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Best Top 40 Mainstream 10Q Moments of 2022
December 12, 2022
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This week, we look back at 2022 with the best answers to some of our best questions.
Ron Pritchard
Mornings
WJZQ/Traverse City, MI 1/18/22
You're on a great run at a company (Midwestern Broadcasting) with unparalleled heritage and deep roots in Northern Michigan. What is it about the company that you love the most?
They care about their people and their community. If one of us gets in trouble financially, medically, etc, the owners, managers, and employees rally around that person to bring them back up again. We are all truly friends, and we know we've got each other's backs. It's the same with the community. I've seen the company, and the owners personally step up and give out of their own funds in times of crisis. It's truly amazing, especially compared to other family owned and run companies I have worked for and compete against now.Tres Wiggins "Twiggins"
PD/Afternoons
WHTF (Hot 104.9)/Tallahassee 1/25/22
What was it like for you to be able to be on the air in your hometown?
Mobile is such a unique place, it's a smaller version of New Orleans. A small city with a drinking problem as we say. I was able to meet so many great connections that have become close friends and mentors. I would have to say the best part was the listener's love for the heritage that is WABB/WABD. They have been listening for their entire lives and now, so have their kids. It was a privilege to have been on at ABB and ABD and to be able to carry on traditions and contests that people know and love.Matt Derrick
OM
DBC Radio/Savannah 2/1/22
What led you to a career in radio?
I grew up with a lot of music in my family and always loved listening to radio. I grew up with some great talent in Tulsa, at the time KAYI (K107) was the big Top 40. I would later work for that station for as KHTT. It was so surreal to work with Andy Barber and Carly Rush, people I had grown up listening to every day!Joshua Godwin
PD/MD/Mornings
KQID (Q93)/Alexandria, LA 2/1/22
Doing mornings and programming can make for a long day. How do you budget your time so that you make sure everything happens when it's supposed to?
Doing mornings and programming was difficult early on. When I first got here, there was a lot of things to clean up and see about. I would find myself staying late every day. After about a year in, I got everything up to speed to where I felt it should be. Now it is just about maintenance and planning out tasks that I want to get done each day so I'm staying ahead of schedule.Jay Steele
PD/Afternoons
KMXF (Hot 101.9)/Fayetteville, AR 2/15/22
You got to be on the radio in your hometown (Buffalo). What was that like for you?
It was pretty cool, especially with a station I grew up listening to a lot. I love Western New York, and to get a chance to be so involved in the community was really fun. I went to every remote, festival and promotional event I could and got to experience the area in ways I never did growing up there. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the city and its people.Erik Johnson
Sr. VP/Programming
iHeartMedia/Omaha 2/23/22
You've spent 20+ years in the market. How has the competitive landscape changed in that time?
The CHR battle has become quite fierce. We have two CHRs, a Rhythmic CHR, a Hot AC that could really be seen as an Adult Top 40 and an AC that plays some current music. Standing out is a challenge.
When radio teams were bigger, many of the stations did over-the-top promotions. KXKT held their annual Fun Country Festival. KQCH did the Villisca Axe Murder House Challenge. KQKQ gave away a house. KSRZ gave away cars with Live In It To Win It. Now that the business has changed, promotions in the market are focused more on-air than on the streets. We've just gotten more creative with our imaging and presentation.AJ Carson
APD/MD/Afternoons
KZHT (97.1 ZHT)/Salt Lake City 3/2/22
You've been doing afternoons for 16+ years now at KZHT. What is it about being on the air every day that still lights you up when you hit the studio?
The truth? I'm still the kid in my parents' basement playing radio. That feeling has never left. I get amped up playing a hit LOUD and layering the production of a hot sounding sweep over the record's ramp. Hitting the post with a phoner or one-liner is a joy only radio people know. And being on the air is a privilege. Being on the air at KZHT every day is an HONOR. I'm not qualified for a real job, so I'm very lucky. I thank my lucky stars every day for this opportunity.Sid Kelly
PD/Afternoons
KLIF-F (Hot 93.3)/Dallas 3/8/22
You're 2 ½ years into your time in Dallas…is your market # 5 experience everything that you thought it would be so far?
