10 Questions with ... Ben Marcotte

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Well, I started out in Chicago, I ran the board, did production, and produced shows for WLS-AM. After that I moved to Missouri for a minute, and did news and operations for KMXL and KDMO. After that I moved to Spokane, and got my hands dirty with our iHeart cluster there. I assisted in programming duties for KIIX and KISC, as well as MD duties, and doing nights on KCDA. Which takes us to present day based in Seattle.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Listening to Chicago Cubs baseball on the legendary WGN - kind of hard not to fall in love.

2. I know you were excited to work in the Alternative format. What led to your move from iHeart in Spokane to ALT 102.9 over a year ago?

Well, the continuation of no state income tax was super appealing. But seriously...right place right time. Basically it was everything I could have wanted. To be working the Alt format in Seattle...is kinda the best thing ever.

3. The station doesn't play many currents and really harkens back to the 90s Grunge. How would you describe KFOO, ALT 102.9, Tacoma's Rock Alternative?

You did a pretty good job of describing it. Alt is all about celebrating the music that defined a generation. Not only that, but we get to do it...where it all began. Pretty cool.

4. What is the station's coverage in Seattle?

Do you want the technical answer? The transmitter is in Centralia - so it's pretty far south. But its 70,000 watts - so it covers a lot of ground.

5. Tell us about the on-air lineup on ALT 102.9.

Doug Duin is our guy in the mornings, he's multi-talented, and has many roles in the building besides just being on-air. He has a great way of taking every day mundane things, and finding the humor in them. Some jerk with a red beard is on in middays (Hey! That's me!). Harms does afternoons - he's someone that's been in the market a long time, and is incredibly talented, knows how to make his show local, and he's super easy to work with. Nights with Jake Dill - another super creative guy, that knows how to find funny.

6. You recently added PD of Radio 102.3 in Portland. What does everyone need to know about Radio 102.3 and how iHeart's Alt brand is impacting the Pacific Northwest?

Radio 102 3 is different than what we do in Seattle, because we play currents. Lots of potential, which we haven't even begun to tap in to. Really excited about how we will continue to grow both brands.

7. What is your favorite part of your job?

All things creative -- promotions, contests, etc. Taking an idea and turning into a full blow promotion - always very rewarding. Also, you can't say enough about connecting with listeners. It's really easy to get into the routine of punching things off a list, but when you get a phone call, or a message on Facebook or twitter, and someone is telling you how much of an important role you play in their day. That's a pretty special moment.

8. What is a typical day like for you?

Well, I get in to the building somewhere in the 8a range. I do show prep, post some blogs, depending on the day; I'll wander into a meeting or two. After that's done, I'll hop in the studio and do as much of my show as live as I possibly can. Then I'll knock out a Portland show. Then I'll bounce back into my office, schedule some music, write some imaging, and maybe bounce some ideas off our promotions team. Catch up on e-mails, at some point, I'll bug Justin Riley, Chris Sargent, and Hunter Quinn, and ask them if something I wrote was funny. At the end of the day, I'll wait for logs to come in, do some grooming. Oh, and somewhere in the middle of all of that I try to eat lunch. Then I'll hop in the car and enjoy the loveliness that is Seattle traffic.

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

Is this the part where I'm supposed to say coffee? It is, isn't it? I do heavily rely on coffee.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I wasn't born with a beard.

What are your hobbies?

The OUTDOORS! I live in the mecca of hiking, camping, climbing, fishing, etc. etc. etc. I soak it up as much as I can, cause ya know, it rains from time to time.

First record ever purchased?

Bought my first two at the same time -- The Offspring's Ixnay on the Hombre, and Third Eye Blind's debut album.

First concert?

Crosby Still Nash & Young - it was awesome.

Favorite band of all-time?

Nope. I'm not touching this one.