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10 Questions with ... Nikki Thomas
February 28, 2006
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NAME:Nikki ThomasPOSITION:On Air/ MD/ APD/ Astrologer/ Etc.STATION:KWYE (Y101)MARKET:Fresno, CAOWNER:CBS Radio
1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
I worked for a mom and pop company in NC doing weekends and anything else they threw my way.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
I was interviewed by our local ABC affiliate about, of all things, an earthquake. It was a fluff story, and the reporter had encouraged me to be myself and be sarcastic. The local station owners saw the interview on TV, found me and offered the job.
3 I hear you're originally from North Carolina. What was that adjustment like?
I'm from the Asheville, NC area, so I grew up around a really diverse group of people. The new age community is huge there - lots of artistic and cultural pursuits and nature. It's truly one of the most beautiful places in the US. A lot of people from LA and San Francisco have relocated there for those very reasons (and because a lot of movies have been filmed there), so honestly, I figured California would be like Asheville, except bigger. Well, it is, just not the part that I live in. Fresno is ultra-conservative in some areas. Other than the Peace Fresno activists holding up anti-war and "Please Send More Democrats" signs on the street corners, uh yeah, it's a lot like the South.
4 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
The hardest format to be in Fresno is Top 40. We have two Rhythmic stations plus the Mainstream station I work for and we're always trying to snag P1's from each other. It can get pretty competitive. This is NOT a market where you can lay back and chill. Mike Yeager does a great job with "Y." He pushes all of us and it shows. It's nice to have a PD that has the guts to let talent use their creativity and personality on the air. E Curtis Johnson is also a great guy and creative programmer over at Clear Channel, and with Tommy Del Rio back in the Visalia market, it promises to get even more interesting around here.
5 What is your favorite part of the job?
I love the people and the music, of COURSE.
6 Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Hmmm. Myspace. Live Music. Astrology. News Junkie. Writing. Painting.
7 What music do you listen to when you're not working?
EVERYTHING!! I love it all. Right now I have NIN, old Alice in Chains, the new Mary J Blige, Keith Whitley, Matisyahu, Mudvayne, Nate Dogg, India Arie, Mark Chesnutt, Sheryl Crow, some old Rage Against the Machine and 10 Years in my personal home rotation (even the new Madonna, too, but I'm not proud of that). I also love indie stuff. I love music that makes you "feel."
8 What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Evolution is your best friend and greatest challenger.
9 What advice you would give people new to the business?
Always appreciate and respect your opportunities. That, and expect to work your ass off if you're ever going to get anywhere in this business. We all see those people that expect to have things dropped in their lap. If you want it, you better get out there and make it happen, because if you don't, there's ALWAYS someone else that WILL.
10 Who have you had the most fun interviewing?
Tom Cruise was great. Jon Voight was funny and charming. The best ever though was Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. He was everything I wanted him to be and then some. Fantastic person.
Bonus Questions
How would you describe your personal working space?
My office looks like something decorated by a cross between the Unibomber and the fat Olson Twin.
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