10 Questions with ... Zach McHugh

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WRKT/Erie, PA; WBNE/Wilmington, NC; WRMR/Wilmington, NC; WSFS/Miami, FL.

1. What has this past year been like for you as PD of XL102?

It's been a lot of things but overall it's been great. Anytime you step into a new environment, especially a leadership role you want to make a positive impact. With great support from my GM, Bennett Zier, and OM, Zac Davis, I feel like I've been able to do that.

2. The station has been trending up in the ratings over the past year 3.0-3.7-3.8-4.5 (Fa'17-Su'18 Nielsen Audio 12+). How is the station performing in key demos and what has led to the station's ratings growth?

XL102 is top 4 P25-54 and #2 P18-34 -- right behind our sister station 106.5 The Beat. Alternative has really been on an upcycle of late. However, I think it's up to the air staff, promos and what you do between the songs to make it relatable to the commonwealth. There are a lot of great folks in the building here, I have leaned on them a bunch to get to know "The RVA."

3. For 40 years WRXL has been branded as XL102. Give us the 411 on XL102 and how the station is positioned musically?

There was that time when they called it "102.1 The X" but aside from that it's been XL102. I understand it was a great classic rocker for a long time and it's always been some iteration of rock radio. Now it is Richmond's Alternative Rock. We play lots of current records, mixed with the favs from the 90s, 00s & 10s. We are live all day starting with Elliot In The Morning, "Mojo" in the midday, me ("Vaughn") in the afternoon, Liz at night, and Clifford, who hosts the greatest new music specialty show in the world, "Underexposed With Clifford."

4. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?

Like a hockey coach. Gotta know your team. Sometimes you may need to shuffle your lines.

5. How has the station changed in the past year?

Aside from EITM it's a brand new air staff. Music-wise, we just moved the window back a little bit where we're playing less 90s and more 2010 to today.

6. What is your favorite part of your job?

We present a ton of shows. Giving listeners access to the artists they hear on the radio never gets old!

7. What makes the station unique?

Elliot In The Morning. I know we share him with DC101 but Richmond LOVES him. Together, Elliot, Diane, Tyler and Kayleigh are an awesome team, super entertaining, and an absolute beast in the ratings. They are indeed Richmond's #1 morning show. Whenever they come to town it is a big deal... and we try not to kill Elliot. Or maybe we do. He's good about incorporating Richmond and making things seamless. And I must say, lately, the show has done a fine job focusing on the midterm elections. Also, XL is the only Alt in the market.

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

Trident original flavor gum.

9. What would surprise people most about you?

I have good handwriting.

10. What do you love most about living in RVA??

Richmond loves Halloween. Like, really loves it. Which is cool because it's kinda haunty to begin with. Great places to eat, local breweries, and The National is a sick venue.

You have a full house at home. Tell us about your family.

This May my wife, Amy, and I will celebrate 10 years being married. We have three awesome kids, Thomas (8), Shelby (5) and William (2). Oh and our hound dog, Charlie (who doesn't poop on walks, BTW)... I think he's 4. Balancing all that with my crazy radio life is a daily challenge!

What are weekends like for you?

LOL. Soccer fields, hockey rinks, THE YARD, laundry, dishes, cleaning, watching sports, fantasy football, and if I'm lucky some beers.

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Panthers, Yankees

Favorite new band in the past year?

The Interrupters

Anything else you would like to add?

I'm sorry for not always getting back to you on cool new music.