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10 Questions with ... Dan Watson
February 23, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KSIQ - Brawley, CA (1988-1995), KNRV - Temple, TX (1995-1997), KHTN - Merced, CA (1997-1999), KDON Monterey, CA (1999-2001), MCA/Geffen Records - Washington DC (2001-2007), Motown Records - San Francisco (2008), KLTG - Corpus Christi (2012-2015)
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
Growing up in San Diego, I was fortunate enough to hear some great radio with stations like: KCBQ, KGB, KPRI, B100, and 13K to name a few. Although I didn't know it at the time, I was being exposed to some of the best radio happening in the entire country. I was that kid that recorded entire shows. It was all magical to me.
2) This week you decided leave your position at Tejas Broadcasting. Please tell us about your role as the Corporate PD of the chain, and what your plans are for the future?
When I arrived at Tejas Broadcasting, my goal was to help turn around a struggling Hot AC. Mission accomplished!
I was then asked to oversee all eight of our English language stations. During that time, I handled three start-ups and a format flip. I scheduled music for all but one. All of these goals have been met. I really felt that at this point, the stations would benefit from a new set of eyes. Veni, vidi, vici.
3) What makes these stations and markets unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
Being in south Texas, we have to be much more conservative here than any other market I've ever worked. It can be a challenge musically. It really does make us the station that moms and kids can listen to together.
4) How has social media helped you to market your radio stations?
Before I arrived at KLTG, we were giving away Godsmack tickets and pimping out Selena Visa cards! We immediately stopped that craziness. Instead, we began using social media as an extension of who we are on the air, and as a tool to engage with our listeners in a way we were never able to do in such a public way.
5) How is the music positioned on The Beach?
There's no Alternative radio station in Corpus Christi so we've been lucky enough to own a lot of great records coming from that format. I wouldn't call The Beach a Modern AC but we do lean in that direction. Give me a hit record I don't have to share and you'll have my attention.
6) What can we be doing with our station web sites to better our stations as a whole?
We've run a lot of our contesting through our websites and, in doing so we've built up a nice E-mail database. Now if I can find the right person to do a newsletter, we'll be in business. Once that's established, we can find ways to monetize it.
7) How do you stay in tune with your audience?
Consistently talk with them. Not just for music but promotion ideas and morning show ideas.
8) Who do you consider your radio mentors?
Tony Driskill, Pete Jones, Michael Newman, Diana Laird.
9) What's the best hire you've ever made?
AJ Machado at KDON. AJ is one of the best in the business and now doing quite well in San Diego.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?
Honesty, especially when things are tough.
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