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10 Questions with ... Kobi
December 6, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started as an intern for then Clear Channel in my hometown of Raleigh, NC. After my internship ended I was hired as a promotions assistant and PT air talent. From there I have worked full-time in Amarillo, TX (nights-KQIZ- 93.3 The Beat); Tallahassee, FL (nights- WHTF- Hot 104-9); Lexington, KY (nights/PM drive/MD -WKLT- 104.5 The Cat); Harrisburg, PA (nights/MD-WHKF- 99.3 Kiss-FM); Philadelphia, (mights/MD-WRDW- Wired 96.5); Raleigh, NC (PM drive/MD/APD-WDCG & WKSL-G105 & 93.9 Kiss-FM); Memphis, TN (PD/PM drive-KWNW-101.9 Kiss-FM) and now I'm back in the bluegrass in Louisville!
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
It was DOPE! I was still in college and thanks to Chris Edge, I got to crack the mic in my hometown weekly on "G105 ... The Hit Music Channel!" I was definitely wet behind the ears on the air but I had a lot of fun and being on the radio in college was a plus for the ladies! Wink, wink. I remember doing club gigs in Chapel Hill on Franklin Street, spinning at Jillian's downtown and hosting events like New Years Eve on the air as a part-timer. Big shouts to other peeps from G's past who helped me, as well as Keith Scott, Tommy Owen, JoJo, Andie Summers, Arielle, Mark Kaye and anyone else I left out.
2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
It's very competitive! We almost have two stations for every format, so you can't ever let down your guard. You have to make sure your station -- or stations, in my case -- stand out in the market. If the product is good, people will want it but you have to make sure you are their #1 choice every time! You gotta be different and have fun!
3) What are you doing social media-wise?
Social media is clutch in the current climate of our industry. Thanks to my iHeart team here in Louisville -- shouts to Rucker, Jenny and Tori -- both of my stations are very active on all the social media platforms. If the P1 is on it, we are too! Oh yeah ... and personally I am as well. I won't be upset if you follow me @kobiontheradio
4) What are your favorite show prep sources?
The Internet and life are the best sources for my show prep.
5) Who handles your imaging, and what voices are you using?
Rucker, Dubbz in Miami and the good people at Imaging Chop Shop are my heroes! My station voices are Drew Hall (WNRW) and Dubbz and Ann Dewig (WLGX)
6) What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with?
As much as it sucked, practically living on those buses in grocery store parking lots, Stuff A Bus in Harrisburg was very rewarding. Knowing that your lack of sleep, voice (by the end of the week), and spending all that time with Mike Miller was going to help feed people in need for the holidays was awesome! I am glad that they are still keeping the tradition going at 99.3 KISS-FM and at other stations around the country. Shouts to JT Bosch, Jeff Hurley and Holly Love!
7) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
My apologies to Seacrest, but I would give a kidney to have a really good female doing middays on Radio Now and leading the team on our social media platforms. In a dream world, she would be a perfect mix of Elizabethany (DC), Silly Jilly (TX), Katie Summers (Tampa), Carson Blackley (Pittsburgh), Angi Taylor (Chicago) and Bex in Philly!
8) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Kannon at KVIL in Dallas! He is one of my best friends and he taught me a lot about how to be a leader on the air and most importantly off the air. His voice and personality are one of a kind! He is one of the masters of being hilarious over an :8 to:10 intro! Plus he is from NC so he always has Carolina On His Mind ... and Bojangles!
9) What's the most unbelievable on air bit you were allowed to do?
It definitely was in Amarillo where Deanna E, Justin Tyme and I convinced listeners that "M&M" was coming downtown by the station one day! This was back when MTV's "Punkd" was at its prime. We promoted for two days, I think. Long story short ... 200+ listeners showed up and when the limo pulled up one of our interns hopped out in an M&M candy costume. (I think it was blue.) We didn't break any legal rules, pissed a few people off and the city could not stop talking about it. Something I will never forget! We did some amazing things and had some incredible ratings back in the day at The Beat!
10) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Sweet ... an excuse to name drop! (Clears throat.) Chris Edge, JoJo aka Matthew Majkozak, Kannon, Deanna E, Justin Tyme, Zac Davis, Chris Shebel, Bob Dumas (He showed me what to do if you want to get death threats, fined, fired or piss off a ton of people simultaneously ... lol) Romeo aka Timmy, Devin Steel, Tony Travatto, JT Bosch, Mike McCoy, Michael Jordan, Kelly Carls, (takes breath) John Ivey, Big Tigger, Russ Parr, Tom Joyner and my crazy-ass family! If you had a lasting effect on my career and I didn't mention you ... THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
Louisville is a dope-ass city! There is always something going on, tons of great food options, lots of bourbon and there are tons of amazing places to visit! If I had to choose one it would have to be walking the Big Four Bridge! You get amazing views of downtown, walk across the Ohio River to Indiana and it's great exercise in the spring and fall! Plus it is only for foot traffic, and bikes ... no cars!
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