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10 Questions with ... Nelson Chase
July 25, 2006
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NAME:Nelson ChaseTITLE:Assistant MD/Afternoon drive KFYV and middays at KKZQMARKET:Oxnard/Ventura, Palmdale/LancasterCOMPANY:Gold Coast BroadcastingBORN:Los AngelesRAISED:San Francisco Bay Area (A little city called Newark)
Please outline your radio career so far:
KFYV 105.5 (Hot AC) Ventura, CA - Asst. MD/ PM Drive, (2003-present)
KKZQ 100.1 (Alternative) Palmdale, CA - Middays (2005-present)
KLUC 98.5 (Top 40/R) Las Vegas, NV - Weekend/Swing (2001-02)
KEZR 106.5 (Hot AC) San Jose, CA - Weekend/Swing (2000-03)
KKSF 103.7 (Smooth Jazz) San Francisco, CA - Production (1999)
KYLD 94.9 (Top 40/R) San Francisco, CA - Production (1999)
KBAY 94.5 (AC) San Jose, CA - Production, Board Op (1998-1999)1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
It all started back in 1995 at a college radio station 89.3 KOHL in Fremont. (Big shout out to Tom, Bob and Matt!) Then MIKE OHLING bribed me into doing a Board Op/Production gig at KBAY in San Jose and I've been poor ever since. As far as listening to radio as a kid I loved EVAN LUCK of 106 KMEL, THE DOGHOUSE, JOJO ON THE RADIO at HOT 97.7/SAN JOSE and later ST. JOHN at WILD 94.9. Here's some more radio shouts; MARK ELLIOTT, CAT THOMAS, DWAINE LUNA, ST. JOHN, CHASE "How did he get in here?" MURPHY, JIM MURPHY. They have all have helped my short career.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Had no clue what I wanted to do when I graduated high school. I heard my friend on a college radio station and thought, "I could do that." Now he's a manager at a drug store and I'm still doing radio. (Not quite sure who's better off:)
3) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I tried to audition to be an MTV VJ back the days...but never heard back. So, I'd probably still be living at home working a regular day job in banking...yes!
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
I'm not quite sure where consolidation is headed with the FCC, but hopefully we will have a more robust and engaging industry with more opportunities. I see myself working with anyone that'll take me!
5) What makes your station unique? How does this compare to other stations you have worked at?
I think Live 105.5 is one of the most progressive Adult Top 40/HAC station in California, maybe the country. I've never worked at a HAC station that has been willing to take chances and try something new musically and promotionally.
6) How do you position the station musically and why did you choose this direction?
I believe in the resurgence of Pop bringing us into a new cycle of music. A more even blend of Rock/Pop/Urban will allow Hot AC's to become the new Top 40 of sorts. Considering many Top 40 stations have become very Rhythmic leaning, the 25 plus crowd may want a softer edge where they want more balance. That's where we live on that musical tightrope.
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
PAUL "CUBBY" BRYANT from Z-100 is God! (now WKTU)
8) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
I'm a true Top 40 fan and dig the Dance format executed at KNGY/ ENERGY 92.7 in San Francisco.
9) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
It's hot right now with Christina Aguilera, Nelly Furtado, John Mayer, Natasha Bedinfield, AFI, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Panic at the Disco and many more. Looking forward to Justin Timberlake's new CD. Should be a blazin' summer!
10) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?
I'd love to see more opportunities for people currently in the industry, and young up and comers. But last time I checked pigs still can't fly and hell is still hot as ever! Less consolidation, more programming.
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
WHTZ (Z-100)/NEW YORK and KIIS 102.7 KISS FM/LOS ANGELES. Need I say more?
As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
Still living the dream and wanting more!
What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
You never stop learning.
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