Yes and no. By yes, I mean that I knew this would be hard because everyone is so talented. And no, because you have to experience this situation to understand that everyone thinks two moves ahead at all times. Not only do you have to think about what you're doing, but you also must consider how you're going to pivot WHEN the competition does their thing.Thomas "Jammer" Naylor
RVPP
Audacy/Top 40 3/16/22
Last July you were named one of the company's five Regional VP/Programming. What additional duties are now part of your work day?
Luckily, I was blessed to be a part of a GREAT team. The top 40 programming department brain trust kicks ass!! In my region I have one of the best Regional Brand Managers--Michael O'Donnell (O.D.). We work together like hand and glove. I program WEZB/New Orleans and WNVZ/Norfolk- Virginia Beach day to day. I set it up where O.D. programs WKRZ Wilkes-Barre / Scranton and WRVQ Richmond day to day. He assists me with B97 and Z104 where needed and I assist him with 98.5 KRZ and Q94 where needed. From the beginning, O.D. and I have set the table for what is needed and expected for each brand. It's Zoom-fest every day. Each aspect of these brands from morning shows, talent, promotion, digital and music are met with on a weekly or daily basis. We talk with Natalia, Nick and Shaggy at Z104 / T-Pot and Speedy at B97 / Binky & Jay Jay at Q94. O.D. creates the magic with Rocky & Lissa, Jeff & Amanda and Fishboy at 98.5 KRZ. Everyone has been fantastic and it's great to feel the energy of the staff.Corey Carter
Brand Manager/Middays
WIXX/Appleton-Oskosh 3/29/22
The station is consistently the market leader seemingly for every ratings period—congrats! How do you motivate the staff to stay on top?
We all have a tremendous respect for the brand of WIXX. We know how important of a station it is--not only in our listeners' lives but also for the company, so we all want to give it our best.Sean Strife
Brand Manager/Middays
WKQI (Channel 955)/Detroit 4/5/22
What led you to a career in radio?
Honestly I think the radio landscape in South Florida unintentionally primed me to work in the medium. I was always tuned in. I grew up listening to several well-known local morning shows; Bobby & Footy, Paul & Young Ron, Kevin, Virginia & Jason, The Morning Buzz in all of its incarnations on WPBZ when it was an Alt station. My father listened to Howard Stern a lot. I think when I found my campus station in college, everything just clicked and I knew what I needed to be doing.Elista Hathaway
MD/Asst. Brand Manager/Middays
WBZZ (100.7 Star)/Pittsburgh 4/12/22
You're coming up on your 10th anniversary at Star. What are a couple of the highlights of your run so far in The 'Burgh?
Raising millions of meals for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank during our 'Feed The Need' radiothons.
Meeting listeners over the years at our events and getting to hear and see their reaction to meeting their favorite artists.
It was a full circle moment for me when I got the chance to interview a childhood favorite, The Backstreet Boys, at our 'O Starry Night' concert.
Broadcasting on Federal Street at the Pittsburgh Pirates playoff game.
Interviewing artists & attending the 50th Anniversary of the ACM's in Dallas.Skye
APD/Mornings
WBLI (106. BLI)/Long Island 4/19/22
You're well-known for the great job that you do interviewing musicians and other celebrities. What's your secret sauce and who have a couple of your favorites ones been with?
I don't know if it's a secret, but treat these artists and celebrities like normal human beings, because they are! I know they live a much different life, but most of them just want to be spoken to like you and I would like to be spoken to. I feel it's super-important to earn their trust, too. I'm not one of these guys looking to get a scoop or use them to get a viral clip. If it happens, great…but let them be the ones to give it to you. Don't go digging. Earning their trust and making sure they know they're safe with you as an interviewer is key to developing those great relationships. I typically ask an artist when starting "what do YOU want to get across the most in this chat?"
Favorites? I love them all, but have developed really great relationships with Meghan Trainor (we talk often), Charlie Puth, Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, and Bebe Rexha!Lauren "LO" Sessions
APD/MD/Afternoons
KTFM (Energy 94.1)/San Antonio 4/26/22
What led you to a career in radio?
I think this career path has always been in the cards for me. As a kid growing up in South Florida, radio was a HUGE part of my life. I'd listen to everything from Power 96 and the DJ Laz morning show to Bubba The Love Sponge (Mom & Dad have totally different tastes in music and content lol). From car rides to school or family road trips, music was always something we bonded on and listening to the radio was a major part of my upbringing.Cameron Moore
PD/MD/Middays
WNKS (Kiss 95.1)/Charlotte 5/3/22
Twenty-two-year programmer John Reynolds is still a big part of the company and radio stations in Charlotte, and you replaced him as the hands-on PD for KISS a couple of months ago. What has that transition been like for you?
