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10 Questions with ... Michael Moon
March 21, 2006
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NAME:Michael MoonTITLE:PD/Morning HostSTATION:KIFSMARKET:Medford, OROWNER:Clear Channel
Please outline your radio career so far:
I've been all over the country, and for years I chased the money, missing out on many opportunities as a result. I had to learn to be patient and let the money come to me, which has happened, and I'm now working with the best people in the world. I love it!
1989-90: KFBQ Cheyenne, WY
1990-92: WILN Panama City, FL
1992-94: KWNZ Reno, NV
1994-95: WDBR Springfield, IL
1995-96: WWYC Lexington, KY
1996-99: WQLH Green Bay, WI1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
Grateful to have a chance! My first gig was KFBQ. God, I swore I'd never work there. But Tony Davis, who is now a record geek for Virgin in Dallas (add his records!) gave me my first break. He taught me to be a personality.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
I spent way too many hours listening to my favorite jocks on the radio. Mom noticed how much I loved listening to the radio just to hear them talk. One day she said, "You can do that. You have the gift of gab," and a seed was planted.
3 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
There are four AC stations (all boring and stale), 3 Country, and 3 Rock. Put simply, everyone is fighting over those damn 25-54 numbers. So we just decided to take all the 12-29 numbers. Stations in this market don't see the importance in them. I say these are the buyers of tomorrow. We use to compete with KTMT (the Heritage CHR), but they went "Jack" last year. One great book, and then they fell right on there ass! Might see them make a return, so we stay on our toes at all times.
4 Doing mornings and being PD makes for a long day. Is it a chore waking up each morning?
Let's just say I was never a morning person until I had kids. The 2 AM feedings helped me adjust. Now I don't mind waking up early. I'm used to it, having done it for seven years. Even on weekends I'm up by 6:30. Mornings are the best times anyway. The fresh, cold morning air ... ahh ... breathe it in, baby!
5 I see you've got a new night jock. What can you tell us about Gemineye?
I love this man (in a non-Brokeback Mountain way)! He used to compete against me in the morning at KTMT. But when they switched to "Jack" I brought him over here for nights and as my MD. He's got a pulse on today's music, and is in touch with the audience. He spins at clubs on the weekends and is liked by many in this town. His former PD never took the time to help him grow, so he's a bit raw. What I love about him the most is that he get's it.
6 How about the others on your airstaff?
I am truly blessed by the people around me. Mid-days are tracked by Val Steele, who is also the PD at KDUK in Eugene. She is by far our best on air talent. She so knows her audience and has big numbers to back it up. We maintain regular contact which is important, and allows me the opportunity to bounce ideas off of her. She's just as anal as I am when it comes to getting things done.
Afternoons are tracked by Tic-Tac, the night guy at KDUK. It's his first tracking gig as well as first afternoon gig. He is young, hip and connected. He's the playa I always wanted to be!
I'd like to mention my weekend air staff, because they are the warriors on the streets. Darren Andrews, does fill-in and is also the Clear Channel mobile entertainment director, who gets our image out on the streets of Medford; a good person with a heart of gold. We have DJ Hope, salesperson by day, club mixer by night. She is a natural. Finally, there's Troy-Boy, a solid, loyal air talent with a full-time gig on the side, no less. He is always there when I call.
7 What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I grew up in Denver and loved KHOW. I was a huge fan of Hal and Charlie. My mom, too! I also loved listening to Steven B and the Hawk on KBPI. I stole -- I mean 'borrowed' -- my first bit from them. I remember listening to the original "Moon Doggie" Michael Moon from Y108 in Denver (who is now one half of the Moon & Staci program in Minneapolis). Yes I stole his name. That's the impacted me had on me as a kid. I'm a morning "bitboard" brother with him, so he still impacts my career today. He's my true radio Idol.
8 Who is in the picture on your website of the small child with their head in the toilet ... and why is their head in the toilet???
I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asked me about that picture. (Seriously, do you have a buck? I need a soda from the back). It's just a picture I grabbed from the internet. Since people say "my show is going in the toilet," I thought it was appropriate.
9 Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Hanging out with my three beautiful daughters, Courtney 16, Nicole 10, and Marissa 7. They are my life. I had a heart scare a few years back, so I spend as much time with them as I can. When I'm not with them I play softball, and have also started getting back into the gym.
10 What advice you would give people new to the business?
Do what you can to get your foot in the door and do anything that'll get you noticed. Too many newcomers want the full time gig right away, and aren't willing to work for it. My first gig was driving 2 hours each way on a Sunday to work a weekend airshift and spin Joel Denver's Future Hits (on vinyl). Man, what a bad show! (note to editor: are you sure Joel doesn't read these articles?)
Bonus Questions
Which current TV character most reflects your personality?
Jason Lee as "Earl"... It's all about the karma baby!
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