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10 Questions with ... Jamie Hyatt
July 12, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. We’re simply playing what radio listeners in Honolulu perceive as Alternative music in 2022. That which is ‘Alternative’ is subjective and determined by what it is an “Alternative” to. KUCD is the alternative to Top 40, AC, Rhythmic and Hawaiian Reggae in Honolulu so we get to play the hits that the other formats don’t play. And remember, pop is short for popular. So yes, we lean very popular. I think everyone should play popular music. Who wants to listen to unpopular music?
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started in radio at the age of 15 at Country KRCO in Prineville, OR. Got my first full-time job at Top 40 KXIQ in Bend, OR. Had some great mentors at Top 40 KSND in Eugene, OR. My first Program Director PD job was at Rhythmic KDON in Monterey. First station in Hawaii was Rhythmic KIKI in 1990. Moved back to the mainland in late 1991 and programmed Rhythmic and Top 40 stations in Phoenix (KOY-FM), Milwaukee (WLUM) and San Antonio (KTFM). In the late ‘90s, I moved back to Hawaii and have been here ever since. Started at Clear Channel in 2001 as the PD of KUCD. Became what they now call SVPP of what became iHeartMedia Honolulu in 2007. The last 15 years have flown by!
1. Congrats on 21 years in Paradise at iHeartMedia/Honolulu! In addition to programming KUCD (STAR 101.9), tell us about the brands you oversee and your role as SVP/Programming.
Thanks! I’m the day-to-day PD of legendary AC KSSK with even more legendary Michael W. Perry in the morning. I’m also the PD of Rhythmic CHR KUBT-FM (93.9 The BEAT), home of Sam The Man, Hawaiian Ryan And Becky Mits. And I’m the PD of the “one of a kind” Asian Pop KUCD-HD2 (PoP! 99.1). I also oversee News Talk KHVH, All Sports KIKI and another station I programmed for 10 years, Hawaiian Reggae KDNN-FM (Island 98.5), home of the world famous Wake Up Crew.
2. Let’s talk about STAR 101.9 Hawaii’s Alternative. This year is the station’s 25th Anniversary. Talk about how the station is celebrating this big milestone in 2022.
STAR 101.9 debuted in August 1997 when the former Jazz outlet CD101.9 (thus the KUCD call sign) flipped to Modern AC. The station evolved more toward Alternative in 2001 when I became the PD. Yadda yadda yadda. We’re celebrating the big 2-5 this summer by bringing back our signature concert event, STAR 101.9 Band Camp after a 12 year hiatus.
3. Tell us about the return of STAR 101.9’s annual Band Camp this summer.
Between 2003 and 2010, STAR 101.9 did our annual Band Camp. Some great artists played Band Camp over the years including 311, Brendan Urie of Panic! at the Disco, Hoobastank, Hot Hot Heat, Jason Mraz, Matisyahu, Pepper, Plain White T’s, The Fray, Train, Yellowcard and a bunch more. In the shadow of the pandemic and listeners really wanting to see live music again, we felt compelled to deliver and bring back the concert that so many Star 101.9 fans fondly remember. This year’s lineup is stacked with All Time Low, blackbear, BoyWithUke, The Maine and some great local talent. It all takes place on August 12th at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. Take a summer vacation and see Band Camp in Hawai’i. You won’t regret it.
4. What do you feel has led to KUCD’s recent ratings growth?
Hard work and luck. The harder we work, the luckier we get.
5. Let’s talk about the music. Tell us about why KUCD leans very pop. Give us the 411 on the station.
We’re simply playing what radio listeners in Honolulu perceive as Alternative music in 2022. That which is “Alternative” is subjective and determined by what it is an “Alternative” to. KUCD is the alternative to Top 40, AC, Rhythmic and Hawaiian Reggae in Honolulu so we get to play the hits that the other formats don’t play. And remember, pop is short for popular. So yes, we lean very popular. I think everyone should play popular music. Who wants to listen to unpopular music?
6. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
I simply program to the people of Honolulu which is a market unlike literally any other market in the United States.
7. STAR 101.9 is anchored by The Woody Show in mornings. Tell us about the rest of your on-air lineup.
Well, we’re all on a first name basis at Star 101.9. John Mayer fanatic Ashley kicks off the workday at 10AM with a commercial free happy hour and then does another one in the 3PM hour as the afternoon commute begins. When she’s not on the air, she’s bartending at one of Honolulu’s hottest bars. Flash starts the drive home at 4PM with the 4:20 hit of the day, the 5PM Fresh Catch and keeps it going into night. He’s also the cluster’s Director of Promotions and Marketing, a former nightclub and concert promoter and hosts a Sports Talk show on Fox Sports 990.
8. What is your favorite part of your job?
Working day to day with a hefty portion of the most talented radio people in Hawaii. Every day is an adventure when you work with people who are as driven and excited to show up for work as you are. iHeartMedia Honolulu has a tremendous culture.
9. Of all the things you have accomplished at iHeartMedia/Honolulu, what are you most proud of?
Probably the “aloha spirit” our team has shown our community. This past year, our cluster raised over $575,000 during the 15th annual Kapi’olani Radiothon for Kids. Earlier this year, we helped our neighbors in Tonga affected by the volcano, earthquake and tsunami they experienced. Giving our community our “kokua” (help) is what I’m most proud of and I couldn’t have a better team to make it happen.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Music. My love for music is what got me into radio. “Life, life without music, I can’t go” as Steel Pulse once said.
Ok, let’s have some fun.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
Usually taking care of the “honey do” list. Hanging with the wife, kids, family and friends. Sometimes, I hang at the beach but not nearly often enough for a guy who lives in Hawaii.
What are your favorite places to eat in Honolulu?
Kazoku Sushi. Tanaka of Tokyo. Nico’s. Anything that raises my mercury levels.
Favorite food? Sushi.
I eat it at least once a week.
Favorite drink?
Cranberry and Club Soda. Heineken 0.0. Nine months alcohol free.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Seattle Seahawks. Oregon Ducks. Portland Trail Blazers. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
Favorite new artist over the past year?
This Kate Bush might have a career ahead of her. Really like “Running Up That Hill”. Seriously, I listen and love so many genres, it’s hard to nail it down to just one artist so I’ll take this opportunity to plug some of the great artists coming out of Hawai’I that the rest of the country may not be aware of…yet: Common Kings, Eli Mac, Fia, Kolohe Kai, Likkle Jordee, Maoli, The Green and so many more. Throw some of these artists on your playlist for your next summer BBQ and thank me later.
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