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10 Questions with ... Bob Lewis
October 15, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Spent the bulk of my career in Top 40. Proudest of my work at KRNQ/Des Moines, KWIN/Stockton, KISV/Bakersfield, KDHT/Austin & KBPA/Austin.
1. What led to the launch of Area 102.9 in Albuquerque?
While this is an over saturated radio market, there was a large body of music not being played in the market. Hard to find a musical hole in a market like this...but sonically and era-wise there was a place for AREA.
2. Tell us about Area 102.9's signal coverage?
Where there are diaries in the Metro...we have great coverage! While it is a small wattage FM...it's also 10,000 feet high overlooking the entire metro.
3. What has been the early impact of the station since launching with 10,000 songs at the end of July?
While the Arbitron data has been minimal, the client and listener reaction has been fantastic! It's been my experience that you have a hit on your hands when you spawn a legion of wannabe music directors. Those staff and listeners who want to lend a hand, add a voice, be a part of the whole concept/station.
4. How are you marketing the station?
Digital outdoor, social media, and some print.
5. Who is part of the Area 102.9 team?
We have an incredible sales/marketing & promotion team that represents AREA on the ground every day. Programming-wise...just me and our VO god, Rich Van Slyke. No on-air talent yet.
6. How would you describe the music and imaging on the station?
Music: A Modern Mix of Rock. There are Alternative, Hot AC, Modern AC, Triple A rock hits from the '80s, '90s, '00s and today. Imaging: Less in your face than most Alternative stations, more forefront than most Triple A stations. Rich is the real deal with his ability to do so many different reads....and he's a real partner with AREA.
7. How much new music is the station playing?
We're playing around 30-ish Currents. Powers rotate around 50 spins per week. New Music around 24 spins per week.
8. What may surprise people most about Area 102.9?
If you lived here, you'd be surprised how long it's been since you've heard any radio station in town play some of our songs. That's what happens when you locally program a radio station....you can tailor the music log to the needs and wants of a city. CRAZY, Right?!
9. What do you love most about your job?
ALL of the incredibly talented people I get to work with in both markets...and the autonomy (real and perceived) to truly do my job.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Laughter.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Writing.
Last non-industry job?
Bagboy...err...Grocery Distribution Specialist ("paper or plastic?")
First record ever purchased?
Michael Jackson "Rock With You"
First concert?
Molly Hatchet (my brother took me instead of babysitting me...also qualifies for "First Contact High")
Favorite artist of all-time?
Frank Sinatra
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