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10 Questions with ... Rick Andrews
December 7, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started my career in Bangor, Maine on WZON (Z-62) in 1981, Utica, NY WNYZ (New York's Z) in 1984, KZOZ-San Luis Obispo, CA in '89, KIOT-Albuquerque, NM '00, WEZQ-Bangor, ME in 03, KMXJ-FM-Amarillo, TX in 06 and been in San Angelo, TX-KIXY since '14.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
It was a very special time. Starting at the age of 14 on my hometown station in Bangor, ME (WZON) was such an incredible experience. I remember wanting to learn everything I could about all aspects of the business. I would end up going into the studio hours before my scheduled shift just so I could soak up the atmosphere or work in the production room.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
It had been something I had wanted to do since I was 7 years old. I remember setting up a couple record players in my house and 'playing radio' for hours. All my commercials were on a cassette player and I had my stack of 45s and would 'do a shift.' Looking back now, I wonder what my parents were thinking while I was doing this.
3. You're coming up on 7 years for Foster Communications/San Angelo. Congrats, and what's your secret for fitting all the pieces into the puzzle?
In this day in age, you really need to be the jack-of-all-trades. There are so many things that we do on a day-to-day basis that requires a wider skill set. Never stop learning! With technology, we have access to so many more resources and materials. Learn all that you can and then apply what you think best fits your needs. At the end of the day though, I'm still making my to-do lists with pen and paper. I would be lost without my daily list.
4. You still get to rock the mic every day on your afternoon show on KIXY. What does that part of your day mean to you?
It's always the best part of the day. For me, it's what attracted me to the business. As an on-air personality, it's a chance to entertain and (hopefully) put a smile on someone's face.
5. Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
I always had 2 people in mind; Johnny Carson and Bob Hope. I was fortunate enough to have Bob Hope on the show in San Luis Obispo years ago.
6. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?
Not necessarily a 'backstage' experience, but I remember when Daryl Hall & John Oates kicked off their "Big Bam Boom" tour in Bangor and I had the chance to go to the dress rehearsal the night before show. Stephen King owned WZON, so it was Stephen, our PD John Marshall and myself along with a few other people. This would have been around '84, so I would have been 18, so it was a pretty cool experience.
7. "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
I am very fortunate that Foster Communications has always lived by this. KIXY is always out somewhere involved or giving back to the community. From tailgating at local high school/college football games to emceeing various events or participating in various job fair events. There are so many things that Foster Communications are a part of in this community that it really is a part of the fabric of San Angelo. This is a testament to Walton Foster's legacy that has been perfected by company President Fred Key and VP/GM Rick Mantooth.
8. How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z audience?
We need to make sure that we get in front of the eyes of Gen Z. They grew up with their electronics and social media and apps. As broadcasters we need to make sure that not only do they have easy access to our brands, but that our brands keep them engaged. In the same breath, we need to get back to the basics. Remember, the music can be found everywhere, so it is what's between the music that will set us apart from the other choices that Gen Z has in front of them.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
I remember picking up WNBC in New York at night on my radio. When I went to Chicago to visit relatives for a week, I remember listening to John 'Records' Landecker on WLS. Rick Dees at KIIS FM and of course Casey Kasem with AT40.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I'm afraid there is not enough space for me to mention everyone who has helped me along the way and I would hate to leave someone out of this list. There have been many people, over the years, that I have learned from. I also like to think that I have picked up little nuggets from each and every person that I have worked with.
Bonus Questions
With the venue of choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 6 acts would you pull together to throw a massive listener concert?
1) Taylor Swift 2) Dua Lipa 3) Harry Styles 4) The Weeknd 5) Bad Bunny 6) Ed Sheeran
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