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10 Questions with ... Erik Fox
May 31, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started by interning and then fill in at Country KIK-F/Anaheim, CA, then went to Bakersfield to work at then ModAC KLLY-FM as overnights and production. Went to CHR KMXY-FM Grand Junction, CO where a midday shift turned quickly to a PD gig. Returned to KLLY-FM for nights and APD in 2000. Since then, I have been Production Director for the cluster as well as multiple on-air roles including mornings on KLLY-FM, mornings on smooth jazz KSMJ-FM, Afternoons when the station flipped to AC, Returning to middays on then CHR KLLY-FM, middays on Rhythmic Oldies KKBB-FM, then into my current role as Afternoons and PD of KLLY-FM
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
I was interning for Country KIK-F/Anaheim, CA ,when one night the overnight personality was unavailable, so I got to be on air. I ended up puking as soon as I turned off the mic for the first time from nerves and thought that my career was over. KIKF-F had the legendary Charlie Tuna in the morning, and was a station that exemplified local targeted radio. It locked in many innovative ways of thinking that I take with me to this current day.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
As a kid I was a radio geek in a dreamland of Los Angeles, with legendary stations and personalities. I was extremely shy though, which led me to thinking another career was for me. I went to college to be a clinical psychologist, but a required “Introduction to Radio/TV” elective course lit up something inside me. I changed my major and went to being a part of the college station KBPK-F where mentors there led me on the course that takes me to this day.
3. You just celebrated 2 years in the PD chair at Energy. Is the job everything (and more) that you hoped it would be?
I have been blessed to be a part of KLLY-F in many ways for my entire time in Bakersfield. I entered the role right before the pandemic hit, so there have been multiple challenges transitioning through that process. I’m excited to navigate things as we continue to return to normal and make things even bigger.
4. You’ve been in the market for 25+ years now. You’ve certainly seen some changes over that period of time—what still excites about being part of the Bakersfield community?
Bakersfield has continued to evolve drastically over my time here and has transitioned to become somewhat a suburb of Los Angeles. The cost of living has led to quickening growth which has brought more options for entertainment and dining. However, this city still retains that small town, big heart mentality, especially when it comes to charity or causes. Plus, we’re 2 hours away from whatever you would want to do from skiing to deserts to wine tasting.
5. How did navigating the pandemic make you a better programmer?
The thing that the pandemic forced us as programmers to do is to not latch ourselves on the concept of “we can’t do that because…” It has been freeing to NOT be grounded to the concepts that we’ve done in the past just because it is “the way we do it.” It has also allowed us to work with artists and labels in innovative ways as we were trying to figure out things weekly. That’s what has also made some of those relationships deeper as we all are working in new and creative ways.
6. You still crack the mic every afternoon. What do you still love about being on the air?
I love the ability to be a part of our listener’s lives through good times and bad, and give them that escape that they need for their life or give them experiences that they will always remember. It’s an experience that few get to have and I am grateful that I can do that every day.
7. Who would be a ‘dream guest’ to have plug in across from you on your show?
I would love a chance to sit down with people that love to evolve and have deepness to their lyrics. Some of them would be Sia, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, and Twenty One Pilots.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It’s a phrase I heard when I was young that I still try to follow “The only constant in life is change.” If you try to fight change, you’re only fighting yourself and your growth. Find comfort in discomfort. The freedom we have being in a creative field is that we can take chances with opportunities and sometimes that will surprise you in what you accomplish.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
90s radio in Los Angels was amazing! KROQ with Kevin & Bean and Jed the Fish, KIIS-FM with Rick Dees and Power 106 with its transition from Jay Thomas to The Baka Boys. I always felt like I was in the party with them with their personalities and promotions.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Early on the KBPK leaders (Ed Ford, Jim Bain and Ed Berger) instilled the professional drive and motivation to keep pushing forward. Jason Griffin was my first PD at KLLY and was always open to my “dumb questions” and helped me get grounded in Bakersfield. EJ Tyler has always been a person to help keep things in perspective and do things that haven’t been done. The Alpha team of Phil Becker, Bo Matthews and Ben Davis have always been inspiring to find fresh perspectives and are amazingly supportive.
Bonus Questions
With the venue of choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a station show?
I love this question! The Weeknd, Harry Styles, Jay-Z with Beyonce, Drake, and JustinBeiber. I just got shivers imaging that show!
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