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10 Questions with ... Rich Malone
April 27, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started on-air in 1986 while getting a broadcasting degree from Northern Arizona University. Other than a brief Phoenix gig, my first PD/morning show gig was a Flagstaff Top 40 in 1990. I've been PD/morning guy in northern Arizona ever since!
1. How did you become interested in radio?
My college roommate was the sales manager for the campus radio station. One night we had to stop by there to pick something up and he gave me a quick tour. Buttons that light up? Knobs and sliders? Records? It hit me like lightning! It's what I had to do.
2. Tell us about the market you are serving.
We cover the majority of northern Arizona, primarily Flagstaff and Sedona/Cottonwood. Flagstaff is a college town where it's real expensive to live, but the views can't be beat. Today's Sedona is nothing like the Houndmouth tune and Cottonwood is in the heart of Arizona's wine country.
3. How would you describe the music on the station?
We keep a balance of alternative, singer-songwriter, blues and deep classic rock tracks.
4. What new bands are you most excited about?
"New" to me include St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Ryan Mountbleau Band.
5. What stations do you like to keep track of?
I keep one eye on KINK, KBCO, KFOG and KMTN.
6. What do you like best about your job?
Giving people the opportunity to open their world to new artists and sounds they can't get on any other station in the area.
7. What is your biggest challenge at the station?
Sales. The potential clients in our area are constantly beat up to buy advertising. We have to be fresh and unique, without sounding like sell-outs.
8. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Over-radio'd markets. It's not the Internet or satellite that will get us; we'll kill ourselves. There are way too many radio stations!
9. Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Connecting better with listeners through social media. That's a full-time job!
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
... Coffee. Never liked it. Then I got my first overnight gig. NOW I LOVE IT!
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
I was Chuck E. Cheese once or twice.
First record ever purchased:
Steve Martin's "Wild and Crazy Guy"
First concert:
It might have been Dexter Gordon or Spyro Gyra.
Favorite band of all-time:
Rush
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Golfing, fishing and "D.I.Y-ing" around the house.
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