10 Questions with ... Cha-Chi Loprete

NAME:Cha-Chi Loprete TITLE:Marketing Director STATION:WBCN & WZLX MARKET:Boston (#11) COMPANY:CBS BORN:Boston, Massachusetts RAISED:Cambridge, Massachusetts

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Ever since I can remember, I always wanted to work in radio. I always carried a transistor radio as a child. I listened to WBCN throughout my teenage years and always wanted to work at the station. They had the best DJs, the best music, the best contests, and events. WBCN was a groundbreaking radio station and everyone in Boston listened. After high school I had a brief seven year career at Polaroid Corporation as a Chemical Technician.

One day while I was working at Polaroid, I decided to pursue my dream. I wrote a letter to then-WBCN morning man Charles Laquidara offering to answer phones for free. There was a year-long waiting list to work the phones, but I received a call shortly thereafter. They offered me the chance to work at WBCN for free. I jumped at the opportunity. It was one of the happiest days of my life. The DJs there were major Boston celebrities and working with my heroes was a dream come true.

Within a year, I became a van driver and was given the added responsibility of sweeping the garage floor for $1.50 an hour. From there, I quickly moved into a position as a promotion assistant and became a character on the afternoon drive show. The nickname Cha-Chi was bestowed upon me by then News Director, Matt Schaffer - no one to this day knows why. Soon after, I became a WBCN DJ hosting a weekly WBCN Beatles show. In the early 90's, I became Promotions Director, then promoted to Creative Services Director and am currently the Marketing Director for WBCN and WZLX, Boston's Classic Rock. In addition, I currently host "Breakfast With The Beatles" Saturday mornings on WZLX.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Polaroid Corporation

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

The Beatles - I Want To Hold Your Hand on 45 rpm. I still own the record today.

FIRST CONCERT:

Elton John at the Boston Garden. It was the mid-70s and Elton brought on Stevie Wonder to perform the encore with him.

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

The Beatles

1. How did you become interested in radio?

It was love at first listen. I remember being 7 years old, listening to WMEX and WRKO play the hits on AM radio... it was then I knew what I wanted to do in my life.

2. You recently celebrated 25 years at WBCN. What are you most proud of?

I am proud of the fact that I knew what I wanted to do at an early age and I knew where I wanted to work by the time I was a teenager. While others search for years for something they love to do, I was able to identify it quickly, pursue my dream and achieve it.

I am most proud of the fact that I still love WBCN as I did back then. I still love to go to work everyday and I am proud of the fact that I have input into what the station stands for today.

I am also proud of my friendship with Tony Bennett and that I had a small hand in helping his career. And of course, that I also interviewed my heroes: Paul, Ringo and George.

3. You worked your way up from answering phones to marketing director of WBCN and classic rock WZLX. What has been the key to your longevity?

Being able to change with the times and roll with the punches is key. I surround myself with good workers that are in the demographic. I try to treat everyone with respect, whether it's a listener or a co-worker. And finally, being an asset to the sales department doesn't hurt either.

4. Looking back over the past 25 years, remarkably you've worked for only two PD's. What has been the biggest change at WBCN?

The music has changed, but the song remains the same.

5. What makes WBCN unique?

WBCN is Boston. The station began on March 15, 1968 and really is a significant part of the community more than any other station in town. When people say the Rock of Boston, they know it is WBCN!

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

The best part of my job is the every day challenge of coming up with new creative ideas and new ways to do the things that have been done many times before.

I also enjoy hosting my Beatle's show on WZLX. And lastly, being able to help the less fortunate through my work at WBCN and WZLX gives me the most gratification. My favorite charities are helping homeless animals, families affected by cancer, helping under privileged children and many others.

The least favorite part of my job is saying no.

7. What would surprise people most about you?

I live on a farm that I share with my beautiful girlfriend, 50 miles outside of Boston.

8. What's the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

I try to be respectful to every listener -- anytime, anywhere.

9. Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I have written hundreds and hundreds of press releases in my time, hundreds of pieces of promo copy, and I still feel there is lots of room for improvement.

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

I love to barbeque, so I'd say, it's either grilling something or someone ...

What are your hobbies?

I collect Beatles memorabilia and rare, hard to find books. I also enjoy biking with my girlfriend.