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10 Questions with ... Mark Frankhouse
April 23, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. One of the things I really love about being a part of this community and station is how many charitable events we do. Between Roof Sit, Stuff The Bus, Bronco Days, and our annual RibFest, we have consistently been involved in community events which allow our listeners to interact with us and it gives us a chance to give back to them for all they do for us
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
SOCIAL MEDIA: www.facebook.com/markfrankhouse66 www.twitter.com/FrankhouseOnAir www.instagram.com/FrankhouseOnAir
Mark Frankhouse joined the Townsquare Media team from Detroit as the new midday host at WKFR and night DJ at 104.9 The Edge. He is a graduate of Specs Howard School of Media Arts in Southfield, MI in 2012. After working at a Top 40 station in the Big D, he is thrilled to call Kalamazoo-Battle Creek his new home. Mark is a lover of all music, vocalist, and obsessed with the '80s new wave band The Clue. Listen to Mark live weekdays on 103.3 KFR 10a-2p and on 104.9 The Edge 7p-midnight.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Unbelievable. To say I was blessed would be a pretty accurate description. I was surrounded by some of the most talented, industry-wise, and entertaining people in this business. The experience of having personal moments with major artists and crowds at venues I grew up going to will never be forgotten.
2) How did you get your start?
After graduating from Specs Howard in 2012, I landed an internship with 98.7 AMP Radio (R.I.P) on the morning show. I completed that in February in 2013. Seven months later, I received a call saying they were looking to hire on "On-Air Producer" for their night show with Dustin "HaZe" Monroe. My name was brought up because I had previously interned with them. Both interviews I had with HaZe, and then PD, Tim "Rayne" Rainey felt so natural; like talking to friends you've never met. They must have felt the same because shortly after I was offered a job.
3) WKFR is one of the great heritage Top 40s in the country. Does the station's storied history play in to the current era at all?
Absolutely. Our afternoon jock, Dave Benson, has been with the station over 30 years and he brings that high-energy "classic jock" vibe while staying with the times. Our community is very much committed to our brand and what we offer them on a daily basis in terms of entertainment. I meet people all the time who talk about how long they've listened to KFR and still do. They can tell that what we do is honest and relates to who they are, which I feel is so important.
4) You're also doing nights on Alternative sister-station 104.9 The Edge. How do you balance the two?
I have a major passion for Alternative/Metal music while I'm not on air on KFR. So staying on top of music and news that relates to that audience is like a second language. I feel the two genres I work in are becoming very natural to me. I feel that there are multiple layers to me as a talent, and it's just about getting into the mindset and being genuine that makes it much more manageable and relatable.
5) What kind of social media responsibilities do you have?
I am currently posting for both WKFR and 104.9 The Edge's Facebook pages. I also am responsible for sending out Tweets, App Alerts and E-Blasts (station e-mails) for both brands as well. We also have access to our Instagram as well which we utilize.
6) "Local, local, local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
One of the things I really love about being a part of this community and station is how many charitable events we do. Between Roof Sit, Stuff The Bus, Bronco Days, and our annual RibFest, we have consistently been involved in community events which allow our listeners to interact with us and it gives us a chance to give back to them for all they do for us. Townsquare, in general, does things that I feel separates itself from the pack. Localization is our main priority. Our community needs to know things happening around them that may affect their lives, and it's our responsibility to deliver that info to them, while also entertaining them and having fun.
7) What is one truth that has held constant through the years?
If you want something bad enough, stay patient, don't get jealous or angry at someone else's achievements, stay hungry, don't give up, don't stop learning and never sell yourself short. You'll get what you deserve as long as you want it enough.
8) What is your favorite part of the job?
Being able to express myself every day. Being able to give people a peek into the way I view the world and getting feedback from my audience that what I'm doing and how I'm doing it is gelling. Kalamazoo has embraced me with open arms and I'm so humbled by it.
9) What's your all-time favorite radio station? Favorite jock?
Oh man. Radio station has to go to WRIF. I grew up on Arthur P., Drew & Mike, Meltdown. The list goes on. I'm also a HUGE sports fan so 97.1 The Ticket is always on the dial when I go home. Strangely my favorite jock, for what he brought to a show, was Mark Pasman. He did a show called "The Motor City Blues Project," which was an incredible 2two-hour show that ran from 9-11 on Sunday nights on 94.7 WCSX -- one of the most creative and original programs. There was something new every week and he was so educated on Blues music. I was really bummed when that show was cancelled.
10) Who would you say that your mentors have been?
No doubt, Dustin "HaZe" Monroe. He's currently in St. Louis, killing it ... and I base how I do my show on everything he showed me. He went through the ups and downs and really helped prepare me for this industry. I couldn't have started my career off with anyone better IMO. He's so talented all across the board. Many of the instructors and former Instructors at Specs Howard in Southfield as well. It was like being taught by the "Dream Team." In Kalamazoo, we have some pros that don't get the recognition they deserve either. Eric Meier has made me such a better writer and has helped mold me to be a solid blogger. My whole team on KFR as well. My Brand Manager Dana Marshall, Heather McGregor and Dave Benson. All pros who do nothing but help me get stronger every day.
Bonus Questions
If it wasn't radio for you, what would it have been?
Professional wrestling commentator. I'm not crazy into it anymore, but I love the art of calling a match. I watched it religiously from when I was five to about 20 years old.
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