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10 Questions with ... Danny Meyers
September 6, 2022
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1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
I was such a little pain in the butt, making homemade tapes and sending them to radio stations in rural Northern New York where I grew up. So the month I turned 14 (legal to work in New York State), I got hired for weekends at WIGS AM/FM in Gouverneur, NY. It was unbelievable to work with my favorite jock, Lee Richards. He saw something in me and promoted me to afternoons when I got out of school for summer. Unfortunately, I had to leave that job a few months later because my mom got sick of driving me to the station.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
It’s really all I’ve ever done. The Sears Catalog had a turntable/mic DJ set back in the day and I wore that thing out from the age of 5.
3. You’re closing in on 20 years of hosting morning drive. What do you love the most about setting the table for the rest of G105’s broadcast day?
Great question. I feel like there is a real importance to trying to give people a decent start to their day. Letting them know that everything is okay, we’re going to be okay. There is a value to bringing some lightness into the world. And our little window to do that is between 5 and 10am on G105…or anytime on the iHeart app. I’m not saying I do the best job every day but that is my attempt.
I’ve also been blessed to work with some of the most talented teammates through the years. Doing what I can to set them up for success on the air is huge for me. Many thanks to Monica Brooks, Zack Jackson, and Dana DiDonato at K92 in Roanoke, DK and Corey Crockett in Norfolk, and my current team at the mighty G105. So grateful for all of them (and many others…you know who you are!)
4. You and co-host/producer Ben Harris were recently able to add Meghan Lamontagne to the show. Her hire is a great example of a guest making a significant impact and then getting the call. How did it all come together and what does she bring to the team?
No doubt. When we were beginning to search for our new co-host, a salesperson popped into the studio and said “I have someone for you.” Normally, you’re suspicious of an AE hard-selling you on anything but Ben and I decided to take a chance on her friend, Meghan. And were we glad that we did! From day one, Meghan was such a gift. We even met after the show that first day together both thinking we might have found “the one.” Naturally funny, cares deeply, REALLY wants to win. And she has a background in beauty pageants…former Miss Teen New Hampshire, people! So she’s been competing from a very young age. We’re appreciating the push from our new in-studio pageant queen.
5. What did you learn about yourself as a performer and personality navigating the pandemic?
In the past, I’ve had to do the morning show through big news events that kind of take over things for a day or two…or maybe a week. This was different because you couldn’t just come on the air and talk about how bad things are. We got clear feedback from our audience they wanted us to be the escape from all of that. It’s hard to do sometimes, but if it’s your brand and your job to entertain, you’ve got to show up and do your best. One of my best friends and former co-host at K92, Zack Jackson, said it so well. I don’t tune into the Food Network to see Bobby Flay talk about (fill in the blank bad news event).
6. How has the Music Director position evolved since you’ve been a part of the programming team?
Oh gosh, I’ve only been on as APD for a month. So far I get to voice my opinions a couple of times a week but Trevor Morini (our Program Director, Vice President of Programming) and A.J. (SVPP out of Charlotte) do the heavy lifting. I hope this continues for as long as possible.
7. Tis the season—what was (is) the ‘Song of Summer 2022’?
It’s probably “Sunroof” by Nicky Youre…a song I really can’t stand. But if our audience wants it (and they do) I’m all for it.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
If I make fun of someone for tripping over their words, I am guaranteed to mess up ten times worse almost immediately. Also, if you take the time to research your audience and give them what they want, you will win.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
Kiss 108 in Boston, no doubt. Dale Dorman is my absolute favorite jock of all time. I had a chance to visit the station and he never put on his headphones. Just left them cranked up on the counter and would occasionally throw on his mic and do the most amazing breaks seemingly with zero prep and not even listening through headphones. Amazing.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
One of my first program directors, Dick O’Neil at WTNY-FM in Watertown influenced me the most. Even though it was a smaller-market station, it sounded huge and had massive ratings. When I got there, I didn’t understand why there were songs in the Top 40 they were not playing. Learning about audience research with Dick was mind-blowing. He also edited my promo and liner copy with red pen, sometimes giving me letter grades. Those lessons in word economy and saying things in the most efficient way are still with me today. Also, Scott Shannon at WPLJ. Really, a very similar radio philosophy to Dick so I think that’s why I did fairly well there. Working at PLJ was absolutely terrifying at first. Learning to overcome the nerves and actually have fun in that kind of high-pressure environment was my biggest takeaway from that experience.
Bonus Questions
With the PNC Arena at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 6 acts would you pull together to throw a massive listener appreciation concert?
Six!? Oh we’re going big…here we go:
Lizzo
Taylor Swift (new album coming out…perfect timing. She would also be a great host)
Panic! At the Disco
Morgan Wallen
Jack Harlow
Harry Styles (complete with a One Direction reunion…does that bring me to 7?) -
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