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10 Questions – The Best Quotes Of 2020
December 7, 2020
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This week, we look back at 2020 with the best answers to some of our best questions.
Scott "dXn" Dixon
APD/MD/PM Drive
WAQX (95X)/Syracuse (1/7/20)
"When scheduling music I pay very close attention to the quarter hours and making sure that each QH represents as much of the alternative spectrum as I can. I want the essence of the station to bleed through regardless of when the listener turns the station on."Rob Clement
PD
Former KOMA-HD2 (92.9 The Edge)/Oklahoma City (1/14/20)
"The Edge is an aggressively current alternative station. We're competing against a heritage active rock station, so I tend to avoid the more active rock tracks (I like to say ‘we aren't going to out-rock the KATT’). We also evaluate data from streaming services to see what our OKC alternative music fans are actively consuming, which has tipped me off to be early on some of my favorite current songs like ‘Dance Monkey’ and ‘Cradles.’ We decided in 2019 to cut-off the Gold library to only 2000's and newer music. If you're trying to appeal to a 30 year-old today, they have virtually no memories of Nirvana as a current artist."Sophia John GM/PD KIWR (89.7 The River)/Omaha (1/21/20)
"If there's a man in the Omaha market between the ages of 18-44, he knows where to go for new music first, 89-7 The River. KIWR is Top 3 straight across the board next to a commercial heritage classic rock and country station. I'm especially proud of our 25-44 male numbers because they represent years of hard work and consistency."Eric White
PD
WRMR (Modern Rock 98.7)/Wilmington, NC (1/28/20)
"I’m big on tempo and temperature flow within quarter hours. I also like to maintain the heart of a student. I’m always trying to learn and improve. "Aaron Zytle
Host
New Music Food Truck (2/4/20)
"Each week we want the show to not only introduce new music but make you want to find out a little bit more about each artist. By keeping the songs up-tempo, the show moves along quickly. In the course of an hour, you get to hear 12 new songs and you don't even realize an hour has gone by, leaving you musically satisfied yet wanting more... like a good meal should."Brian Haddad
KQX Morning Crew
WKQX/Chicago (2/11/20)
"We have so many benchmarks and create new daily and weekly content. But honestly my favorite part is interacting with the audience on the phone. The power of radio to connect with people in real-time is powerful. It's one of our biggest assets! I still get the same rush as I did on my college show."Jason Alvarez
morning co-host of Jason And Deb
KROX (101X)/Austin (2/18/20)
"People play games because they are fun and we have innovated a good number that I think are awesome for participants and listeners. "Ragan
Morning Co-Host Shredd & Ragan
WEDG (103.3 The Edge)/Buffalo (2/25/20)
"When someone says, ‘You get me through the morning,’ or ‘you made me laugh on a miserable day.’ That's it. We're all up early, we're all trying to get through the grind, if we're making it better, we're doing our jobs."Steve Burrell
MD/Morning Guy
KTCL (Channel 93.3)/Denver (3/3/20)
"If it’s a good break, it’s a good tweet. And, vice versa. I feel like Twitter is the most hand in hand with what I do. I keep a Facebook page because I should, but it’s just so weird in that room."Ian Camfield
Afternoon Presenter
Formerly KVIL (ALT 103.7)/Dallas (3/10/20)
"I use social media to show when I’m out in DFW, seeing stuff that listeners may be entertained by. Posting articles with more detail on topics I’m covering on-air. Socials have made radio a visual medium. Listeners can read an article, or watch a video on socials, then call me to discuss on the radio."Theresa (a.k.a TheresaRockFace)
Midday On-Air Talent
KTBZ (94.5 The Buzz)/Houston (3/17/20)
"Listeners started calling me ‘TheresaRockFace’ and then ‘Rockface.’ It has become my ‘brand’ I suppose and It’s just me. No ‘on-air persona’ or anything. I am the same person on-air as I am at home raising two kids. I’m always rough around the edges and there is never a dull moment."Walter Flakus
APD/nights
Former KNDD (107.7 The End)/Seattle, Now WCHI/Chicago afternoons (3/24/20)
"I love building bonds with the listeners, whether it’s on socials or on text. Being able to build that relationship is super rewarding. It’s kind a scary when you move into a new market and are trying to fit in. Especially in Seattle where I guess there’s something known as the Seattle freeze where the natives aren’t very welcoming to outsiders. I haven’t really felt it, so I hope I’m doing something right."Jon Manley
