10 Questions with ... Nancy Stevens

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Been in Phoenix Radio 20 years, few highlights were The Edge, KUPD, and now ALT AZ.

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

In 1990 when I walked in to Nationwide Communications thinking it was Nationwide Insurance. I was hired as the receptionist for 104.7 KZZP Your #1 Hit Music Station and since that moment I was hooked.

2. When Trip Reeb named you PD last year, he said no one knows the Phoenix Alternative Radio Market as well as Nancy Stevens. What was your biggest takeaway from nearly 10 years programming The Edge?

Phoenix is a special city, knowing this market and the competition is probably the biggest takeaway I have. Phoenix also has a "particular" sound when it comes to Alternative, knowing from past experience has definitely helped pave the way for ALT's success today. And last but not least, working close with Larry McFeelie at KUPD has helped me create a station that could grow up in a "music lane" without taking anything away from KUPD. Staying close has enabled both of us to co-exist as #1 and #2 in some key demos. It's teamwork at its best. I love it!

3. How rewarding does it feel to be programming a full-signal Alternative station?

It's quite fantastic and proves everything I felt since The Edge. I always knew this format could be and should be a viable and dominating brand in Phoenix. I'm so grateful that Trip gave me this chance as I have always felt I have something to prove and was determined to prove it.

4. Let's dive into the station ratings, which have been trending up all year. The August '17 Monthly PPM was the station's best to date with a big jump from 3-8-4.9 overall. What has led to the ALT AZ 93.3's ratings growth in 2017? What are you most proud of?

ALT's success with the ratings growth is very genuine. I am so fortunate that I have a company that provides the tools needed to craft the best sounding station possible, i.e. music tests, Jacobs Media/Mike Stern, etc. The on-air talent is very cautious about their delivery and keep things quick, local and entertaining on-air. Last piece to the puzzle is we have been non-stop on the streets for the last 16 months. ALT AZ had no marketing campaign, no cash contests, just good old "hand to hand" promotion on the streets. Our Street Team has scoured every inch of this city in the last year, hitting every concert, festival, college, beer fests, soccer games, etc. This didn't happen overnight, we have achieved these ratings the "old fashioned" radio way and we are very proud!

5. Give us the 411 on the station.

Local Morning Show: The Mo! Show, Mo grew up in Phoenix, very local and she's out everywhere promoting herself with her amazing personality!

Middays: The Brit, Ian Camfield. Ian has been at the station for 18 months and has carved out an excellent place in Phoenix.

Afternoons: Dustin Carlson. Dustin is one hard working guy, solid afternoon drive talent and he delivers some great imaging. He's the Ying to my Yang and we have a great thing going in Programming Dept.

Nights: Rob! He's another local guy that can talk local and brings his passion of radio on-air to connect with ALT AZ's listeners.

And lastly an honorable mention to our fantastic Voice Guy Brian Peck! This guy is amazing, besides his super-fast turn-around, Brian returns some amazing voice work full of any attitude you request. He's such an important part of our imaging.

6. What do you love most about working at Hubbard Broadcasting?

The comradery amongst all Hubbard PDs, Ginny Hubbard making market visits and making a point to sit with you and talk just to talk. Everyone at Hubbard knows everyone's name; there is an amazing love of "radio from the top down and it creates a drive to be the best you can be. Hubbard is also very innovative and forward thinking which is incredibly refreshing and inspiring. This is the best company I have ever worked for.

7. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?

Silent but deadly.

8. What sorts of things make ALT AZ unique?

Staff is #1! It's our family vibe. We all love and respect each other, the halls are full of laughter and we have fun every day. We don't stress, we don't get angry, and we try to handle our frustrations with a sense of calm and a positive attitude. We don't get cocky; we remain humble even when faced with good ratings. We do what feels right, keep things simple and most importantly we don't over-think things, this allows our very small staff to consistently execute any initiative without having to waste a lot of time.

Oh! And we also have over 300 days of sunshine every year. Sunshine makes everything sound better.

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

Eating a Sour Patch Kid.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I frequent Antique Stores, like obsessively!

What are your hobbies?

Sanding down old stuff, hanging with my dogs and John Bush!

What are weekends like for you?

Saturdays resting for Sundays! Football has arrived! GO CHIEFS!

First record ever purchased?

It was probably 20 when I signed up for that damn record club when I was a child!

First concert?

Van Halen in 1984, Pocatello Idaho as we didn't have concerts in Montana.

Favorite band of all-time?

That's such a hard question!! I don't pick favorites!