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10 Questions with ... Gina Juliano
March 28, 2006
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NAME:Gina JulianoTITLE:Program DirectorSTATION:KFRRMARKET:Fresno (#66)COMPANY:Wilks BroadcastingBORN:April 3rd in Huntington Beach, CARAISED:Huntington Beach, CA, Santa Rosa, CA, Phoenix, AZ, and St. Louis, MO.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Teaching computer basics - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
While at Purdue University in 1992, I started out my radio career doing an internship at KSHE/St. Louis. The next summer I did an internship at VH1 in NY. After graduating in December of 1993, I moved to Chicago to work for WTTW-TV and WKQX (Q101) doing promotions. After being in Chicago for 2 1/2 years I went on to have my first fulltime on-air gig doing nights in 1996 at KRNA/Iowa City. After being at KRNA for a year and a half, I went on to do nights at KXXR/Minneapolis. In October of 1997 I went on to WLRS/Louisville as MD and nights. I moved up to be PD at WLRS until July of 1999 when it flipped formats. I was out of work for 6 months until February of 2000 when I became OM/PD of Alternative WARQ & Classic Rock WMFX. I was there for over 3 1/2 years and decided to take a break to pursue my concert promotion business in 2003. In November of 2005 I landed PD of KFRR/Fresno where I'm currently having a blast, enjoying life and very grateful for my job!
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
My first record was a Men At Work 45 "Who Can It Be Now?" My first full album was Depeche Mode "Black Celebration" and my first CD was Pearl Jam "Ten."
FIRST CONCERT:
U2 "Joshua Tree Tour." It was the kick off tour date in Phoenix Arizona, which happened to be on my 15th birthday.
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
This is impossible to answer! I have several favorite bands for various reasons. Some are for personal reasons; some are just because they're awesome bands! I can't just name one. As a true music lover, I'm into anything that I consider great music, no matter what type it is. How about just a few of my favorites: Alice In Chains, Tool, Depeche Mode, Fuel, APC, Saliva, Led Zeppelin, Pantera, Queensryche, Tori Amos, Everything But the Girl, Van Halen, Soundgarden, Stevie Nicks, Steely Dan, Eagles, Robert Plant, Journey, and Audioslave. Those are just a few! You didn't know what you were getting yourself into when you asked me that question, did you Shawn? LOL!
1. What made you decide to get back into programming, and what led you to KFRR?
I took a break from the business to pursue some other interests. I ended up learning a lot of things I didn't necessarily sign up for. However, the events that occurred, while not necessarily pleasant, turned out to be a well-noted learning experience. I went on to produce some concerts, do nights at WAQZ for almost a year, teach at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting and the Cincinnati Arts and Technology Center. Working these other jobs made me realize how much I missed radio and what a big part of me that it really was. I finally came to grips with the fact that I was unhappy and needed to get back to where I was meant to be. I started telling my radio and record friends I was back looking for a gig. My wonderful friends and supporters helped me land the gig at KFRR and I couldn't be happier! The last two years of my life were extremely difficult but have helped me gain appreciation and gratitude for what I have now.
2. What is the biggest change you've made since taking over as PD?
The biggest change I've made to KFRR is inflicting a positive attitude into high gear and getting back to radio basics. I've administered the importance of being in touch with our audience. I think it helps too that I love the music and live the lifestyle. I've rolled the dice, took some chances and tried to instill my passion, drive and desire to win to my staff.
3. Your first batch of trends arrived, and the early results are amazing. What are you most impressed with?
I'm really impressed that the increases were all across the board and especially going from 11th to 4th persons 18-34.
4. What makes your station unique?
There's a ''no apathy' toleration rule strictly enforced.
5. What is your biggest challenge?
It's a challenge many people deal with in almost any profession: trying to do a lot with a little.
6. What would surprise people most about KFRR?
The underdog will prevail and the people that work at KFRR really are that cool. LOL!
7. What part of your job do you like best?
I love the fact that I'm a part of the music industry and get to do something I'm so passionate about. Least? Not being able to cuss on the radio.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It's not about being right; it's about doing the right thing.
9. What is your favorite station outside your market and why?
Any station that gives a run down of the weekly school lunch menu. I find it to be pure listening pleasure.
10. Biggest career highlight?
I risked putting together a completely new concert set up in order to make money for the station. It was a big gamble and very expensive. I rolled the dice, put my ass on the line and figured I was either going to be a hero or a zero. Over the course of 5 shows I helped the station net over a half a million in revenue.
Bonus Questions
What kind of music do you enjoying listening to when you are away from the station?
It depends on what kind of mood I'm in. I mostly just flip on my iPod and hope something that I want to hear comes on. Is that carefully calculated or what?
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