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10 Questions with ... Kyle Smith
July 31, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started radio while in college at Saint Cloud State University in 1987, at KVSC. Went in to try sports broadcasting and fell in love with alternative music and programming. Ended up being the Music Director, followed up by becoming the PD at KVSC before diving into commercial radio. In 1995, I joined the Rev105 staff as a full-time announcer, and had a blast until the consolidation of radio started happening and the competition bought us out. I worked for a cluster in Salt Lake City, then did mornings for a year at an Alternative Rock station in Burlington, VT (worst possible company of all time) before moving to Pittsburgh to do mornings at WYEP in late 1998. I've held 3 different positions here, Morning Host, Program and Content Director, and currently the Music Director and Midday host.
1. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I was a big baseball fan, so I'd listen to the Twins on WCCO out of the Twin Cities, but also The Cincinnati Reds on WLW.
2. What got you interested in the radio business?
Being able to say, "Meat Puppets" on-air in college. Actually, it was more about exploring and discovering a way to peek into other cities and areas while listening to what was referred to at the time as A.M. Clear Channel stations. I spent a lot of time listening to sporting events, The Grand Ole Opry, and Wolfman Jack, when I was young.
3. How did you get started at your first gig in radio?
I started at KVSC by hosting a weekly music show but also got involved in play-by-play of SCSU Hockey, Baseball, Football, and Women's Basketball on the Commercial radio side, I started at a local AM/FM combo and learned production, copywriting, and News/Sports coverage while still in college at WJON/WWJO in Saint Cloud, MN.
4. You are approaching your 25th anniversary at WYEP. Congrats! Tell us some career highlights.
Hosting mornings and developing a morning show for 8 plus years at WYEP, in a period of growth for the station from 1999-2007.
Becoming the Program and Content Director for 8 years, 2007-2015. Spending the last 8 years as the Music Director and Midday Host.
Assisting with the capital campaign in 2005 to build the permanent home, Community Broadcast Center for WYEP. There are 2 stations and 60 employees today.
Setting up and gathering talent for our Live & Direct Sessions, Summer Music Festivals, Final Fridays, and other initiatives in the community.
Interviewing Brandi Carlile at her home, before the release of her Grammy Award Winning album, By the Way, I Forgive You.
Getting to hang out with some fellow AAA programmers at Easy Eye Sound studios with Dan Auerbach in Nashville.
Watching many AAA artists grow, develop, and play small venues and grow their audiences to large venues and theaters. A 25-year list would be very lengthy!
5. Who were your mentors along the way?
A couple of my mentors have passed away, early on in college radio, it was Kathleen Halinan, who went on to a great career at MPR. Jo McMullen, she was the station manager and close friend, was at KVSC in St. Could MN until just recently. Rosemary Welsh at WYEP and Kevin Cole.
6. What are some of the station's biggest challenges?
Continuing to open doors and reach new and potential listeners on-air, through our listening app, and via streaming. Finding and allocating money for Marketing and signature events. Competing with all of the media choices.
7. What would surprise people most about the station?
That we'll be celebrating our 50th Anniversary starting in April of next year. Of the 50 largest counties in the United States, Allegheny County has the 2nd oldest average median age of residents.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
To have fun or perish
9. If you were to leave the music business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I'd slide away from music and jump in front of a mic to do play by play of baseball.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
A cup of coffee, pranking someone, and wanting to cut off Jack Barton's ponytail and email access.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Bartender
First record ever purchased:
Sam Cooke- Night Beat
First concert:
Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians @1st Ave in Minneapolis
Favorite band of all-time:
Beck
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Kayaking
Avid baseball fan. Listening to and attending Pirates and Minor league games
Still attempting to play in a summer softball league.
Foodie – especially sushi, pho, and Italian
Finding the hidden gems in this old, rustic city
Walks along the Allegheny River trails with my dog, Bernard.
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