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10 Questions with ... Ben Marcotte
March 9, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I’d like to think of myself as balanced. With equal parts analytical, and equal parts creative. We have so many resources and data to help us make the best and most educated decisions as possible, but at the same time understanding that human emotion, and creativity are a little harder to roll up in a spreadsheet.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Chicago, IL -- WLS-AM Producer/Board Op/Commercial Production.
Joplin, MO -- KMXL-FM & KDMO-AM Asst. Operations Manager/News Director
Spokane, WA -- KIIX/KISC/KCDA On-Air/APD/MD + KFOO On-Air
Portland, OR -- KKRZ HD2/PD/On-Air
Seattle, WA -- KFOO/KJAQ PD/On-Air
Indianapolis, IN -- VPP/PD/On-Air
1. After programming in the Pacific Northwest for the past seven years, what led to your move to Indy at the end of 2020 to become VP/Programming?
I always told myself at some point I would come home, and when you have the opportunity to not only get back to where it started but get to be in a building with some heritage brands that have stood the test of time, and work with really talented people it’s pretty tough to pass up. Very grateful.
2. What was your biggest takeaway programming ALT brands for iHeart in Spokane, Seattle, and Portland?
Listening patterns and habits change from region to region. What may be important or a focus in what part of the country, may not be as important in another. On the other hand, some things never change, you still need to apply the fundamentals, some of which are different depending on if you’re in a Diary or PPM market, but you’re always looking to create engaging content for your audience.
3. What has surprised you most about the Indianapolis Radio market?
Maybe industry? There’s so much tech in western Washington, and coming back to the Midwest, industry and demand are different here. So, it’s just digging in and learning about how the market consumes our products.
4. Why do you feel the iHeart Indianapolis brands have been so successful?
Consistency. Consistency wins. Bob & Tom have been on WFBQ since 1983, the signal has been rock since before then, and if you look at WOLT, it’s been Alternative/Rock since 1992. WNDE is the oldest operating radio station in the market, and WZRL has made some really big strides in the 5 years it’s been on the air. If you’re fortunate enough to have sustained success, and build up equity with your audience, it really creates more opportunities, and once you do that you just have to continue to build on it, and evolve it, which all of our brands have.
5. What is a typical day like as VP and programming Alternative ALT 103.3 with an afternoon drive air shift?
I feel like this is going to bore everyone. But hey, you asked. Typically, I wake up pretty early, and make sure everything with The Woody Show is running on time, and then we usually get into music, and music scheduling, that’s the nice thing about the east coast time, if you get up early enough you can knock out a bunch of things before the emails start rolling in. At some point in here I’m consuming copious amounts of coffee. Then depending on the day, it could be anything from a promotions and marketing call to a sales meeting, or a client pitch. Depending on the week, or what I have slated, I try and find 15-30 minutes to write imaging. And of course, once we roll around to 2p, I start prepping for my show. Go on-air at 3p, and then between breaks, it’s just making sure we’re timed out for the rest of the day, answering emails, and or calls from AE’s, talent, and making sure our stations are prepped for the next day.
6. Alternative has been part of the cluster for 26 years with the station rebranding from X103 to ALT 103.3 almost 7 years ago. Tell us about the music and imaging on ALT 103.3.
It like everything evolves. The music has a bit more of a rock lean, like The Buzz in Houston, and The X in Pittsburgh. As far as imaging goes, we have Dan Stone, and Ann Dewig. They compliment each other really well -- irreverent, and dry humor, and at times self-deprecating.
7. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
I’d like to think of myself as balanced. With equal parts analytical, and equal parts creative. We have so many resources and data to help us make the best and most educated decisions as possible, but at the same time understanding that human emotion, and creativity are a little harder to roll up in a spreadsheet. In terms of my style? I just try to lead by example and be positive.
8. Three years ago, ALT 103.3 added The Woody in mornings. How is the morning show growing in Indy?
I’m glad you asked this question! The show continues to grow every year. The amount of engagement for local content, contesting, promotions is really awesome. Just looking at the year over year growth in January, especially on the upper end is really exciting.
9. What makes ALT 103.3 unique?
Well, I think the heritage of the station, and its history for starters. It’s not easy for any format or brand to have the staying power for 26 years. I think there’s an authenticity to the brand that cuts through to our audience.
10. What are you loving most about living in Indianapolis?
It’s home. I grew up 2 ½ hours away. I get to work with legendary brands! And I can have Portillo’s anytime I want…like right now. Chicago dog is calling my name. Later!
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
Well, this weekend was nice! So, was able to enjoy some time outside. Running errands, checking out local spots. Finding all the good coffee places. And really enjoying the Fountain Square neighborhood.
Favorite food?
I have been fortunate to live in some really amazing places, that have some fantastic offerings, but still…nothing excites me more than a plain old cheeseburger.
Favorite drink?
Also, super boring. Water. I drink a lot of water. I enjoy a beer from time to time as well.
How often do you get back home and what are your top priorities when you get back to Illinois?
I have been back twice in the past couple months. Family is always the top priority. When things start opening up…Wrigley Field is tops on the list.
You grew up listening to Cubs Baseball on WGN Radio. Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Cubs, Bears/Blackhawks (tie), Bulls, Notre Dame
Favorite new band over the past year?
The Unlikely Candidates. Also really digging nothing,nowhere at the moment.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yeah, I just finished the Chicago dog. It was great. Also, I had cheese fries. Portillo’s cheese sauce is amazing.
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