10 Questions with ... Zander

NAME:Zander TITLE:PD STATION:KKZQ MARKET:Palmdale-Lancaster (L.A. DMA) COMPANY:High Desert Broadcasting BORN:Chicago RAISED:Chicago

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

1994-'95 -- WRCX/Chicago weekends; '95-'96 -- WYMG mornings; WCBR mornings '96-'97 ; '97-'00 - WXXY weekends; WLUP nights '00-'05; Feb. '06-present KLKX PD/afternoons; Aug. '07-present KKZQ PD.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

construction laborer

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

(Don't laugh!) Peter Frampton "I'm In You"

FIRST CONCERT:

The Hounds (local Chicago band) in 1980

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

Led Zeppelin

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I think the intimacy of radio first pulled me in, then the music (of course). My father was a big fan of radio too. We used to fight over stations all the time -- WLUP vs. WGN!

2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

WLUP, WMET, WLS...even WGN!

3. What led you to programming The Edge and The Quake?

After working at WLUP (The Loop) in Chicago for just about five years, and getting "excused" from my duties, I decided to look to take my step, outside of Chicago and into programming again, and SoCal and KLKX came-a-calling. In August of this year, they offered me the chance to take The Edge to the next level. I accepted the challenge and find myself busier than I have ever been.

4. What's one thing that would surprise many people most about The Edge?

It's not Alt or Active, it's just a good sonic mix of newer rock music, whether it's Alternative or Active just happens to be a technicality, really. We are in the process of creating fresh imaging that fits the demo and the music on The Edge. In line with the adjustments, I am also on the lookout for unique talent that can be local and talk to guys that like to rock here in our valley.

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

Best: Being able to create radio that listeners react to ...and then seeing that reaction. Least: All the paperwork involved in being management!

6. What would an outsider find most surprising about the Palmdale-Lancaster market?

In this valley there are a half-million available listeners. This is the fastest growing area in SoCal. Even though we are part of the Los Angeles Arbitron market, this area definitely stands on its own.

7. What makes KKZQ unique?

I have found that we have a distinctive listening audience that is not afraid to let us know what they think. We then are able to respond immediately with adjustments to the product (both on-air and website) we feel will better serve our audience. There is no corporate ladder to run things up here at HDB. The philosophy is to put the right people in the right positions, and let them create radio that best serves the demo and market. It's a novel way to do radio!

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

E-mail.

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

Hard work and passion will always pay off ... just give it time.

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

Something involving computers.

What are your hobbies?

I love old cars, especially Pontiacs. Anyone know where I can find a cherry 1964-72 Grand Prix?