The transition has been very smooth to PD. It can be difficult juggling all my duties sometimes, which has been the biggest adjustment for me personally, but John and I have worked together for almost five years. There is a certain level of trust and understanding when you work together that long. John is also in the office right next to mine, so if I ever need help, or have a questions, he's right there! I would say the transition to PD has been very smooth, all things considered!JB King
OM/Brand Manager
KLUC/Las Vegas 5/10/22
With all of the technology and information at our disposal these days, is it easier or harder to find the real hits in 2022?
Great question. Can I say both? Sometimes the info helps and sometimes it doesn't. I think the massive hits are still very easy to find. They sound like hits, they look good in research and all the metrics, (The Kid LAROI "Stay," The Weeknd "Blinding Lights"). But then you have some that sneak up on you or come back (Glass Animals "Heat Waves"). I believe, you need to look at all the data, know your stations sound, know what fits and always follow your gut. Never be afraid to admit you're wrong and pivot on or off a song.Maynard
EVP/Programming
iHeartMedia 5/17/22
7 years ago you were promoted to Executive VP/National Programming Strategy. What is it like for you to be one iHeart's strategic leaders?
Humbled. Pinch me moments all the time. Unbelievably grateful. And learning faster than my brain can comprehend. The first time I was on an email with a group of (insert awesome name dropped programmers here), I literally printed it out and hung it on my wall. I also took a picture and sent it to every person that had helped me get to that point. EVPP Gene Romano, says, 'Don't forget, we work for the markets,' not the other way around. When I approach the job with that attitude, things go well. When I don't, well you can guess what happens there.Jason Reed
OM/Afternoons
WAEZ (Electric 94.9)/Tri-Cities TN/VA 5/24/22
You're in the midst of an incredible run for Bristol Broadcasting, with close to 20 years in the books. Can you spotlight a handful of highlights from that part of your career?
I can't say enough about Bristol Broadcasting Company. We're a family. The respect and value our owner Lisa Bouldin places on people is truly incredible. I've had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from great programmers and air talent during the last 20 years. Also the support to execute events like Electric 94.9's Acoustic Christmas, launching stations like 99.3 The X and so many other community engagement promotions have definitely been highlights.Erik Fox
PD/Afternoons
KLLY (Energy 95.3)/Bakersfield 5/31/22
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.Damian "Chino" Mata
PD/MD/Mornings
KDUK/Eugene 6/7/22
How does your morning show set the table for the rest of the station's broadcast day?
It's about energy for me. I'm just trying to have a good time for my 4 hours every day. That energy carries over to the person that comes in after you--they can feel it. So if you come in with that Eeyore energy, you're going to bring down the rest of the crew. Some days it's hard, but you gotta find a way to bring that energy—it's a must!Vanessa James
Voiceover Actor
6/13/22
Your next move was a jump to the majors, and four years at The Beat (WMIB)/Miami. What did you love about working in that environment?
Miami is home - I love the market and the people. Being from Trinidad originally, Miami feels like the Caribbean's next-door neighbor figuratively and culturally. You can feel it in the air, the vibe, the music and the people. The market is vibrant and has a special sauce that can't be replicated anywhere else in the country. During my time at WMIB, I was able to bring an authentic voice to the airwaves and create community embracing Miami's multicultural diaspora that listeners could identify with and believe in. I'm proud of my time there and the community impact that was generated as well.Chris Lloyd
OM
Cox/Long Island 6/21/22
You originally joined Cox/Long Island to program Rock WBAB. For the past year you've also had oversight of WBLI. What's it been like adding that format to your programming portfolio?
A massive lesson in learning. It has been super exciting as I've admired BLI for years. We have the absolute best team and talent in Top 40 at 106.1 BLI. They are passionate, driven, and beyond connected with the audience. I am so proud of the success we are seeing because of their knowledge, commitment, and hard work.Bennett
Mornings
WTDY (96.5 TDY)/Philadelphia 6/28/22
Your father (Mike Bennett) is a Hudson Valley broadcasting legend. What impact did his career have on yours?
