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10 Questions with ... Gemineye
January 14, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- KTMT/Medford, OR - Nights - (1998-2000)
- KXJM/Portland, OR - Street Team/Mixer/On-Air/Morning Show Producer - (2000-2002)
- KTMT/Medford, OR - Mornings - (2002-2005)
- KIFS-FM, Medford, OR - PD/Mornings - (2006-2012)
- KDUK/Eugene, OR - Nights/Mixshow DJ (VT) - (2006-2012)
- Mapleton Communications/KTMT/Medford, OR - OM/PD - (present)
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I was a mixer at a local nightclub here in town, and KTMT had started a local "Friday Night Dance Party" show. I called the request line and asked them if they needed help with the music (mainly because they were playing 1990's "Rico Suave" by Geraldo... not cool in 1997). They said yes, bring down your music! That show became the first mix-show here in The Valley, and I did it for free for the first year. An overnight shift led to a night shift... and here I am, OM of that same radio cluster years later!
2) What makes your market unique? How does this compare to other markets you have worked at?
Southern Oregon is a small, beautiful area that separates itself from the hustle and bustle of the Portland metro area. There are lots of great outdoor activities to go along with small tourist towns like Ashland and Jacksonville. The city of Medford is the glue that holds it all together. Even though I loved growing up and working in Portland, there's something about being a "big fish in a small pond" that I've grown to love.
3) How are you using social media to market your radio station?
Facebook and Twitter are a factor, but in this smaller market we have the opportunity to connect with our listeners one-on-one via community events, public appearances, and at station events. That's the real "Facebook" that can make a difference in our cluster's ratings.
4) What can we be doing with our station web sites to better our stations as a whole?
Well... streaming for one. Another is tying in social media to our web sites as much as possible.
5) How do you stay in tune with your audience?
I'm still out DJing clubs, schools, and private events to get a feel for what our listeners want to hear on our station. I do hear a lot of talk about "Pandora" and "Sirius XM", so I try to ask questions to see what radio can do better to also fit in their lifestyle.
6) Who do you consider your radio mentors?
Mark Adams (VP of Programming of CBS in Houston). I worked for Mark when he was PD at KXJM Portland and it was owned by Rose City Radio. He's a truly logical person who believes in surrounding himself with the best people in the business. The short time I spent working with him was invaluable. Also, Val Steele at KDUK/Eugene, OR. She taught me the importance of making a connection with your community and the target demo.
7) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
WQHT (Hot 97)/New York PD Ebro Darden. I only worked with him for a short time when I was producing the "Playhouse Morning Show" on KXJM/Portland and he was on the show. He taught me the importance of being your self and not just being a "liner jock".
8) How are you using new music technologies to work with the music you program on your station, in production, and in your personal life?
I have been an Apple junkie since the early 2000's, and now the iPhone, iPad and Macbook Pro are now a huge part in my day-to-day professional life. Everything is now streamlined and more productive as a result. From DJing at clubs and events, to doing remotes and music scheduling (yes, Macs do run Windows software), I can get stuff done at the office or when I'm away even easier than ever. If only I could develop automated music software that runs only on Macs...
9) What advice would you give people new to the business?
Embrace change in radio and be willing to change with the times. Technology has changed everything about what we do on and off the air. But don't forget, whatever size market you work in big or small, try to make a connection with your listeners. That's what separates radio from the Pandora's of the internet world.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?
You can have a long career in this size of a market if you give listeners respect and talk with them (not at them).
Bonus Questions
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A movie reviewer.
What do you do in your spare time?
I watch "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo." Okay, not so surprising now. (no joke) I also Netflix old "24" episodes, and I am hooked on HBO Originals like Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones and True Blood. The Sopranos is always in rotation!
Tell us what music we would find on your MP3 player right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
Anything Prince or Prince artist-related. Yes, I know it's 2013.
What other stations and markets do you like to monitor?
Pretty much all the Top 40's on the West Coast, like KKRZ and KXJM/Portland, KIIS and KAMP/ Los Angeles, KMVQ and KYLD/San Francisco, KDND/Sacramento, KBKS and KQMV in Seattle... and more! Those iHeart Radio and Radio.com apps are a blessing!
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