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10 Questions with ... Mike O'Reilly
July 2, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started in KC in '97 on-air and assisting with programming, then programmed/launched JACK FM in KC in 2004, which transitioned into consulting JACK FM nationally under Garry Wall at Sparknet in 2006. That consulting role opened a door for me in San Diego, programming KFMB-FM from 2007 to 2015. Fast forward to today; I'm back in KC programming Alternative, X105-1 and Pop/CHR, 95-7 The VIBE.
1. How did you first become interested in radio growing up in KC?
Right out of high school, just loved radio and music in general. Plus I didn't want to sit in a classroom any longer.
2. You certainly know the Kansas City Radio Market. Tell us about adding PD duties of KCJK X105-1 last year after returning home from San Diego in 2015 to program Top 40 KCHZ 97-5 The Vibe where you started your radio career.
Talk about going full circle, I have a rich history with both of these frequencies, I was in intern at KCHZ in 1997, and helped launch 105.1 back in 2001, then flipped it to Jack FM in 2004, and now get to program it again as X105-1. Of all the stations in KC, these two mean a lot to me. It's an honor that Cumulus entrusts me with both brands.
3. What led to X105-1's big ratings increase in April '19 PPM and where is the station showing the biggest growth?
Prior to the arrival of new APD/MD Joel Weiss, musically some spring cleaning and pruning occurred; but one of the biggest factors was the addition of Afentra in afternoon drive combined with the continued growth of The Woody Show in morning drive. Afentra brings with her many years of experience, relationships, and ideas from her time on competitor KRBZ to us daily.
4. The station has made some big on-air lineup moves. One year ago, X105-1 added The Woody Show to mornings and earlier this year you added former longtime cross-town morning host Afentra to PM-drive. What has been the immediate impact?
Nearly a year later, for the 2nd month in a row we're beating our direct competitor for the 2nd month in a row 6+. We continue to build on each weekly and monthly.
5. Give us the 411 on the music and imaging on X105-1.
From X105-1's inception, our station voices have been Dan Stone & Wendy K Gray. They're not only the branding glue between the music; but their unique chemistry and comedy adds sparkle and balance to the overall product & presentation.
6. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
Assertive, willing to move quickly, try new things, and I enjoy training and teaching new talent.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
All of it....even on days that I feel I have too much happening all at once, I remind myself that my job is to pick and play good music. Who wouldn't want this job! I'm blessed.
8. What is a typical workday like for you programming two stations?
No day is ever really the same...my goal is to get as much done by 3p as I do PM drive on 95-7 The VIBE. So to navigate everything, I try to put my schedule into categories mentally. "'A" priorities are things that have to get done to stay on the air, "B" priorities are pressing but can be pushed if need be, and "C" priorities are the tasks that get done if time allows. It's easy to get buried without that in place.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
MY TEAM!
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I've been married for 16 years to my wife Melissa, who was also my promotions director at 105.1 back in 2002!
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
Home projects, movies & games with my wife, & grilling out...of course all revolving around station events and scheduling music when I've run out of time during the week.
What is your favorite BBQ in KC?
Joe's KC!
Are you most passionate about the Royals or Chiefs?
Gotta say both! The year we moved back was the year the Royals won the World Series for the first time in 30 years and how can you not get excited about Mahomes!
First record ever purchased?
Van Halen "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge"
First concert?
I grew up on everything Christian music. DeGarmo & Key was my show
Favorite band of all-time?
Van Halen
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