It had the biggest impact on my career. I got to see my dad in action from a very young age. I would listen to his morning show or watch him host a charity event and I would just be in awe. He always has the perfect blend of humor and sincerity. He just won a lifetime achievement award from Make-A-Wish. His heart is even bigger than his talent.Bob Neumann
Sr. VP/Programming
iHeartMedia, Georgia Region 7/5/22
How would you describe your first radio gig?
The calls were WYRD…i was a daytimer in Syracuse. I did 3pm til sign off. In the winter I was only on for about an hour and a half. I have always have been grateful to the GM, Sue Bahner, for giving me my first shot. At that point I had only college radio experience and really didn't know how the real world of radio worked. She took a chance on me. I took that lesson about believing in young people and have done my best to pass the torch when I can.Scott Free
PD/Mornings
WKNI (Wink 106)/Elmira-Corning 7/12/22
You've been programming and doing mornings for WINK 106 for 17 years now. What have a couple of memorable highlights been?
My 16-year co-host Ally Payne said "say it's me."
The Scott and Ally Show has been blessed to be the number one rated show in this market the entire time we have hosted. We also, thanks to 7 Mountains Media have been added as the morning show on sister stations Magic FM and Jamz…3 stations, with the hope of growing even more.
As for WINK overall, we have always worked to be a "big sounding" station. Over the years we have given away cars, large cash prizes, and trips. Things that smaller markets don't always have the greatest success executing.
Finally, having been in this market for so long…going to events or just to a store, people just want to talk to you. Although hearing "I have grown up listening to you" and you are looking at a mom of 3 now, is rewarding yet jarring feeling.Tabatha Grammer
PD/Middays
KHTT (106.9 K-HITS)/Tulsa 7/19/22
You were bumped up to APD not long after arriving at K-Hits, and then eventually to the PD chair. You'd had prior programming experience, so it was not unfamiliar territory—what did it mean to you to be promoted up through the ranks internally?
It meant a lot. It was a great and humbling experience. I learned a lot about myself and others. Steve Hunter, Operations Manager, showed interest in me and my on-air and PD skills early on. We also had a very supportive staff.Nick Bruns
SVPP/Programming
iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group + Tucson 7/26/22
Johnjay & Rich are famously based in Arizona at sister KZZP. Do the ever make it to town? How does their morning show jump start the station's broadcast day?
While it's true that Johnjay & Rich are famously based at KISS FM in Phoenix, I like to say more that Johnjay & Rich famously started their show on 93.7 KRQ in Tucson. They are in town quite a bit, for example, we are excitingly bringing back the #LovePup Family Fest in Tucson, which due to COVID has been missing the past couple years, but the entire show comes down for that event, The Rich Berra Band plays in Tucson quite a bit, and other cast members of the show are down periodically for events and appearance. I've had the opportunity to work with some fantastic Top 40 morning shows in my career, specifically The MJ Morning Show and Elvis Duran, but I've never seen a city embrace a morning show more than Tucson does for Johnjay and Rich! Not to mention the fact that they are #1 in demos that they have NO business being #1 in (I'm not complaining at all)! Young and old…loves Johnjay and Rich! If you've spent time in Tucson, you've woken up with Johnjay & Rich. For a show to be on a single station for 21 years, like they have, that means they have something special! It's an honor to work with Johnjay Van Es and Rich Berra!Justin Cousart
APD/Afternoons
WAPE/Jacksonville 8/2/22
The BIG APE has been a Top 40 staple for decades now, covering lots of turf with 100,000 watts. What's it like to be part of the programming team on one of the format's heritage radio stations?
I love it. I feel like a historian anytime someone brings up listening to The Big Ape when they were younger, at a remote. I start firing off random facts about how "The Big Ape" was on the ticket for The Beatles at the Gator Bowl in the 60's, or how we've always played the WAPE yell at the TOH every hour. There is pressure, and an expectation that you feel at times. We get asked to bring back "Jags Jam" all the time. I am honored to work for a station that has so much history in the city of Jacksonville.Wingnut
PD/Nights
WKSL (97.9 Kiss FM)/Jacksonville 8/9/22
What do you love the most about programming and being on the air in a beach market like Jacksonville?
