10 Questions with ... Chris Booker

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started while in college at WOMP in Wheeling WV. Moved to South Carolina (WYAV WJMX WWXM), Kansas City (KISF) to Pittsburgh to NYC (WXRK, WFNY, WNEW, Z100, WNYL) to Philly (WIOQ), and then off to L.A. at KAMP. Was an MTV, MTV2 and VH1 personality for a few years and also did some reporting for Entertainment Tonight. I've co-hosted the "Perez Hilton Podcast with Chris Booker" for 6 years.

1. Welcome back to the ALT World. What led you to ALT 98.7 for PM Drive?

My best guess… Lisa Worden drinks a lot?   

2.  How does it feel to be back in the Alternative format?

Fits like a glove. If you know me, you know that I am a music person, So, it feels great.   

3.  How would you describe your afternoon show on ALT 98.7 from 3-7p?

A mix of dead air, bad jokes and pretty good music.  

4.  Talk about having Ravey from The Woody Show co-hosting afternoons with you for International Women’s Day.

Woody, Ravey and I all came up together. We all claim the Pittsburgh area as home. We worked there together at WNRQ back in 1995. So, it was just easy, especially because she's such a professional. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her and her ability with a mic in front of her. It was good to connect under the headphones on such a great day playing the strong women that we came up on. Basically, she carried me.   

5.  Let’s talk about your style. After recently working at Top 40 stations, how different is your on-air presentation at ALT 98.7?

At my second station, WYAV in Myrtle Beach, we hired a veteran named Jim Bosh who had worked everywhere, and I asked him that same question and his answer stuck with me… "Same show, different microphone." It's true. Do what you do, just be authentic. The station and the format are just call letters.   

6.  What is your show prep routine?

If my bosses are reading this, it's next level. We're talking hours upon hours of reading and note keeping.  Reality: I just talked about what I watched on Netflix last night. Those two hours count right? I also do a podcast with Perez Hilton, so I am always up to date with everything "pop culture."   

7.  What do you love most about being on-air?

Breaking the dumb rules. Kingston always used to tell me in NY, "If you're going to break my rules, it better be good." There's nothing better than being "live!" I can sniff out a voice track a mile away.  

8.  Which social media platforms are you finding best to engage ALT 98,7 listeners?

Tinder

  9.  Who is your favorite on-air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

ONE? Nope. Stern is the GOAT. Cane in NY is the coolest. Elvis at Z100 PM Drive is my favorite pop radio ever. Broadway Bill Lee is so good that he makes me want to quit. Francessa talking sports. Angi Taylor sitting across from me made me better than anyone else possibly could. 

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

Talking to myself... it's supposed to be "to myself", but apparently, I do it out loud.  

What are weekends like for you?

I cook a lot. I grow tomatoes, so I am perfecting my pasta 100% from scratch. I enjoy a drink of wine from time to time. A lot of Fantasy sports.  

What are your favorite places to eat in the area?

I am a serious sushi snob. Best spot in L.A. is on Sawtelle called Hiko. Sugarfish is my weekly go to. Sol Y Luna in Tarzana for Mexican. Maestros in Beverly Hills for steak. Is Magnolia Bakery a restaurant? It should be. 

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

Steelers, Mets, Pirates, Dodgers and Phillies. 

First record ever purchased? 

Probably Prince 1999, INXS (Listen like Thieves), Van Halen 1984 or Thriller. I just can't remember. 

  First concert?

Bryan Adams Reckless Tour

Favorite band of all-time?

Pearl Jam or U2 or Van Halen or Eagles or The 1975.... depends on the day. Prince is the Greatest Artist ever though.

  Favorite new band over the past year?

Cannons

Anything else you would like to add?

A zero to my salary.