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10 Questions with ... Jason Squires
July 25, 2006
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NAME:Jason SquiresTITLE:PD/MiddaysSTATION:KFRRMARKET:Fresno (#66)COMPANY:Wilks Broadcasting, LLCBORN:2/25/1978RAISED:Bakersfield, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KRAB/KKXX - Bakersfield - 1994-1999
KSLY/KURQ - San Luis Obispo - 1999-2000
KFRR - Fresno - 2000 - 2002
Mediabase 24/7 - 2002 - 2004
KFRR - Fresno - 2004 - presentLAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
None. Uh, obviously, a trick question....
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
KISS - Asylum, but it was on cassette
FIRST CONCERT:
KISS, Lick It Up tour, Bakersfield Civic Auditorium, I was five years old. So cool to hear Paul Stanley say the 'F' word and it be so loud.
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
KISS ...see a pattern here?
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Well, I guess it's kind of the family biz. My father, Chris, has been in radio for over 30 years, so I guess I've always been around it, since I shot out of the womb. I mean if Dad was a plumber, I could be cleaning your toilet right now. I started as an intern, then started running shows like Rick Dees, then just kept moving from there.
2. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
Obviously, the on-air part is still great, it's where I'm able to get my rocks off, have fun, and talk to listeners. From the PD side, coming up with creative ideas for promotions and on-air content, and then having it work.
Least? Not enough hours in the day to get everything done and since I'm new to the position, getting used to everything, from dealing directly with sales to managing talent.
3. How has KFRR changed since you've taken over as PD?
The first thing is getting the music more familiar and playing the hits. Number two is integrating our morning show (Adam Carolla) into everything we do, from street presence to on-air. I'm really excited about everything going on with the station right now.
4. How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Some of the best radio in the country happens right here in Fresno, from the sound of the stations to the talent. Programmers should be snooping around here to find some great people, just leave my people alone, at least for a year.
5. Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?
Mornings we have the Adam Carolla Show, he's been on for a little over six months now, and the response has been great. Adam is "everyman" and can rant about anything. He has a great supporting cast, and Deaf Frat Guy could be the funniest person ever.
The midday guy is OK, he has a face for radio, that's for sure.
I just brought Ryan Oldfield aka Rash back on the air fulltime, in afternoons and as my Music Director. He did nights for us a few years back. He's a great talent, loves the music, and also brings pop culture elements to his show. He also brings a different perspective to mine on things involving the station, so it's a good team.
Nights we have Jock. The stuff that comes out of his mouth his brilliant, plus he's all over MySpace, so he keeps in touch with the peeps.
If you combined all of our names, it sounds like something you need a cream for. My favorite is "Hammer Jock Rash" -- that burns.
6. What would surprise people most about KFRR?
That we are NOT your typical "West Coast" Alternative station. We rock a little more than most Alt stations out here. We pick what works for the station, it's not always what works in SF or LA, but in Fresno, it seems to work.
7. How did you get the nickname Hammer?
A friend of mine, Dave Kamper, aka Mad Max Hammer, formerly of Z-Rock, out of Dallas, gave it to me. He said "use the name, Jackhammer," and I did for a while, then it just morphed over time into Hammer. Better than my old nickname, Steve Warp. Dude, it sounded cool when I was ten years old.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
A trip to Chevron every morning. Soda, coffee, water, etc. It's so bad that the guys there know my "hangover" face.
9. Besides KFRR, what is your favorite radio station and why?
KROQ, just the way they sound everyday, every second, all year. Also, I dig KRAB in Bakersfield. It has a special place in my heart, and Danny has that thing sounding great.
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I don't know really. I got my first fulltime gig at 18, so from there, I just kept going. If anything, maybe, a gig in the world of pro wrestling. A manager or commentator. Don't know if I could pull off being a wrestler, I'm not very good at taking bumps.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy long walks on the beach, a beautiful sunset, a great wine ... Actually, I love comic books, watching Family Guy and Futurama, and a great beer. Those are hobbies, right?
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