Beachside markets are amazing! Both Melbourne and Jacksonville are beach communities and I actually live in Melbourne Beach about ½ mile from the Atlantic Ocean. When programming for a beachside community, you know the majority of the population, on a nice day, packs up the coolers and is ready to put their chairs in the sand and hear some good music!Erik Zachary
Syndicated
8/23/22
Had it occurred to you that syndication was a viable path? How did that all of that come together for you?
Yes and No. I remember producing Seacrest and Nessa's PC shows when I was first starting, so I understood the idea of syndicated shows but I never realized that independently owned syndication was an option. Not until a mentor and friend who would kill me if I mentioned him by name called and essentially asked 'what would it take for you to do radio again?'
I had been burnt out by radio. I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the potential of radio as opposed to how it was actually operating so I made the difficult decision to leave the industry entirely. I took some needed time away and then when the idea of producing a content show and not just quick VTs or live liners was floated, my mind went into overdrive.Lance Ballance
PD
KZII (102.5 Kiss FM)/Lubbock 8/30/22
It's tough enough getting younger generations to listen to the radio – where will the next wave of broadcasters come from?
We've actually been fortunate, in that we are in the backyard of Texas Tech and have found several young content contributors who still have the radio "bug." Plus, we've been able to recruit from the world of television, and found content creators who have passion for our formats, and are coachable enough to help them make the transition, like Kelsee Pitman on KQBR (formerly with KLBK-TV).Danny Meyers
APD/Mornings
WDCG (G105)/Raleigh 9/6/22
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!)Jason Goodman
VP/Programming/Mornings
WKZL (107.5 KZL)/Greensboro 9/13/22
You've been a part of the Jared & Katie morning show for 10 years now. What's that part of your life like and how does the morning show set the table for the rest of the station's broadcast day?
Well it certainly has its pros and cons. At times it can be difficult being a lightning rod type of personality in the morning and then 30 minutes later I am a conference room with our cooperate leaders discussing things in a much more professional manner. I do not think there are too many VP's that are also on a personality driven morning show. Our company understands that it is two separate jobs.Fenway
PD
WHHD-WCHZ/Augusta 9/20/22
You've been in the PD chair for close to 4 years now. When did you realize that you wanted to program and when did you realize that that goal was attainable? Do you get to go over and play a round or two at Augusta National?
I knew I wanted to program when I was in Knoxville, TN at WWST. There were conversations I was having with multiple PDs and APDs that I had either worked with in the past or was currently working with, and we would discuss general strategies and ideas. I was able to stay in those conversations and go into them in great length. That's when I realized that I was ready to program. When the APD position here in Augusta opened, I reached out and was very fortunate to be able to take that next step towards becoming a Program Director.
As much as I wish you could just reserve a tee time, I have gotten to walk the grounds on a couple of Masters Sundays. It is a spectacle like nothing else in sports and if you are ever lucky enough to get passes, you must take advantage of the opportunity.Brett Andrews
iHeartMedia SVP/Programming
Madison + Milwaukee 9/27/22
Z104 is one of the country's great heritage Top 40 stations. The Milwaukee stations are steeped in history… As a Wisconsin native, what does it mean to you to be able to do your thing on your home turf?
I spent most of my 20s and early 30s moving from gig to gig and city to city, which was fun and I wouldn't trade that in for anything, but about eight years ago I knew I was ready to come back home. Now to have the opportunity to be home AND work with some of the most heritage and loved radio stations in the country and work with an amazing team of program directors and talent, is more than I could ask for.
Z104 has such amazing heritage in Madison, it's been around for more than 25 years, and so many of the listeners who grew up as fans of the station are STILL listeners now, as evidenced by how well the station does 25-54. Z104 is legendary and the listeners have grown to expect a certain sound, a certain attitude and vibe and it's been my challenge, taking over the station two years ago, to live up to the expectations the city has for the station. So proud to also be a part of Madison's 96.3 Star Country, 101.5 IBA-FM, Rewind921, U100.9, WIBA AM, and 1070 The Game.
In Milwaukee, FM106.1, V100.7, BIG FM, WISN, WOKY are all amazing stations I grew up listening to. 97-3 The Game is in its inaugural season as the Flagship Station of the Green Bay Packers Radio Network. Being a small part of these brands is quite surreal.Taylor Morgan
PD/Middays
WJFX (Hot 107.9)/Fort Wayne 10/4/22
You get to be on the air in your hometown. What is that part of your career like for you?
