10 Questions with ... Ed Sabatino

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

As a teen, I started at a radio station that was on TV. Called "All Request Radiovision"

• WPLR/New Haven - Air Personality
• WKCI/New Haven - Research Director/ Morning Co-Host with Glenn Beck / APD
• WEFX (WFOX)/Norwalk, CT - PD
• WPLR - PD
• Channel 106.7/Harrisburg PA - PD
• WDRC-FM/ Hartford - Part-time personality.
• Full Power Radio/ Providence / Hartford / New London / Springfield - VP/Programming

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

In the mid '80s, I was 16 and playing drums in a rock band. We recorded a single in the studio. Tried to get airplay but couldn't. I hustled it to everyone I could. Bill Elliot was the owner of this small station located above a theater near my parent's house. He played the track and wanted to interview us. We were all so young and my bandmates were afraid to talk. As soon as I put the headphones on and started answering questions...It was over, I was done with the band and I knew I had found my passion. I went home, called Bill Elliot and told him I needed to work for him. I started the next day. Within 18 months, I successfully chased down my dream of working at WPLR....and because of great people like John Griffin and Sam Tilery, I got very lucky!

2. After many years programming in Connecticut, what led you to leave radio in 2012 and open up an insurance business?

It was time to try something different. After living in PA for 2 years, I wanted to move back to Connecticut and be closer to my family. I was also ready to move in a different direction, and felt I had the local relationships back home necessary to build a successful business. But in the end, I missed radio and ended up back here doing what I love.

3. What led you back to radio as VP/Programming for Full Power Radio/Hartford?

Our owner John Fuller. I was working part-time at The Whale our Classic Rock station; he called me while I was on the air and asked if I wanted to talk about getting back in the game full-time. We met 6 or 7 times and truthfully, I missed the people and personalities. John is also known as an owner who's not afraid to put his money on the line for great promotions and marketing, so it made my decision very easy.

4. Let's shift to Radio 104.1 WMRQ which is coming up on its 12 year anniversary. How is the station growing and what are the ratings highlights for the station in 2019?

Radio 104 is always growing and evolving; it's the nature of the format. Look at the artists and how they've changed over the past couple years. There's a ton of crossover artists and often Alt radio breaks them first. The ratings gods have been pretty fair to us this year. We have good product and entertaining personalities who are connected to our audience. Seeing WMRQ rise in key demos over the past year has been quite gratifying.

5. Give us the 411 on the music and imaging.

The music is a very simple approach. Does this sonically fit the radio station and the market? I listen to tracks during the week and sit with my team to decide what moves make sense. Obviously, we look at national play as well. Steve Stone is the voice of the station and does an excellent job. I collaborate with Holden from the morning show to bring creative ideas to the table...we focus specifically on keeping it local and the music we get in and out quick without a ton of fluff. It's really about the music and the market.

6. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?

I'm an old school programmer working in a new universe. I'm currently overseeing 11 stations. I spend as much time with the talent as possible while managing the day to day operations. I know what I want to hear out of the speakers and relay that vision to my staff. I also like to let the specialists do their job. We have talented people working hard to be the best, I try to nurture that drive and encourage growth. I'm a sales friendly programmer. It's 2019; I'll always find a way to make things work for all departments. I'm always growing, radio requires it. Going from a part-timer for almost 7 years to my current position has forced me to adapt to a changing environment quickly.

7. How has Radio 104.1 changed since you began programming the station?

We've amped up promotion, marketing and social media efforts. We work hard to bring the right attitude to the air and maintain the consistency our audience has come to expect. I try to find as many unique listener experiences as possible. I want to give the audience moments they can't get anywhere else. The team "got it" before I got here and continue to shine. I don't see it as changing the station. Our puzzle pieces were right before I got here, I just guide how the final image looks.

8. What's your take on the state of Alternative Radio?

It's a funny time for Alt; there is a mix of "new wave" style bands, pop (crossover) and some true alternative rock artists. Achieving balance at times can be difficult. There's has been a ton of great product over the past year, so I consider it a "high class" problem. We just had the release of new Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer. Right now, I'd say the "state" is thriving.

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

My team, a good laugh and some coffee.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

Over the past 2 ½ years I've lost over 250 pounds.

What are weekends like for you?

Lots of time with my daughter Kadence. Concerts, promotions, cigars, motorcycle riding, gym time and my guilty TV pleasure....Live PD.

What are your hobbies?

Spending time with my daughter, playing drums, watching the Yankees, I like biking, hiking, people watching at our casinos...I'm also 50, so sleep is now a hobby I try to take part in from time to time!

Favorite food?

A nice Filet with Portobello mushrooms in a cognac gorgonzola sauce from Goodfellas in New Haven.

Favorite drink?

A glass of Pinot...pretty simple.

First record ever purchased?

The first record I ever bought, with my parents money was Eddie Rabbitt - I love a rainy night.

The first record I bought with my own cash...Ozzy's Blizzard of Oz.

First concert?

Aerosmith, Pat Travers and Rose Tattoo at the New Haven Coliseum

Favorite band of all-time?

Van Halen...Hagar included.