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10 Questions with ... Tysen Webb
October 30, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I was 15 years old when I started my career in radio. I tried for six months to get my foot in the door and finally a local DJ, Gary Michaels, let me come to the station he worked for (KISN FM) and we hit it off. I immediately began producing his show, pulling carts and learning the board. Shortly after, he moved to KUTQ (Q99) and I followed him. In my spare time, I would fake a show in the production room and he would critique my tapes. One afternoon the overnight jock quit out of the blue and Gary, who was the APD/MD, put me in the slot. I would go to High School during the day then hurry home, do my homework, catch some sleep and be at the station at midnight for my shift, which ended just in time for my school day. It was crazy but I loved it. That was how it all began. I soon moved to 10a-3p weekends and then to nights on Q99.
I am now 37 and have stayed in radio my entire career. I have been on-air at stations in every format from Hot AC to Country to Disco. For several years I worked production and am proud of the high quality imaging I've won awards for. I've even worked in radio sales for a brief stint, as well as being Marketing Director. I've rarely met anyone else who has worked close to every department in the business; so when I say I love radio, I can truly mean it because I've seen every angle! I have been very fortunate to be able to work for stations I have been passionate about, especially KENZ, which is where I have spent most of my years and which will always be my favorite station.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I have always loved music. One Saturday afternoon I was a 14 year old kid lying on my bed listening to my favorite station when the jock came on and did a break. At that moment a light bulb went off in my head and I decided radio was what I wanted to do. I've never looked back.
2. What has been your biggest challenge since taking over as PD?
I have a very clear image in my head of exactly what I want the station to be - the sound, the image, the persona. It is so vivid and real to me that the minutia of making it a reality and the patience it takes to get there are probably my biggest challenge. Being short on staff, working to get the clocks just right to match the sound I want, finding time for imaging and promotions and everything necessary...I just want it all now.
3. How tough was it for you to move from the morning show to PM drive?
Moving to Afternoons was easy. When I re-joined The End in January 2010 Afternoon Drive was my daypart. I moved to Mornings a little over a year ago after the previous co-host moved out of market. I enjoyed Mornings a lot but my true love is playing the music and running a tight board. Besides it's nice not to have to get up at 3am! I have nightlife again!
4. What part of your job do you like best?
I have a background in production as well so I love writing, producing and then weaving the imaging together with the right records to make that magical sound come out of the speakers!
Least? I'm not fond of all the meetings.
5. How would you describe the music and imaging on The End?
My goal is to give the station a pulse. It has been void of "character" for too long. My aim is to give The End a personality and bring it to life instead of it being just another jukebox. It's Alternative. It should be fun to listen to!
6. What makes the station unique?
The End has always been a little quirky. It's never really been just about the music. In fact it's been more about what happens between the records to keep the audience wondering what might happen next. The music is part of the personality, but not exclusively.
7. How are you using Social Media?
My Promotions Director recently quit radio for a much larger salary. This guy is a genius when it comes to social media, and I am following what he established. When all cylinders are firing, we use social media to reach out and touch our listeners when they are away from speakers. We make it appealing to like and share our content so we reward those who currently follow us all the while adding more to our social media count. Honestly we are more active on Facebook then we are on our own website.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ________?
Music. Mountain Dew runs a close second :) Oh, and my iPhone, which may actually be permanently affixed to my hand.
9. What do you like best about living in Salt Lake?
I love the mountains! I love getting outdoors and enjoying all the beautiful scenery Salt Lake has to offer.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I'm a huge Star Wars fan. I have a movie quality Darth Vader suit I keep on a mannequin. Pulled from the molds of Empire Strikes Back!
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Podcasting (check out theshrinkshow.com) Camping, landscaping, movies (sci-fi & horror).
Last non-industry job?
I worked for a few months at a toy store when I was 16 while I was also working at Q99. Radio has been my only full time job.
First record ever purchased?
Honestly I don't remember. Most everything I have has been from the station I've been at.
First concert?
Bryan Adams.... In the nose bleed section
Favorite band of all-time?
U2
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