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10 Questions with ... Bob Pickett
February 9, 2009
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NAME:Bob PickettTITLE:APD/MD/middaysSTATION:KASEMARKET:AustinCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:Ventura, CARAISED:Sweetwater, TX
Please outline your career so far:
KXOX/Sweetwater, Texas
KEND/Lubbock, TX
KLBK/Lubbock, TX
KOKE/Austin, TX
KVET/Austin, TX
KASE/Austin, TX1) Tell us how you got into radio. Did you always know you wanted to be in this industry, or was this something that just kind of fell into your lap?
It really was in easy choice. I had a friend whose dad owned the radio station in my hometown of Sweetwater, Texas. I used to hang around the station asking for a job. Lucky I wore them down, or I would have been out working in the oil fields.
2) How long have you lived in Austin, and what is your favorite thing about the city?
I've been here since 1981 and first worked for the legendary KOKE. My favorite thing about Austin has to be the food. We have the best BBQ and the best Tex-Mex around. If you don't believe me, just look at my waistline.
3) This is an obvious question, but I gotta ask - do you guys play a lot of Texas music on your station, or is that something you only weave into your playlist during certain hours of the day?
KASE only focuses on Texas Music on Saturday nights, and I am lucky to be the host of the show.
4) Tell us about being on the Country Radio Broadcasters Agenda Committee. How did you first get involved, and what is the role of the committee?
It's really something that I've wanted to do for a long time. It's fun to see how the entire seminar is put together, and I've got to tell you that this year is going to be a special year. Don't miss it!
5) Who are some up-and-coming artists that you are excited about?
Keep your eyes and ears on the Eli Young Band. They have been one of Texas's best-kept secrets for years. I'm also excited about Jamey Johnson. I'm glad that people outside of radio finally know who he is.
6) How does your station get involved with the community? Do you guys interact a lot with the listeners online through your website or on MySpace?
Yes and yes. We interact daily with our listeners thru our website, www.kase101.com.
7) Austin is such a diverse city- what makes KASE unique from other stations?
Actually we're lucky to have two of the best stations in the country (no pun intended), KASE and KVET. KASE is different from KVET in that we play more of the current Nashville artists. KASE's image voice is Jack Ingram and KVET's is Ray Benson. Both really fit the stations.
8) You must be a pretty busy guy! You are wearing several hats at the station, as well as serving on the CRS-Agenda Committee among other activities - how do find time to spend with your wife and little boy?
I always try to be home by 6:30 to have dinner with the family and spend time with my son before he goes to bed. I also try to make Sunday's family day - I come in early and be home by 10am to have breakfast, my waffles. It's a challenge to learn how to balance both and we have another family member on the way in the summer. Big surprise but it was the perfect Christmas present when my wife told me she was pregnant.
9) Your biography on the station's website says you and your son are infatuated with cheese. What is with your cheese obsession, and where do you find good cheese in Austin? Why did you turn your son into a cheese-head?
We love cheese and chocolate. I would rather have a plain cheese pizza than anything.
10) Do you sense a lot of people still wanting to get into radio? The world has changed so much with 'syndication,' 'voice tracking,' etc. What if you were breaking in right now- would you still pursue radio?
Yes, radio is always changing, that's the challenge. What can I say, I love radio and I love being on the air.
Bonus Questions
1) Where would you recommend I go for some good BBQ in Austin?
Stubbs or the Iron Works.
2) What artists/bands are you currently jamming to on your iPod or CD player?
Jamey Johnson, Alabama and Gary Allan and, of course, Pat Green and George Strait.
3) What is your dream summer vacation spot? Do you even get a summer vacation?
I've always wanted to go back to Jamaica. But now with a family, my perfect vacation is just spending time with them doing what ever they want to do.
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