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10 Questions with ... Paco Lopez
August 1, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
DEMO: Coming to an inbox near you soon! Just contact me for it!
I've been blessed to have worked at Hot 97 and WNEW (Mix 102.7)/NYC, WPGC/Washington, D.C., Y100/Miami, KKFR/Phoenix, Q-105 and U92/Tampa, 102Jamz, Mega 98.1, WPYO and WOCL (1059 Sunny FM)/Orlando. As well as some other stops along the way.
I programmed WJBT (92.7 The Beat)/Jacksonville, and "Oyeme" for World Space Satellite Radio Network.
Syndicated shows: Street Jam (SupeRadio), E Entertainment's Inside Word (MJI Broadcasting), Platinum Dance Mix (Mann Group Radio), and one in the works now!
Three times nominated for Billboard Airplay Monitor Syndicated Radio Show Host of the Year, Winner Billboard Airplay Monitor Radio Station of the Year, Bobby Poe Pop Music Survey MD of the Year.
Also, TV appearances on MTV, USA Network, and my own TV (Dance Show) in Phoenix "Phoenix Jamz."
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I have a voiceover business and do P.A. for three professional sports teams in Orlando. I also have a to-do list now that I'm home.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely. I have plenty of tread left on my tires. I believe I can do multiple formats and I'm not afraid to take on anyone, anywhere, any time! I've got a lot of knowledge that I would love to share and help teach some of the up-and-comers! I'm not done yet!
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
About six months.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Either mornings or afternoons with possibly PD/APD duties. It's not about the market size; it's about the opportunity being right.
5) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
The entire industry is paying less than it once did ... regardless of position or market size.
6) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?
Three stand out in my mind. Two April Fools gags. 1) There was a golf resort being built, and we said on the air that it was going to be America's fourth underground mall. We pre-produced bits of celebs like Jeff Gordon who had his car there, Emeril Lagasse was doing a cooking demonstration, and Will Smith was signing autographs in the center of the mall. 2) We told the audience that we'd worked with our engineering dept and MTV & VH-1 and had created 3D headphones, and they were free at local convenience stores. 7-11 Central offices called because of all the people going to get their headphones. 3) "Created an on air fight" with our morning show and were "suspended." Truth was, the show wanted to go on vacation and wanted to find a way to allow for us all to be gone at once. Fifteen years later, people still would ask me about it!
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I would hope that my experience, track record, and past performance are successful enough to do that.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Staying in this business and working while so many of my contemporaries have left the business.
9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
I remember when I interviewed for the night gig at Y100 in Miami, then PD Robert W. Walker asked me, "Why radio?" I replied, "Because I LOVE THIS!" Then he asked me, "How long are you going to do radio?" I told him, "Until I don't love it anymore!" I got that job. I've taken jobs in the past for less money than I wanted, because the other circumstances were right. You gotta love this business to stay in this business. It's not always about the money!
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
DON'T!!! No, really ... learn as much as you can. Be a sponge. The more you learn, and know, the more valuable you will be. Diversify. Get an agent to help you find voice overs, commercials, TV, film, any other form of media to provide additional revenue and possibly set yourself up for the future, in case radio puts you on the beach.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
The Bible. It's all in there.
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