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10 Questions with ... Rick Roberts
July 14, 2009
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NAME:Rick RobertsPOSITION:MD/on-air (noon-5p)STATION:WNTQ 93QMARKET:Syracuse, NYOWNER:Citadel Broadcasting
Please outline your radio career so far:
I started as an intern for 93Q when I was about 14 or 15. At the time I had my own radio station at my house; I also worked for the Syracuse University college radio station WJPZ (Z89). My first shift on 93Q was in September of 1997 (I was 16). I was promoted to the night jock position (6-11p) my senior year in high school (September of 1999), and continued in that slot 'til June of 2006. That was when I was promoted to the PM drive shift (2-6) and to the Music Director position. I am now MD and on-air noon-5p.
1) What led you to a career in radio?
My dad knew Ted from our morning show and thought I would get a kick out of visiting the station one morning. After that visit, I started my own radio station at my house, and bugged the Syracuse University station to let me help them out over the summer. I started doing on-air shifts there while I was an intern at 93Q. When Tom Mitchell (our PD) asked me to fill in on-air for the first time, I was hooked.
2) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
You would probably be more surprised that I DON'T have an iPod! But if I did ... Flogging Molly!
3) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I am a very shy person off the air.
4) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?
Our full-time staff consists of me, our morning show, our PD and our night show. Our morning team (Ted and Amy) have been on the air at 93Q for 20 years. They are the best morning team around and are a huge reason 93Q is a success year in and year out. Tom Mitchell (10a-noon) is one of the most knowledgeable people in the business. I learn a lot from him daily. Our night guy, Mike Cauchon, is a perfect fit for his time slot. He can relate well to our younger audience and does a great job out at the area clubs.
5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Java Joel Murphy is a phenomenal jock. His timing is impeccable and he's incredibly funny. A goof, just like me. I also must say I listened to the "Rag Man" growing up on 93Q, and now he's a top dog at the new Top 40 in NYC. He's one of the main reasons I wanted to be a DJ.
6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
93Q (big surprise, huh?). I also tried to get people I knew to send me airchecks from Z100 in New York City as often as possible, since I was outside the listening area.
7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Basketball!
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
I mean, come on ... I play, schedule and listen to music for a living! Seriously, though, I love making someone's day just by talking to them or by playing their favorite song. I get to entertain people every day. What's better than that?
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
You're only as good as your last break.
10) What is the current state of the radio 'talent pool'?
I actually think it's very high. With so many unfortunate layoffs recently. the nation is saturated with talent itching to get back into radio on a full-time basis.
Bonus Questions
What's the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?
When I said Z89 on 93Q! That was when I knew it was time to stick strictly on-air with Q...
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