10 Questions with ... David Hanacek

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started radio in 1998 and I've been here ever since. I've done it all -- phones, van hits, promotions, weekends, nights, afternoons, local show, started the specialty show (NewNoize) and finally found my home in middays and Music Director.

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

I lived two blocks away and heard this cool station in Santa Barbara was looking for interns; I applied and got the gig. Started off doing weekends then nights, I got the specialty show and now midday and Music Director. I'm still here after 15 years!

2. What stands out the most from the last decade working at KJEE?

The freedom of working for a single owned station is uncommon in today's radio landscape.

3. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

Best: The magic moment when a promotion goes well on the air, on the street, and everyone is pleased when it's done.

Worst: Playing bands I don't believe in but for some reason are wildly popular. No I won't name names.

4. How would you describe your midday air shift?

It's a chance to capture the attention of every cubicle, job site, retail store in our coverage area. Our drive time in Santa Barbara is about 10 minutes so midday is the best time to connect with the audience. I also throw in the 12 O'Clock Blocks which is a fun way to get music on the air that normally isn't in rotation.

5. What is most important to you when championing new music for the station?

Creating a feeling that we are unique in the radio market, the new music station. How we sell a song to the listener is key to us getting credit for the experience.

6. What makes KJEE unique?

Nobody works for a guy named Jim these days. We have the freedom to come up with ideas and actually see them come to fruition. Most people in radio I know have a supervisor who has a supervisor who has a vice president who has a boss he has met once. Being a single owner station is rare and appreciated in a town where chain stores don't do as well as the local brands.

7. How are you using Social Media?

We do Facebook only contests with some success, mostly pimping events and appearances on our page and the announcer's pages. We tweet enough to keep people following. but we could do it a lot more.

8. What do you like best about living in Santa Barbara?

Climate is a plus; lifestyle is laid back yet still interesting. Growing up here gives me less perspective on how nice it is here but I am OK with that. I visit LA for shows enough to understand how good we have it here. Don't get me wrong I love LA but in small doses.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________?

Juicing.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

My age.

What are your hobbies?

Playing guitar, kayaking, and golf, beer drinking, and chasing four year old twins.

Last non-industry job?

Computer Drafting

First record ever purchased?

Elvis Presley - From Elvis In Memphis

First concert?

Van Halen at the Forum. I was in 5th Grade!

Favorite band of all-time?

The Beatles.