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10 Questions with ... Eric Sean Casucci
August 30, 2005
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NAME:Eric Sean CasucciPOSITION:PD/MD/AfternoonsSTATION:KPAT (95.7 The Beat)MARKET:Doesn't show on radar (Santa Maria, CA. #210)COMPANY:American General MediaBORN:9 months after my mom got pregnantRAISED:By the POPE!
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
Man...Got a sec? I started out on college radio (KUOP/STOCKTON, CA.), then got on board at KWIN-KWNN/STOCKTON, then to KHTN/MODESTO-MERCED and back to KWIN/KWNN. After that, I went to KBOS/FRESNO. I left radio to tour with E-40 as his tour host. Returned to radio at KWYL/RENO. I moved on to gigs at KWWV/SAN LUIS OBISPO, KDAY/LOS ANGELES and now KPAT/SANTA MARIA
1) How far into your career were you when it was clear that Radio was in your blood?
Well my 1st gig at college station was as a interviewee, I had a song that got played there, and E-Man (R.I.P) was interviewing me, He decided to keep bringing me in for the next 2 months, he passed away and I wanted to continue, so I called KWIN's Overnight guy every night till they met with me and hired me! Persistence Pays... Too bad radio doesn't
2) Who have just been named PD at AGM Top 40/Rhythmic KPAT/SANTA MARIA. How did you end up there?
Well, I was doing VERY well with AGM Top 40/Rhythmic KWWV (WILD 106)/SAN LUIS OBISPO. I brought the numbers to highest in the station's history. I was told about the KDAY opening in LOS ANGELES. I figured it was finally pay off for the 11 years of hard work and struggling, I took it! Things didn't work out and AGM's GM welcomed me back with open arms to give KPAT, what I gave to KWWV.
3) What's the highlight of your radio career to date?
Pulling off Mornings, Program Director and Music Director at KWWV and still bringing in the highest ratings in their history. I hope to do the same here, minus the waking up for mornings. That I don't miss! 12 hour days are so much better than 15 hour days.
4) You double as the afternoon host at KPAT. If you had to make a choice between PD, MD and afternoons, what would it be?
I believe they go hand and hand, In order to program a station you need to be in touch with listeners. I deal with them everyday, in streets, on phones, in clubs, to get a grasp of what works for the market and what doesn't. I really believe in super serving the Market. Until I can't relate with them, I would choose to just Program, but if I can't relate, I don't think I should be a Programmer.
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5) What is your biggest frustration with being in a small market?
Its Funny how when you don't report to R&R or aren't a Mediabase or BDS monitored station, how to some peeps it differently. I thought radio was about playing good music. When I was in bigger market that did report or were monitored, I was on a weekly call, got CD singles to play, got vinyl, etc. Now its changed. It's hard to get that stuff now. It's a business and I understand. Luckily I have built good relationships with some to the point that they help me when they can.
6) Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
ALL ACCESS' own PETE JONES, CAGLE at WBTS, JOHN CHRISTIAN, now at PIC HITZ, E. CURTIS JOHNSON at CLEAR CHANNEL/FRESNO. I've idolized the BAKA BOYZ, 2PAC, DIDDY, and more recently, KANYE WEST.
7) What sets KPAT apart from other Top 40/Rhythm stations?
The is very Hispanic. We play R & B, Hip Hop, and Old School, so it definitely helps slow down the monotony. The Variety really sounds good. We play your basic Top 40 Rhythmic Plus we take it back with songs, such as TIMMY T, STEVIE B, even RUN DMC, THE GAP BAND and RICK JAMES. It works great here in this market, and maybe other markets should look at it.
8) How do you generally start your day at KPAT?
I come in and try to wrap up music while I write promotions, take calls and work our new Web site (www.957thebeatfm.com). I believe in manually scheduling music not Day scheduling. I try to aircheck while I'm listening; my new line-up and Staff here are really coming together and helping out!
9) What's your favorite thing about living and working in SANTA MARIA?
The weather here on the coast is amazing. I live less than five minutes from PISMO BEACH! It never really gets out of the 75-85 degree area in the summer.
10) What was the biggest surprise you encountered when you took over at KPAT?
How much talent the staff had and how much potential the station had. It just needed a little T.L.C.
Bonus Questions
It's Friday night, 11:30...where's ERIC?
Hell...I'm probably just leaving the station, or thinking about upcoming promotions!
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