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10 Questions with ... Jason Squires
November 19, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Out of the womb into radio (Thanks Dad) J
Spent time in Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, and San Luis Obispo. And thanks to technology, still in SLO and also Reno, NV as well.
1. You've been at KFRR for 15 years now. How much has your job changed since when you first started programming the station in 2004?
The biggest change I've seen is all the integration of technology. From pure station automation, to smart speakers, mobile apps, the ability to listen anywhere AND to listen to anything at the drop of hat from your mobile device or tablet has been amazing and overwhelming all at the same time. It's just a whole new world out there, which again is exciting for many reasons.
2. How has the New Rock 104.1 brand been building in Fresno?
I think the branding continues to evolve and always be a moving target. Obviously, we keep traditional, but as stated above, with technology, you can't put a liner, promo or sweeper on and be we're good. There's so much more now. We look to tie into as much as we can with shows, breweries, and anywhere we can gain a footprint and keep our logo and station in front of people at the right things. The app, alexa, and all these things are now a part of marketing.
3. Five years ago the station was sold by Wilks Broadcasting to One Putt Broadcasting. How has the ownership change impacted New Rock 104.1?
This ownership believes in the product and the brand and gives us the tools to create and win. It took a minute to get used to that initially as that was never the case previously. It's good that they we're able to see what we did in the marketplace from afar and when they brought us in to the One Putt family, it was really about accentuating the positives we had had and moving forward.
4. Give us the 411 on the station. How the station positioned musically and what is is most important to you when deciding what new music to play?
Being the contemporary alternative modern rock station for the valley. Best of today, but not losing sight of what got us here. Along with Billie Eilish, Twenty One Pilots, there's still a home for Blink 182, Green Day, Weezer and the right '90s for us, along with the 2000's, which is what we've seen the audience gravitate towards.
Regarding new music, many factors jump in, but the big one to me is not being "too hip for the room." Central California is right in the middle of big cities and we're not one or the other, we have to be right down the middle in every sense of the word. Musically especially.
5. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
Fair, honest, a tad too much overthinking at times on certain things, but overall, I think my crew, industry folks, etc. always know where I stand on anything regarding KFRR.
6. What is your favorite part of your job?
The fact that all I ever wanted to do is be in radio, from the time I could remember. That I can do this for a living and I'm blessed every day to be able to here with a great company.
7. What's one thing that may surprise people about New Rock 104.1?
Honestly, that the brand is still thriving and evolving in 2019. I've been here since 2002; PD since 2004 and we're still doing great radio in Fresno
8. What your take on the state of the Alternative format?
The same as it always is, which is those that believe and do it right continue to be great stations across the board. Sometimes the format is used as a quick fix for some companies on properties and that's the wrong way to do it. Musically, the format needs to continue to be a conduit for new, compelling sound. We lose that sometimes, but history shows the format thrives when do that. And believe in it. There is amazing new music out there and maybe it doesn't 'sound' like what alternative was to us at a certain time, but it can work. We put so much stock into the '90s music boom, and that happened when we were looking at great, new music and believing in it, playing it, exposing it. I think that spirit is missed a lot, and I'm just as guilty at times on that.
9. You also recently added PD duties at sister Hot AC KWDO (99.3 NOW FM). How is that going so far and how do you manage your time with your added duties?
It's been exciting as it's another world in this format and a way to learn more. NOW FM was just the lost property in our group for the last year or so with no real local programming on it, so it's been about recognizing what it needs to be in the marketplace and for us as a company, and steering it in the right direction. I'm excited for NOW FM in 2020 and to be a part of it.
10. What is a typical workday like for you?
Day starts at 5:30am, every day. In the office by 6:30 or so, and then it all begins. With 2 stations now, it's about making sure each station gets the attention to details that my OCD allows. LOL. Basically, it's logs, meetings with talent, making sure everything day to day is firing on all the right cylinders. Of course, every day can be different as well. But I have a general focus each day on where to start and execute.
Bonus Questions
Tell us about your weekends.
Being a dad to my amazing son, Ryan. He's been the light in my life and the reason some of the above can "always wait until tomorrow."
Where are your favorite places to eat in Fresno?
Always love the Chicken Shack for a quick bite. I do a lot of food trucks as well as they seem to go well with my love for the amazing craft beer scene in Fresno
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
- San Diego Padres
- Fresno State Bulldogs
- San Diego Padres
- San Diego Padres.
Favorite new band in 2019?
White Reaper has been the obsession in my life musically on the new tip this year
Favorite concert from this past year?
KISS 'End of the Road' tour 2019 Save Mart Center. It was truly special as it was my 15th time seeing them, but the first time for my son, who loved every minute and is a little too much like his dad with his love for the band.
Anything else you would like to add?
The medium of radio is still the best out there. Let's build it and continue to grow it.
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