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10 Questions with ... Mike Danger
August 8, 2006
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NAME:Mike DangerTITLE:PD/AfternoonsSTATION:WPXY (98 PXY)MARKET:Rochester, NYOWNER:CBS Radio
Please outline your radio career so far:
1990-1993: KKXL Grand Forks, ND
1993-1997: KCLD St. Cloud, MN
1997-Present: WPXY Rochester, NY1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
It was exhilarating. I was in high school and really got a charge out of working at the station. They started me off running syndicated shows like Casey Kasem, Rick Dees, and some program called Future Hits(!!!). I remember my first live break on the air and how much adrenaline I had pumping through my veins. I must have run 10 laps around the station afterwards. With all of that youthful energy, I spent as much time as I could at the station doing anything they asked me to do. I didn't care what it was, if it meant being at the station I would put in the hours.
Jon Scott, Kevin Peterson, and Rick Acker all took a shot on me back then when they could have easily told me I was too young or too green. I can never thank them enough for that. I firmly believe the passion I still have for radio today stems from my memories at my first gig.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
I was born into it. My dad was doing radio in Chicago in the mid '70s when I was born. Then my family moved north, and I've been around radio ever since. I remember my old man holding down virtually every position at any station he worked at; Morning Drive, GSM, PD, GM, he did it all. I was at the radio station a lot as a kid and was always fascinated by how things ran. One day I would be in a production room while he was cutting a spot, the next day I would be in the station van riding shotgun to go to a remote. It was so exciting for me that I knew when I grew up; radio was going to be my career of choice.
3 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Like most markets, Rochester is extremely competitive. The players include CBS Radio, Entercom, and Clear Channel. Every station is well programmed and fighting for their piece of the pie. Luckily, we have the autonomy to make programming decisions on the local level. We've been given tools that help us impact locals better than anyone else. I don't know if that can be said for every station in town, but I know it is a luxury that some programmers don't have, so we are fortunate in that regard.
4 What is your favorite part of the job?
I love the teaching aspects and enjoy working with young talent and grooming them for their future in the industry. To me, nothing is more gratifying than watching someone I've worked with, who sets a goal and reaches it. If I have even a small part in that, I feel rewarded.
5 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
You would be hard pressed to find an air-staff with as much local experience and talent than we have at 98 PXY. We all live here. We all know the community and its members intimately. Some of our personalities have been on the air with PXY for nearly 20 years. They are creative, they are hard working, and they know how to have fun both on the air and off.
Doing mornings, we have Spezzano and Sandy. They've been a team now for going on eight years. Scott Spezzano is an institution in Rochester and easily one of the best sounding morning guys in America. His co-host, Sandy Waters is as real on the air as it gets. Our audience relates with her better than anyone else. Amanda Valentine and Moose round out our cast of characters in morning drive. Amanda joined our team recently from Wink 106 (WNKI) in Elmira. We'll be fortunate if she doesn't join a major market morning show within the next year. Moose is a goof. He's our resident 'Jackass' who lives for 98 PXY. We can always count on him for a punch line.
"The Mayor" Pete Kennedy holds down mid-days. He's "The Mayor" because he knows everyone. His ties into our community and his relationship with the audience are an invaluable asset. He's also our Executive Director of G.S.D. I won't say what that stands for, but if we are ever in a pinch The Mayor is a guy who can come through.
Some guy named Mike Danger guy does afternoons. He's just ok.
I have the luxury of a two-headed beast at night known as JB and Kasper. The creativity that goes into that show and their delivery has me believing that they'll be stars in this industry for years to come. JB is also our Music Director; he's got great ears and works Selector like a champ. Kasper owns the bar and club scene in Rochester. I'm pretty sure his cell phone's memory is maxed out, considering all the phone numbers he collects.
I also hold strong feelings for our part time staff: Marc Murphee, who did mornings in the market for a number of years, LaLa and Alicia who do a chick chat show on Friday nights called "After hours" are both very talented, Frankie Mayne has a bright future in radio, Brody moonlights here when he isn't doing afternoon drive in the Southern Tier, and Corey Kincaid who is hungry, passionate, and destined for success.
Even though they aren't "on-air", our Marketing Department headed by Sarah Lanieu makes sure we're always executing our larger than life promotions both on the air and on the streets. She's one of the best, and we're lucky to have her.
6 What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Hands down, it was B96 in Chicago. Dave Shakes created an indescribable vibe on that station that I have yet to hear duplicated anywhere else. Local, energetic, entertaining, exciting, and a great air staff too. Eddie and JoBo, Tod Cavanah, Gary Spears, George McFly, Balthazar, Alan Kabel...all amazing personalities.
7 Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
When I'm not at the station I love spending time with my family. My wife Sandy and I have a 2 year old daughter Leah. I know its cliché, but it really is amazing to see what a child can do to your perspective in life. When I'm not spending time with them, I try to stay in shape. I've been hitting the gym and doing a lot of running.
8 What music do you listen to when you're not working?
I'm into a lot of different things. I like a lot of Pop/Rock and Alternative. I still love my Grunge. Hip Hop is a guilty pleasure.
9 What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
I still like the thought of being able to touch people through our medium. Whether I play a song that evokes an emotion, or we execute a promotion that helps those in need. Radio will always be a part of people's lives. I'm not sure I would be able to stay away from this industry even if I tried!
10 What is the current state of the radio 'talent pool'?
I don't think it is as shallow as people make it out to be. Anyone can be taught the technical end of radio. There are a ton of amazing characters in this world if you really think about it. If someone has a great personality then they have the potential to be very talented in our industry.
Bonus Questions
What ringtone do you have on your cel?
I think ring-tones are obnoxious. Always on vibrate, less rude.
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