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10 Questions with ... Mikey Fuentes
February 14, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- KFMB/San Diego - First real gig, Board Op/ Jack of all trades
- KPSI/Palm Springs - Late Nights
- KKSS/Albuquerque - APD/nights
- KISV/Bakersfield - MD/nights
- KKSS/Albuquerque - PD/mornings
- KFMB/San Diego - nights/Imaging
- KYLZ/Albuquerque - PD/mornings
- KWIE/ - PD/mornings
- KVIB/Phoenix - PD/mornings
- KZON/Phoenix - mornings
- KWYD - IMPACT RADIO GROUP/Boise, ID - Director of Programming
- KKFR/Phoenix-PD
1. You've wanted to be in radio since you were a child. What excites you about radio today?
Convergence... Radio has an amazing opportunity to use social media as an extension of our brands, the possibilities are endless.
2. You're back in Phoenix. How has the radio market changed since you were last programming there?
WOW!!!! Can you say COMPETITIVE market place? The Last time I programmed in the market there was POWER AND KISS. Fast forward three years later and you can add JAMZ, HOT, THE BEAT, EVA and MEGA all in direct competition with the demo. #GOODTIMES
3. How do you start your day at the station?
It actually starts at 6:30am at home when I turn the morning show on as I work out before I head into the office.
4. Tell me about your line-up and staff at KKFR?
We have a unique situation in that we've ended up with an all-star cast here at KKFR. Mornings are handled by Boy Loco and (recording artist) DJ Class along with Kat Landingin. Chris Chavez is our APD/MD and midday guy who does a great job on the air. Early afternoons (2-5pm) is hosted by JX3, an 11-year veteran of KKFR. Recently we created a late afternoons show to showcase the on-air talent of recording artist and local celebrity MC MAGIC. The ever so important night spot is held down by Deongello who is enjoying his first fulltime gig and working hard to make a difference.
5. You're a programming veteran now but who were some of the radio people that influenced you as you began in programming?
There have been a lot of people that, in one way or another, have been an influence, but if I had to go back to the beginning... Tracy Johnson, Mark Feather and AA... Anthony Acampora.
6. How does KKFR stand out in a crowded market like Phoenix?
We're fortunate to till this day, to still be the Hip Hop station for Phoenix.
7. Rhythm radio may not have ever sounded so Pop and Pop never as Rhythmic. Any quick thoughts on Hip Hop and Rhythm radio today?
One for word for ya... BALANCE... Listeners don't create formats, radio people do, so we have to walk that fine line and not violate our listeners' expectations while still playing the right pop records.
8. What's your favorite song on the station today?
J. Cole - Can't Get Enough
9. What do you think is the biggest single key to your success and longevity as a PD?
The ability to manage different personalities accordingly. Every PD has a strategic plan but if we don't have the ability to motivate and inspire our team to execute, we will fail every time.
10. Any sage advice for guys just getting started or trying to get into Radio today?
When I asked Tony Coles about the secret to his success, he replied by saying, "I was too dumb to know when to quit". Tony is no dummy, but he has experienced a TON of success. It's never over until you quit! We seem to live in an era of entitlement, yes you're entitled to work hard to reach your goals, that's it. Don't quit.
Bonus Questions
If CBS did a new version of Survivor featuring record company promotion people roughing it on a deserted island in the South Pacific, who do you think would be the four finalists?
Island Def Jam's Rick Sackheim, Universal Republic's Gary Spangler, Capitol's Lori Giamela and Warner Bros.' Lee L'Heureux
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