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10 Questions with ... Ross Mahoney
August 14, 2007
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NAME:Ross MahoneyTITLE:MD/AfternoonsSTATIONS:WPBZMARKET:West Palm Beach (#46)COMPANY:CBS RADIOBORN:Boston, March 12 in the mid-'70sRAISED:West Palm Beach
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started interning at WPBZ in March 1996; parttime in September 1996; overnights in 2000; nights/programming assistant in 2004; then MD/afternoons in March 2007.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Worked in a call center, sending people in Texas their lost food stamps cards
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
I bought 3 at the same time, Michael Jackson "Thriller," Van Halen "1984," and Quiet Riot "Metal Health."
FIRST CONCERT:
Twisted Sister and Dokken
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Rage Against The Machine and Kid Rock
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I've always had the radio on, listening to music. The DJs seemed larger than life! I thought I wanted to work in television, but after a few TV production classes, I realized I didn't love it. I went to broadcasting school, and fell in love with radio.
2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I mostly listened to Miami stations, I remember listening to Y100, Power 96, WSHE, and Zeta.
3. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I love Outlaw Country music ... like Hank!
4. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
Best: Being on-air and working with a great bunch of people every day.
Least: Our midday guy Jason Davis (just kidding)! Actually, the amount of mail that I have to open annoys me, but if that's the worst part of my job, no biggie!
5. What would an outsider find most surprising about West Palm Beach?
The ridiculous amount of traffic.
6. What makes WPBZ unique?
It has to be the imaging of the station. John O'Connell really is a genius when it comes to programming. He knows exactly how the station should sound. Between the promos and sweepers that he writes and the music that we decide to play, there is a reason The Buzz is the best branded station in South Florida!
7. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Red Bull and my dog Bridgette.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
There are a couple of truths, as a jock, I feel extremely lucky to have worked with some really talented people that I have learned a lot from -- Mark Summers, Jason Anfinsen, Jason Davis, Dan O'Brien, Robert English, Jeremy "Rexx" Loper, Eric Kristensen, Nik Rivers, Tre, and Jesse Kage. These people love what they do, and if you really love it, you will be successful. As a programmer, I understand that sometimes it is necessary to step out with a record that you really believe in, but sometimes people should stop trying to find that indie band that makes you too cool for school Sometimes you just need to play the hits, and don't over-analyze it. It's just rock n roll!
9. Of all the things you have done at The Buzz, what are you most proud of?
Being able to become music director and afternoons at this station. Also, took over a major role booking our show "Buzz Bake Sale" in 2004; we have sold out every year!
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I would be the personal driver for WBMX Promotion Director Mark "Cali" Calandrello or, I think I could work for Spearmint Rhino swiffering the stage. I think those guys make some bank.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
I absolutely love playing poker and kicking our promotion assistant' Jeremy Clark's ass at pop culture trivia!
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