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10 Questions with ... J. B. King
October 22, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KDVS/Davis, CA (1992), KSFM/Sacramaneto, CA (1992-1998), KLUC/Las Vegas (1998-present)
1. What got you into radio?
Growing up I always loved listening to the radio...for music, news, sports. I was fascinated by how the jocks could paint incredible pictures with their words. Growing up in Oakland, I first loved "The BIG 6-10 KFRC", when they were Top 40, with those blue and white stickers and Dr. Don Rose. My mom would listen to the news each morning on KGO. I listened to Oakland A's games on KSFO. Throughout junior high and high school, it was all about KMEL. I especially loved countdown shows. Knowing the #1 song of the week, and taping it off the air was extremely important each week. While others were out buying new music, I loved what the radio would give me. It wasn't until college at UC Davis that I got an internship at KSFM/Sacramento and truly fell in love with radio and realized that I could make it a career.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up in a household of educators, I honestly thought I'd end up teaching. Maybe that's why I love working with young jocks and programmers. When I was in high school and working for the Oakland A's, I got to know one of the team trainers and thought that was a career I wanted to explore, but, horrible grades in physiology and pre-med classes, in college, ended that real quick. Thankfully, I found radio, and what I was really meant to do.
3. What's changed the most about living and working in Las Vegas since your arrival?
First, the size of the city. We used to joke that you could get to anywhere in Vegas in 20 minutes. Now, it can take 45-60 minutes from one side of the city to the other. (Yes, I know, some of you have commutes that long, each way, daily...but c'mon, this is a little town in the middle of the desert.) With the increased size of the city, comes the continued population growth and as always, more competition in the market. Second, the explosion of nightlife over the last 7 years rivals anywhere in the world. The amount of cash and competition between these clubs can be insane sometimes. Third, the economy shift hit Las Vegas hard. The housing market got hit the hardest, but overall, just about everyone in LV has felt the effects.
4. Air personality or programmer, if you HAD to choose?
Man, you had to ask this one didn't you. I get asked this a few times a year...and I never know what to say. I love both. Each has their pros and cons. When people ask I usually say 'Why do I have to choose? In today's radio, wearing multiple hats is a must.' But, depending on the situation, I could give up either and still be happy and feel challenged.
5. What's Las Vegas' best kept hotel secret?
It's not a huge secret anymore, but Red Rock Casino Resort Spa is still one of the best in Vegas. Also, the M Resort has a lot of great amenities that tons of locals love to take advantage of.
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
For some reason I always seem to find myself singing 'Roar' by Katy Perry. Lorde 'Royals', Bruno Mars 'Gorilla'......and don't hate, but Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball'....and I still love Daft Punk 'Get Lucky'.
7. How did your softball team do this year?
Thanks for asking.....a'hem....the Champs Are Here!!!! In 2013, our CBS Media League team won the league and took 2nd in the year-end tourney. (Last year, 2012, we were 2nd in league and 1st in the tourney)
8. Biggest adjustment since getting married?
Honestly, not much. But there is something about saying 'my wife' that just puts a huge smile on my face. We are still just as committed as we always were, but the commitment just seems even....stronger.
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
Uggghhh. I hate reality shows, always have. Especially now, with how scripted and predictable they have all become. But let's change the question, what about this: We start a reality show about radio. What really goes into running a station, 'pull the curtain back a bit'. How music gets on the air, what goes into producing a great on air show, the dynamics between programming and sales, the competition, putting together concerts, interacting with listeners, etc. Do you think people would watch?
10. Hypothetical question...if you were going to be on CBS' The Great Race and you had to have a record company exec as your partner, who would you choose?
Well since I'm really not a fan of reality shows, this is kind of hard to answer. And, I've only watched The Amazing Race a few times when Jaymes & James from Chippendales in LV were on.... they are friends of the station. How about we say this.....many records execs would be exceptional as a partner. Especially, if you are extremely creative, resourceful, can think out of the box, execute with little sleep, competitive, and have a win at all cost attitude....you know who you are.
Bonus Questions
Most of us know the big name casino/hotel restaurants in Las Vegas. Where do you 'locals' go for a great meal?
There's a spot called Honey Salt on West Charleston that is incredible. Last time I was there, so was Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and family. T-Bones Chophouse at Red Rock. The Golden Steer on W. Sahara is classic old school. Simon's at Palms Place. The Barrymore is incredible vibe, great food and not known by many.
Any new artists really grabbing your attention as we move through the 4th quarter?
I think we can all agree on Lorde. And I think IDJMG might get Iggy Azalea momentum started. I really love the Janelle Monae 'Dance Apocalyptic'. Plus, a local artist Dizzy Wright.
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