This is actually my everyday life. I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I have only ever worked in radio in Fort Wayne too. I love this city and all the improvements it's made over the years and continues to make.Joe Breezy
Brand Manager/Afternoons
WNFN (Hot 106.7)/Nashville + Open House Party 10/11/22
No question – like everything else, ours is an always changing industry. How you're staying in touch musically and culturally for Hot?
We all know the way our audience receives their music and content has totally changed over the years. In Nashville, it's something where I can have both Morgan Wallen and Nicki Minaj in power. Play Adele and Sia, as well as Future and David Guetta. At the end of the day, we're all competing for listeners' time and attention. Knowing that, it's really up to us to capture the moments. I do my best to really look at the lifestyles of our listeners too. Of course, the music and songs they prefer are at the top of the list, but also where they shop, where do they go when they want to have fun, what experiences can we give them that money can't buy? What content creators do they love on socials? It's all fluid and changes very quickly so we have to be willing to adapt on the fly and hopefully get ahead of it as well.Adam Rivers
PD/Middays
WKCI (KC 101)/New Haven 10/18/22
You're closing in on 10 years at KC101. Some of our industry's brightest programmers (including at least 1 senior level iHeart corporate guru), have sat in the PD chair there. What's it like for you to have the reins in 2022 and beyond?
I am tremendously thankful and grateful. To be at a station with the heritage and history of KC101 changed my life in ways I could've never imagined were possible growing up. A few years ago, for the station's 40th anniversary, we had a 40th birthday party for the station that was attended by a large amount of former staff, including all but one from the original lineup in 1979. I always knew KC101 was special – but being in the same room with so many of those folks was a 'pinch me' moment.Matt Holiday
APD/Afternoons
KHFI/Austin 10/25/22
You're close to wrapping up your first year in one of the country's great cities, Austin. What are some of the things about your new home that rock your world?
How frickin' cool and unique this city is! There is always something fun happening in Austin, Texas. I feel like whenever I leave to go visit home or somewhere else I feel like I'm missing out on all the fun happening in the ATX at the moment. From the live music, to the nightlife scene, to all the amazing food; also the beauty of the state. If you're reading this and you've never been here, Austin is a bucket list city to check out for sure, c'mon down to Texas!Matt Mony
PD/Afternoons
WYOY (Y101)/Jackson 11/1/22
You've worn APD stripes before, but Y101 is your first PD job. How's it all been going for you?
The seasoned PDs will all laugh at this answer. There is a large difference between being the guy responsible for scheduling the music, and being the guy responsible for the entire radio station.
On my fifth week of being a PD, we lost our morning show. It was tough on a personal level, because I had grown close with them in a very short time. I quickly found myself doing mornings and running the radio station by myself, which forced me to step up to the plate. I'm proud to say I made it through, and the station didn't miss a beat.Jeff Cage
iHeartMedia Area Sr. VP/Programming
KKDM (107.5 Kiss FM)/Des Moines 11/15/22
What's your all-time favorite backstage moment?
My favorite backstage moment actually happened on stage in front of 10,000 people. Ivan Moody from Five Finger Death Punch invited me on stage during one of their concerts in Little Rock to introduce a mother of a fallen servicemember that wanted the band to dedicate a song to her son. Just before their final song before leaving the stage for the encore, Ivan invited me and the mother on stage and handed me the microphone to handle the duties. I asked the audience to join in on honoring the fallen soldier with him mom standing next to me on stage. The crowd began chanting, "USA" over and over. I returned the microphone to Ivan, and he embraced the mother and I center stage with a huge bear hug. There wasn't a dry eye in the arena as Five Finger Death Punch launched into their remake of The Offspring's 'Gone Away" with Ivan dedicating it to the fallen soldier and his family he left behind. Afterwards, I was with the family in the audience when they thanked me for helping them finally get some closure on his death. Very moving.Randy Hendrix
PD/Middays
KCRZ (HiTZ 104.9)/Visalia 11/22/22
How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z audience?
We live in their world now. It's all TikTok, Instagram and the rest of social media. That's how a lot of music is discovered these days. We have to be on these platforms as a station and as a personalities we have to be where they are, or we don't exist. We have to be on demand, we have to have a podcast, and we have to live off the air in real live as well as on the air.be real and talk to them. They are smart, they see right through fake.Rick Andrews
OM/Afternoons
KIXY/San Angelo 12/7/22
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. -
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