APD/MD/Nights
WKQX/Chicago (3/31/20)
"It’s really fun here! When everyone is swimming in the same direction, great things can happen. All credit to Troy Hanson for that. He is truly one of the smartest people in the biz. The guy is 2 steps ahead always, getting to learn under him is most definitely an incredible opportunity."Dave Lombardi
Rock Formats
In2une/AWAL SVP/Promotion (4/7/20)
"I remember back in the 90’s when radio stations would call record stores on Fridays for sales reports; I view the streaming data as the same type of tool; a chance to identify records in a particular market that have connectivity but aren't yet on radio's radar."Chris Perry
MD
KQBL-HD3 (96-5 The Alternative)/Boise (4/14/20)
"I challenge radio to re-think and re-tool consistently. Radio is not what it was 20 years and in many ways it should not be. Keep the content and medium relevant and it will do well. It’s not just and FM signal any longer, it social, streaming, YouTube channels, etc. This is a good thing. Exploit these tools to keep your brand accessible and on people’s minds. Use these tools to drive people back to the traditional programing day after day."Artie Gentile
VP/Rock Promotion
RCA Records (4/21/20)
"We have so many metrics to help identify a hit; the method of consumption continues to shift. It’s more immediate and exciting!"Logan
PD
KYRK (106-5 The Shark)/Corpus Christi (4/28/20)
"Being involved with the community/lifestyle and the music, art, and food scenes is something I consider an essential part of what I do. I find it's easier when you know who the listeners are and what they want."Kevin Mays
MD/Afternooner
WBTZ (99.9 The Buzz)/Burlington, VT (5/5/20)
"We have been part of the community for 24 years and listeners know what to expect when they tune in. As a staff we all live here, know the market and listeners well and we lean into that advantage of being local entertainers."Amit Kumar
National Director, Promotion
BMG (5/12/20)
"The technology has changed exponentially but the job is the same. It still about communication and collaboration, both with your stations and your company. That is how work gets done."Mark Hamilton
PD
Former KNRK (94/7)/Portland, OR (5/19/20)
"In 2004 a study in the ‘Portland business Journal’ reported that 25-34-year old’s were moving to our city five times the amount than any other city in the country, we capitalized and focused on that, hence the focus. That demo still represents the "heartbeat" of the station and because of the time that has passed 94/7 is very strong 35-44 and even 45+. Heritage can be quite a powerful tool if you don’t change your focus every 6 months."Kenny Wall
Curator
AltArkansas.com (5/26/20)
"I’m not looking for a cume of 50,000 people. I just believe that this music attracts a loyal audience and I think it can be a minor player. Maybe down the road, I team up with a broadcast partner."Reed Petitpren
Afternoon Drive Host
KQGO (Go 96.3)/Minneapolis (6/2/20)
"I love being able to connect with the community. It's like having thousands and thousands of friends, and it's amazing when they reach back out and text or call or tweet to you as if you really are friends even though you've never met or met a couple times. You really are a part of their lives. I love being able to create content and entertain listeners."Josh Venable
PD/morning co-host
KMYZ (Z104.5 The Edge)/Tulsa (6/9/20)
"Truthfully, it's one of the most fun things I've done in my career. Some bands didn't want to end the calls because I think boredom had set in in their normal day. Even talking to radio people was a nice change."Joe Mack
PD
WIVG (i96)/Memphis (6/16/20)
"I am a very passionate person that eats sleeps and breathes radio. I know exactly how I want a station to sound, from the music we play, to the imaging, right down to how the jocks are on the radio. There is nothing like turning on the radio and hearing really great radio being executed. I am very hands on and won’t settle for the status quo."Nicole Alvarez
Middayer
KROQ/Los Angeles (6/23/20)
"I love having a voice. I love that when I speak, I know where it comes from, mostly from the heart, from a genuine mood I am in, and if what I say pisses someone off, good. If it inspires someone, great. If it just makes you feel like you have a buddy in your car, awesome. I love affecting the atmosphere and mostly, the connection is priceless. If you are looking to connect with your listeners, the opportunity is there, and it is life changing."Drew Hyatt
