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10 Questions with ... Mike Klein
September 12, 2006
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NAME:Mike KleinTITLE:APDSTATION:WKZLMARKET:Greensboro, NC #45OWNER:BC
Please outline your radio career so far:
1997 Nights, Mix 1065 Baltimore
1998 Nights, WMXB Richmond
2000 Weekends, WWZZ DC
1999 Nights, WNVZ Norfolk
2004 MD/afternoons, WNVZ Norfolk
2006 APD/Middays, WKZL Greensboro1 How would you describe your first radio gig? What led you to a career in radio?
I was 12 years old, and won $107 from my favorite station Q107, in DC. That's when I realized radio is where the money is at! LOL
2 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Recently, we had a Hot AC flip to a Jack-type format and a Top 40 Rhythmic flip to Spanish. 107.5KZL has remained on top for years through laser beam strategic focus, positioning and research.
3 What is your favorite part of the job?
Helping people. I love that we have the opportunity help out the less fortunate and people in need.
4 You spent eight years doing Rhythm then transitioned to Pop. How was the transition?
Great! I love all types of music and am open to anything. I work hand in hand with our PD, Jason Goodman, whom I also worked with in Norfolk; it made the transition seamless. What also helped was that I grew up listening to "flame throwing" Top 40 radio with Q107, WAVA and B104.
5 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
This is first station I have worked at with a BIG TIME morning show. Jack Murphy, Josie, Josh, and Katie make up the Murphy In The Morning show. Jack has been here for 15 years and they are consistently #1 18-34 persons, #1 18-34 women, Top 3 25-54 persons and 25-54 women. Jack is old school but he still keeps the show hip. I do mid-days and put tons of calls on the air, covering lots of topics that relate our big at work audience. We are very content driven and try to reach people on an emotional level too. Jason Goodman does afternoons. He is very good at relating to the demo. He talks a lot about Hollywood gossip while still doing topics on everyday life. Tripper & The Freak show are great at making the caller the star.
6 Who are some of your favorite air personalities not on your staff and why do you like them?
JJ Kincaid, the new afternoon the guy at Z100 New York, is great at targeting women 18-34 and talking about real life. Zack Daniels is the best night guy on the planet. I think Zack sounds like he is having a party on the air all the time. Dave Lynn at WRQX sounds real on the air - a human, not a DJ. Julian at B96 has the best prank calls I have ever heard! Jake Redman at Mix 96.5 in Houston has the best show prep I have ever heard also he is one of the best imagers in the country.
7 What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I have four: Z100, WIOQ, WNVZ and WAVA.
8 Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
The 1990's: Wreckx-N-Effect, Teddy Riley, Pharell, Timbaland & Magoo.
9 Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I love to travel and tour skyscrapers. I love cites. And I love my cat. (No, I am not gay)
10 What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
I put in a lot of hard work but always make sure to have fun at the same time.
Bonus Questions
What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I did not write that email ... Exhibit G ... out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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