10 Questions with ... Dayton Kane

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

This year marks my 25th Anniversary in the business. I started at Y105 in Madison as an intern, worked into nights after I graduated U.W. Whitewater and have been doing it ever since! Except for a three year stint in Cape Girardeau, MO, I have spent my career in Wisconsin (Madison, Wausau, Appleton, and Milwaukee). I've done every daypart, almost every format - even sold advertising for a year and a half. It's been quite a journey.

1. How did you first become interested in radio growing up in Wisconsin?

The radio was always on in our house. Every morning we would wake up to my mom listening to Reitman and Mueller on 94.5 WKTI. It sounded like so much fun. I was always enamored whenever I would see the stations at Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair. So, I guess I got hooked at a really young age.

2. Earlier this year you made the move from Cumulus/Green Bay to Appleton-Oshkosh. Tell us about your dual duties programming Alternative and Country stations and being on-air.

The move happened in April, so it is still fairly new. But, coming into a great facility with people who want to win has been exciting. With that being said, we have a lot of work to do and I'm finding that prioritizing is essential. The nice part is that I love new music so being able to program Country and Alternative has been fun thus far. But, doing music, imaging, an on-air show and being the OM. does make for a busy day!

3. What do you love most about working for Cumulus?

The knowledge with our team at Cumulus is amazing. John Dimick, Charlie Cook, Troy Hanson, John Rowe - I can keep naming names - have been great to work with and available whenever needed. Jim Kurdziel pretty much had the WWWX music database overhauled and ready to go by the time I actually got into the station. The FORCE culture at Cumulus isn't just a moniker - it's lived out daily.

4. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?

Multi-faceted. There is so much to get done on a weekly basis. The trick is to still find time for the long term planning and strategy. People listen to the radio (at least music stations) for enjoyment/pleasure/escape. We can pick the best songs possible - and Cumulus gives us great tools to figure out what those are - but how can we make the stations fun and relevant to the audience.

5. How has WWWX - 96.9 The Fox changed since you've taken over as PD?

96.9 The Fox went through a complete over-haul. As I mentioned earlier, Jim Kurdziel got the music back to where it should be. We hired new on-air talent. Nikki and Bentley are great hosts! We brought Dan Stone on as our voice-guy. It's been fun working with the only Alternative station in the area. I just wish we had a bigger signal because people in Green Bay keep reaching out because they want us!

6. What is your favorite part of your job?

I love new music. Finding hits. The energy of concerts. I think it keeps me young! So, that is right at the top. But, I do like working with the team to try to create something that truly impacts peoples' lives. Radio is such a part of society. How cool is it to have a job that makes so many people happy?

7. What is a typical workday like for you juggling duties with multiple stations?

8-6pm Monday-Friday. Working out of my office at home Saturday and Sunday mornings. Hitting events throughout the week/weekends. In order to get everything done, I live by my Outlook calendar. The hardest part is closing your door because you have to get something done. There are a lot of people looking for your attention each day. But, each day brings something different which keeps it fun!

8. Of all the things you've accomplished in radio in the past 25 years, what are you most proud of?

The fact that my wife still stays married to me and my two kids are happy and healthy and seem to actually like their dad!

Seriously, I just had a former staff member tell me I was the best boss he's ever had. When it comes right down to it, it is ALL about people. How can we impact people to make this world a better place? I get to do that for a living each day.

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

Caffeine.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

People are always surprised when I tell them I have kids who are 20 and 18....because they think I'm in my 30s. Great to get that response every time. Although, the grey is starting to really show in my hair, so this might not last much longer!

What are weekends like for you?

Wake up at 5:30-6am and work before my family rolls out about 9-10 O'clock. Then, run errands, work on the house/yard. Then try to find something fun to do in the afternoon/evening. (If I don't have an event I have to be at.) Typically we try to find some live music on a patio/in a park somewhere. We also like to go to Milwaukee to visit family when we can on the weekends.

What are your hobbies?

I don't really have one at the moment. I like to golf, be on a boat, and spend any free time I get with family. I did just get my motorcycle license last summer so that is definitely in my future. Anyone have a Harley they want to give me?

What is your favorite sport and which team do you follow the closest - Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers or Milwaukee Bucks?

I am a casual sports fan at best. But, I am Wisconsin through and through. Brewers/Badgers/Bucks/Packers. I follow the Packers more than the rest though.

First record ever purchased?

The Grease Soundtrack. (YIKES! Did I just admit that?)

First CD ever purchased?

Faith No More - Epic (Is that ANY better?)

First concert?

My mom took me to Huey Lewis and the News at Alpine Valley.

Favorite band of all-time?

Metallica