be the person who says: "that's not my job." Do things the right way. Even if it takes forever.
10. What may surprise people most about you?
I won my fantasy league this year for the first time since '08. So I'm a dork. Which is a surprise to no one, I just wanted that published. Suck it, boys.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you and your growing family?
They haven't moved down here yet. So lots of 800 mile drives and dozens of flights back and forth to NC. I'll be glad when it's over. The transition is close to complete. My wife is a superhero!
What are your hobbies?
Sports and whatever my kids are into... Star Wars, Legos, Pokémon, mermaids and Winnie the Pooh. Life is good.
First record ever purchased?
Thriller. My Mom bought it for me.
First concert?
The Beach Boys. But I followed it up strong with Huey Lewis and the News!
Favorite band of all-time?
Pearl Jam
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