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10 Questions with ... Danny Hill
March 25, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started in San Luis Obispo at KVEC as an intern for News/Talk. I begged the local FM station for a weekend gig and started on KSLY when it was Top 40 on the weekends. I went from there to KWWV to the morning show and then followed my friend Chris Blood to Fresno and worked on KALZ as morning show producer and 7-mid. I was promoted to MD/afternoons before I left for KUBB to be the APD/afternoons. After some time I was hired as the OM/PD for H. Hawaii Media. I stayed there for three years and wanted to come back to California. I was hired at KLLY in 2010 and have been here ever since. I was recently promoted to OM of the Bakersfield Cluster.
1) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
It's competitive like any other market. We are lucky to be next to L.A., so we get the benefit of all the L.A. shows and concerts, plus the ones we get here and the ones in Fresno. So the opportunity is everywhere! You just have to try to be a part of it! The city is growing very fast with new construction all over town. It's still affordable to live here. You get the benefit of being in California and owning a new home for around $200,000. That's a pretty sweet deal. So a lot of new members to the community are coming in all the time!
2) "Local, local, local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
I'm a big believer that we are servants of the community. So if there is a charity anything, we should be a part of it. My stations' doors are always open to promote a non-profit event. I always like to talk about local high school teams as well. We are the people's stations and the only way to do that is to open the doors to the people of our community!
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
I love being creative, getting up in the morning and talking to people. I love making people laugh. I love being a voice for those who have none. I love helping people, going out and making our community a little better. I love helping businesses be successful off an advertising campaign I came up with. I don't have a favorite part, I love it all.
4) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?
We recently took our station bounce house to the local homeless center and set up a remote broadcast for people to donate blankets, shoes and towels. While we were there, we had over 100 children waiting to jump in our bounce house. Most had never been inside one. It was a day that changes your view on what's important. I realized then that we have the power to do a lot of good with our jobs.
5) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Jesus ... I'm pretty sure my TSL would go through the roof.
6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Mark and Brian on KSLY 96FM
7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Social media, football, kids.
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
It's every dork's dream to be around cool people. I'm just a dork liv'n the dream :)
9) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Keep working hard every day of your life and one day it will pay off ... Until then eat Top Raman, meet bands and enjoy the ride.
10) What is the current state of the radio 'talent pool?'
It's deep with vets and talented newbies. I'm really surprised at all the great talent that walk in off the street. It's just another outlet for the video makers and social media stars. Suddenly everyone can talk "out their ass" and try to sell you on an idea in 30 seconds or less ... sound familiar? There is more talent today than ever before and that makes it hard for anyone to stand out. As a fan of radio it's been great to be a part of it ... so many solid personalities and so many things to say.
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see?"
Crystal Palace ... Amazing history and will tell you just why Bakersfield is a great place to call home!
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