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10 Questions with ... Danny Salas
March 26, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started doing college radio in 1997 at KFSR/Fresno State. I did nights for a local Art Laboe-owned station from 1999-2001. I was hired at KBOS in Aug. 2001, started as "slow jams" host, moved to afternoons and became Music Director. I left KBOS in October 2009.
In April 2012 I came aboard at KSEQ fulltime and in November, I was named APD.
1. What got you into radio?
When I was growing up, I heard "Radio" on my older brother's Eazy-E cassette tape and thought to myself, "I can't rap, but I could totally do the Greg Mack part and talk on the air. Then, my high school broadcasting teacher really got me into the production side, editing music, making commercials. From my freshman year at Fresno State all the way through graduation, I had my own show at the college station and it was there where I fell in love (or at least had a long-term dirty affair) with radio.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Up until my college years, I expected to be a cop. My dad was a California Highway Patrolman and as a kid, he was like Superman to me (still is). And with his badge and uniform, he looked like the ultimate badass. That's what I wanted people to say about me when I grew up.
3. You worked for a long time across the street. How was the adjustment period after you came to work at KSEQ?
I think I benefited from being completely out of radio for a long period of time between KSEQ and my last gig. It was like starting fresh again, with the same excitement I had when I first started radio. Except this time, I came strapped with a new outlook and brought way more experience and knowledge to the table.
Honestly, my current GM and PD made this one of the easiest decisions for me to make. And the fact that we've got a brand new dope studio in downtown Fresno doesn't hurt either.
4. What's the biggest way that the Fresno radio market has changed since you got started?
The most obvious change is that there are a lot fewer people working in radio here than there used to be. But I guess that can be said in every market. I always run into people who ask, "What ever happened to.....?"
Also, listeners are tougher to win over in 2013. Now, the Fresno market has so much more to offer than just free music on the radio, so it takes more effort for stations to stay top-of-mind.
5. What about Fresno do you think would surprise some people?
Our local Triple-A baseball team, the Fresno Grizzlies, is the farm team for the San Francisco Giants and 17 of the 25 players on the World Series roster played in Fresno before winning those big fat championship rings. Probably the best minor league ball field in the country, too. Also, that dude who played "Jaws" in the James Bond movies lives here.
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
For as many spins as it has, I STILL sing along with Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" every time we play it. "Can't Hold Us" might become my new favorite pretty quick, too. The Jeezy/2 Chainz "R.I.P." has that ol' school west coast kinda beat, so I'm diggin' that one, too
7. What's the quickest way to piss off Rene Roberts?
I've literally never seen that man pissed off. I'm sure with running three stations, it's happened a few times. Luckily, I haven't been around to see it. I do know that he absolutely does NOT believe in the phrase, "Ask for forgiveness, not permission." I wouldn't push my luck.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I give as much spare time as I've got to my hot wife and my two awesome little boys. Anything to get out of the house. I like to show 'em off whenever possible.
9. American Idol, The Voice or X Factor?
What it really comes down to is, "Which show is most likely to show Christina Aguilera on my TV?" That's my choice. Even though she's not a coach for this upcoming season, "The Voice" still wins because of Christina Milian, for the same reason. My chick's cool with it...I think.
10. What makes Fresno stand out as a competitive radio market?
While we might not necessary always set the trends, people in Fresno will decide which trends are worth following and will run with 'em for months. If you're good to this audience, they'll be loyal and love you forever. On the flip side, if you screw up, Fresno can hold a grudge for a long time.
Bonus Questions
Best Mexican food in Fresno?
Now that the Q97 studio is in the heart of downtown, I'm hooked on a spot called "Castillo's" right down the street. Friggin' incredible food. I was also a judge for our local "Taco Truck Throwdown" so I can totally ID the best taco trucks around.
KSEQ has a big show coming up in May. Who are you looking forward to seeing the most?
A couple of the headliners for our "Light It Up Tour" are Wiz Khalifa and Miguel. Two different genres, two different styles, and two artists I've never seen perform live. I'm excited to see them on stage.
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