10 Questions with ... Mike Flanagan

NAME:Mike Flanagan TITLE:PD STATIONS:KRXF MARKET:Bend, OR (#217) COMPANY:Bend Radio group BORN:Billings, MT RAISED:West Yellowstone, MT

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

'95-'99 -- Did a little bit of everything (like the TV show Northern Exposure) at KWYS/West Yellowstone; '99-'01 - Mornings/Production Director aton KCVI/Idaho Falls, ID; 2001-present - PD/mornings at KRXF, Top 40 KXIX, Sports KICE.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Convenience store clerk, during the summer after graduating High School.

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

(Vinyl) Michael Jackson - Thriller; (Cassette) Motley Crue - Girls, Girls, Girls; (CD) Faith No More -- The Real Thing

FIRST CONCERT:

Aerosmith - Get A Grip Tour

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

Bob Dylan. He directly or indirectly influenced everybody who makes music that matters to me.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I loved music but couldn't play an instrument. I figured I'd talk about it if I couldn't perform it.

2. What led to the launch of KRXF?

We got the new FM license that came into the market. We listened to what other the stations were playing and asked people in the community what sort of station they wanted. They said Rock music that was made after 1978. Or Rock music before 1978 that nobody else played. Then we did a costly market study to prove that answer.

3. How would you describe the station?

We're a rock station for the iPod Era. It's a very broad playlist; Megadeth to Death Cab. We also pay respect to the greatness that is the Northwest Music Scene.

4. What are you most proud since the launch of the station?

The gratitude of the listeners who appreciate the sort of station we brought to Bend and Central Oregon. The Spring 2007 Arbitron book exemplifies how grateful the listeners are.

5. What part of your job do you like best?

Entertaining and informing people. I don't know of any other reason to be in radio.

Least? Relying too much on computers and voice tracking to do the job.

6. What would an outsider find most surprising about the Bend, OR market?

It's eclectic. Old Timers mixed with Big City refugees all loving what the area has to offer.

7. What makes KRXF unique?

I have Jacobs Media as a consultant, take listener input, and I go with my gut and what my jocks like. It ends up being an organic mix of mainstream, alternative, active, and indie rock. Overall we want to give a broad spectrum of rock music for the diverse tastes in Central Oregon.

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

Coffee!

9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Being flexible; change is inevitable.

10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Landscaping.

BONUS QUESTION: What are your hobbies?

Enjoying the lifestyle that is Central Oregon; outdoor sports, music shows, and microbrew.