Morning Host of The Drew Show
KFRR (New Rock 104.1)/Fresno (6/30/20)
"I have nothing to hide when it comes to my life, so I share pretty much everything. I don’t see how I can truly connect with listeners if I don’t treat them like they’ve known me for years. Everything is on the table. I share stories about my life and my marriage, sobriety and parenting woes, and I feel like people can relate to it. We strive to have fun and find the funny things about life’s real problems."Dave Levora
PD/mornings
KQCJ (93.9 The Planet)/Quad Cities (7/7/20)
"That means giving the audience enough credit to accept and appreciate a playlist that's more than 10x bigger than they're used to. It means being an Alternative station that's a genuine alternative to the same old same old that had some of them giving up on our medium. When someone says, ‘I'm listening to the radio again,’ that's the goal."Amber Miller
PD
WRFF (ALT 104.5)/Philadelphia (7/14/20)
"We ditched a lot of the 90’s stuff over the past couple years, we just updated the imaging and vibe to better reflect the more modern musical approach."Chris Crate Atticus
PD
WBUZ (102.9 The Buzz)/Nashville (7/21/20)
"We play the biggest songs, covering the spectrum of rock and alternative for Middle Tennessee, and we've been doing it for the last 20 years! From the imaging to our personalities, The Buzz is chock full of personality that really shines 24/7, and our listeners really connect with that."Cate Carrier
Promotion Director/afternooner
KRXP (RXP @ 103.9)/Colorado Springs (7/28/20)
"The All-Request Drive at 5 is something I look forward to every single day. It's definitely my biggest feature every day. I take requests in the studio and online as soon as I get in and you never know what will come in. I'm fortunate to also have a lot of freedom in what I can play during that hour. It never gets old when we blow someone's mind when we play a song they never thought they'd hear on the radio!"Cane
Morning Show Host
WNYL (ALT 92.3)/New York (8/4/20)
"I love that each day is different, and the ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ circus feel that being live gives you.Bill Gamble
Director Of Content
WQYQ (106.1 The New QYQ)/St. Joseph-Benton, MI (8/11/20)
"The New QYQ helps fill out our ‘Wall of Rock’ strategy. We have 95.7 The Lake, Classic Rock, Rock 107 WIRX, Mainstream Rock, and The New QYQ, Alternative. We have almost 60 years of rock covered."Ebo
Afternooner
WRIS (The Resistance)/Madison (8/18/20)
"My on-air style is full of pop culture references, making fun of myself, giving out interesting tidbits about the band that most people wouldn’t know and just putting positive vibes out in a world full of bulls*** right now."Randy Malloy
Owner/President/GM
WWCD (CD102.5)/Columbus, OH (8/25/20)
"The feeling of helplessness watching so many small business’ struggle as they were forced to be closed, we just felt we needed to do something. As paid advertising was drying up, we just saw this as a way to add some sense of normalcy to the airwaves and help the local community and businesses survive. So as some bars and restaurants had to pivot to delivery only or curbside pick-up, we ran free advertisement so that hopefully they could get through to the other side."Amy Kaplan
Director Of Radio Promotion & Artist Strategy
Mick Management/7 S Management (9/1/20)
"My main objective with radio is finding a partnership that fits and binds the station to the success of an artist. For some this is brainstorming events, for others sourcing interviews or signed vinyl to support a fund drive. Right now, more than ever, radio needs us to help find shared revenue opportunities for both the station and the artist."Dave Farra
Host
The Dave & Mahoney Show (9/8/20)
"We have also worked hard to grow with the times and advancing technology. The live video stream that we do (Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube) of the last two hours of the show each morning has turned into a popular feature for both live and on-demand viewing. We are reaching people on multiple platforms, in multiple cities, while maintaining that authenticity and relatability that Mahoney and I have built over a decade and a half of friendship."Tim Virgin
PM Driver
WKQX/Chicago (9/15/20)
