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10 Questions with ... Valerie 'Trixie' Hale
August 22, 2006
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TITLE:MD/Afternoon DriveSTATION:WNFZMARKET:Knoxville (#71)COMPANY:South Central Radio GroupBORN:NashvilleRAISED:Nashville
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WKDF/Nashville & WGFX/Nashville (traffic, on air swing/weekends & everything in between), WBUZ/Nashville (nights), and WQZQ/Nashville (middays).
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Salon receptionist
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Prince "Purple Rain"
FIRST CONCERT:
Rick Springfield
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Lucero, and I hate that I can't play them!
1. How did you become interested in radio?
When I was growing up, my mom and dad were in the Jaycees organization, and I remember them having local personalities in to host different events. From there on, it was just one of those things, I always knew I wanted to be on the radio and I've never looked back.
2. How did you get the nickname, Trixie?
I'd always gone by Valerie. When I moved to Knoxville, everyone had kookier names so when my PD and I were brainstorming, he asked what cartoons I liked when I was growing up and I said, "Speedracer and I always wanted to be his girlfriend Trixie." So, Trixie it was!
3. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
Talking to listeners when I'm on the air and out and about, especially the "regular" callers. It's great to be able to relate to them. What do I like least? Talking to listeners when I'm on the air and out and about (HA!) Sometimes it can feel like "doofus day" where you don't have an intelligent conversation with anyone.
4. What makes The X unique?
It's amazing to me the connection that we have with our audience. It's unlike any other station I've ever seen and pretty awesome to be a part of that and also, to have them be a small part of your life. I've actually made some good friends through the station. I'll never forget this one big show we had where the station tent was literally mobbed! People were asking us to sign stuff like crazy, like Big Mac boxes! I'm all, "hey the bands are over there!" (HAHA!)
5. How has the station changed in the past year?
It seems like we've gone through so many changes in the past year but I'd say the biggest change is we're more Gold than we used to be. We're also more "advertiser" friendly, less boob and toilet humor.
6. What would surprise people most about the station?
We actually DO listen to what people say when they send us feedback.
7. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________?
Do I really need to list all my addictions? I'll go with caffeine and Metallica.
8. Besides WNFZ, what is your favorite radio station and why?
WFXH/Savannah-Hilton Head. They have a great mix of Alternative and Active Rock.
9. Biggest career highlight?
Doing "10 Questions!" No, seriously, becoming Music Director has opened up so many doors for me. I've met so many amazing people within the industry and have made some really good connections.
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
People ask me that all the time and I honestly have NO idea! It's kind of scary, actually, to NOT wanna do anything else. I think it has to be in your blood, you've got to love it to do it. Maybe I'd be a freelance writer and put the other part of that degree to good use.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Gardening, growing veggies, and my fiancé' and I love to travel. We take a lot of weekend trips to see shows or just explore different cities. When I have time, I mess around with mosaics. God, does that sound dorky? Well, I never claimed not to be...
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