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10 Questions with ... Carina Sterzenbach
April 21, 2008
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NAME:Carina SterzenbachTITLE:Promotions DirectorSTATIONS:KMHX Mix 104.9MARKET:Santa RosaCOMPANY:Maverick MediaBORN:San Francisco, California - October 2nd, 1981RAISED:San Francisco and Petaluma, California
1) Please outline your radio career so far:
I started my radio career as an Intern for KXFM (101.7 The Fox) in 2001. I heard the "Blazy Show In The Morning" was looking for interns so I called and made an appointment to meet them. I went for the appointment the next day and after a brief interview they said I was their girl! I started bright and early at 5:30 in the morning bright eyed and bushy tailed. My duties included help with on-site and on-air promotions, as well as help in the production room. After interning for about a year and half a job as Promotions Assistant for the Fox was offered to me and I gladly accepted. So officially I started in radio in 2003.
Throughout my time at Maverick Media I've been Promotions Assistant for 101.7 The Fox, then for 97.7 The River and then for both. I also had an on-air shift for about 6 months on 101.7 The Fox from 10p to Midnight. It was fun but at the time it wasn't my thing. After working under people in the promotions department for about three years, I of course wanted to advance. A job opened up for Promotions Director at KMHX Mix 104.9 and Froggy 92.9, so I applied and got the job!
After about a year I realized Country wasn't really my thing so we found someone else who better appreciated that format. Now I am currently Promotions Director for Mix 104.9, and I also help out all the stations in our company: 101.7 The Fox, 97.7 The River, Froggy 92.9, and KSRO News Talk 1350-A with Web graphics. I also have a small segment on The Mix called "The Hollywood Mix" where I dish about the latest news in Hollywood.
2) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Growing up I loved listening to Live 105, Z 95.7, KMEL and WILD 94.9.
3) What is your biggest challenge working at this station?
Finding ways to do fun and interesting promotions or concerts on a limited budget and limited staff! We need more interns...nowadays no one wants to work for free!
4) What is it about your station that you feel really makes it cut through?
At the Mix we do these events called "Mix After Work." We bring in up and coming artists for small intimate acoustic concerts. The artists usually sign autographs and take pictures after the event, so it's pretty cool for people in a small town like Santa Rosa to meet these awesome performers.
5) Please describe the best promotion you've ever been part of?
"Maytallica" - When 101.7 The Fox gave away a Harley-Davidson autographed by Metallica!
6) What has been your station's biggest accomplishment?
"Chris-Mix '06" and the "2nd Annual Chris-Mix." These were great intimate concerts where we raised money for a local charity and people also donated toys the night of the event for kids in need.
7) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
In the morning when I'm getting ready, I turn on MTV or VH1 so I can check out all the latest music videos and music news. I also check out their websites for more info.
8) How much time do you spend surfing the net?
I can't even keep track. I always have a window up to some entertainment site. I like looking at Perezhilton, myspace, eonline, VH1 and MTV for all the latest info on music and entertainment.
9) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet radio these days?
I feel like satellite radio and Internet radio are nice options to have. But I don't think that they'll replace traditional radio. It's nice to listen to your local radio DJ talking about what's going on in your town. Plus, there are benefits to listening to your local radio station...concert tickets, local events and other fun prizes!
10) What advice would you give people new to the business?
Work hard, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, be a team player, and learn as much as you can about anything and everything. Don't limit yourself.
Bonus Questions
1) Tell us what music we would find on your I-Pod right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
My I-Pod would have music from Linkin Park, Unwritten Law, Rise Against, Jack Johnson, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Bad Company, The Doors and The Beatles just to name a few.
I like music that puts me in a good mood or gets me in the mood to do something productive. When I'm cleaning the house I definitely like listening to rock music!
2) Favorite artist you have met?
Mat Kearney, Emerson Hart, Sara Bareilles, Linkin Park, Flyleaf, and Sevendust.
3) Your radio or records dream gig?
I'd like to work for a concert promotion company such as Live Nation or AEG Live.
4) How did you get your on-air name?
I got my on-air name, "Coco" from Jeff Blazy while I was his intern. I'm not sure why though...but one day he started calling me Coco and it's stuck ever since.
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