"I haven't been a part of something this comprehensive and deep in all my years in radio. It's BALLSY and that's what I love about this. It was sometime just after Memorial Day that work started on The History Of Alternative. Troy said something like, "What does an event driven radio station do when you no longer have events?" And with that, everyone went to work."Kobe
PM Drive
WZNE (94.1 The Zone)/Rochester, NY (9/22/20)
"I think ALT is going through a very poppy female friendly phase, so me coming from a female format couldn't have happened at a better time."Brandon Nivens
PD
KEWL (95.1 The River)/Texarkana, TX (9/29/20)
"The team at AMI Radio felt like this would be a great nostalgia station, and one that not many people are currently broadcasting. At this point, these 90’s songs are so classic and have recognition, but it's sometimes hard to find a spot for them on current formats. So, we made our own Alternative Rock format that is focused solely on that sound and vibe of the 90’s."Edie Lundeen
National Director/Promotion
Epitaph (10/6/20)
"Something that really has stuck with me is what Brett Gurewitz said in our first conversation. He wants Epitaph to be looked at like a major label with an indie sensibility."Joe Greenwald
Head Of Promotion
C3 Management (10/13/20)
"We face some unique challenges right now (as does everyone) and obviously the festival/production side of our business is hurting badly but it's just such an insanely cool place to work. As long as we are conscientious and kind, we have the freedom to go out and do whatever we need to do to win and grow our artists and the company."David Moore
OM/Content Director
KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3)/Phoenix (10/20/20)
"I strive to create great radio. Take all the data you can get your hands on, connect the dots and flawlessly execute it. I am not opposed to larceny when it comes to ideas; I have found that the most successful ideas I have ever had were variations on something I saw someone else execute."Joe Siragusa
OM
WEDG (103.3 The Edge)/Buffalo (10/27/20)
"The Edge has a unique history with Alternative roots and a foray into Active Rock and then back to Alt. Finding the right balance puts us in a great position to expose a pretty diverse library to pair up with a market leading morning show."Jason Spicoli
Spicoli's Morning Fiasco’s
KIWR (89.7 The River)/Omaha (11/3/20)
"What we're doing on-air is spread on social. Teasers, topics, videos, events, commenting back, answering messages…. doing what we can to connect with the listeners. You have to make the time and get it right. It's another element of your brand."David Ravikoff
Sr. Director Alt/Rock Promotion
Warner Records (11/10/20)
"Even though it sucks to be stuck at home, and not be on the road seeing all our friends at radio – the pandemic has made things more efficient and streamlined. Whether it be artist interviews or setting up a record, accomplishing everything virtually has enabled us to get a lot more business done in less time. I don’t think these methods will ever replace in person meetings by any means. Those are still vitally important, and I can’t wait for them to return, but for now – things like Zoom are working in the short term."Elliott Wood
PD
KTBZ (94.5 The Buzz)/Houston (11/17/20)
"We stay on brand and don’t try to be any other station. My vision for what The Buzz ‘is’ has always been clear, and I keep focused on that, pandemic or not. I say No to a lot of things that don’t benefit us. And about ratings: they are necessary, and we have to court them. I always think to keep having fun, radio is a business first, and a cool-job second."Randy Slack
Morning Show Host
WRMR (Modern Rock 98.7)/Wilmington (11/24/20)
"It features a good amount of music in-between my ramblings about things going on around town or in my life. I like to do fun things with the music, like bumper to bumper (a first letter, last letter type segment) 90's at 9, and the Weekend Pregame. If you're not into me, maybe the music we play and the library exploration we do will tickle your fancy. It's a regular buffet."Daniel Merry
Middayer
WZRH (ALT 92.3)/New Orleans (12/1/20)
"I’ve always been a big radio listener, and I remember DJs from when I was a kid who would say or do things and I thought they were so cool and inspiring. I hope that I inspire people like they did me. Mainly the driving force behind me sticking with radio is the fulfillment I get from it." -
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