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10 Questions with ... Big Rob
July 19, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I just like to have fun. I feel like if we’re having fun behind the scenes, our listers will have that same fun. I love creating fun interactive contests and giving our listeners reasons to not just turn us on, but remember us. I really love the music and have had a blast getting outside of my CHR bubble these last 8 months.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started as an Intern at Clear Channel Denver in Aug 2003. Was hired for Promotions and PT On-Air at KFMD in March of 2004. Transferred to Clear Channel Fort Collins for a FT job at KSME. Was there until I left in Oct 2021. Loved my station and what I did but change was needed. Landed at Townsquare Northern Colorado in Oct 2021 and am having the best time again!
1. You’ve been in Northern Colorado Radio since 2021. How did you first become interested in radio?
I’ve always loved music. I used to play DJ at home with my dual cassette player. I was first told I should be in radio while working at Roller Express in Thornton, CO, in the late 90’s.
2. You wear a lot of hats at Townsquare/Ft. Collins. Tell us about all your duties.
I’m now officially the Brand Manager of Hot AC KKPL & Alt KMAX and do all things from imaging, to music, promotions and beyond. I also do PM Drive on KKPL and one hell of a content creator.
3. What is a typical workday like for you?
Get the kids to school and head to the radio ranch in Windsor, CO. Most days start with some sort of meeting or teams call. I then get into my writing and show prepping for the day. If I listed all that I do in a day, we’d be here all day so that’s the gist of an average day with plenty of twists and turns along the way!
4. Tell us about Townsquare Media Northern Colorado’s local content creators.
Where do I start? Coming in as the new guy from across the street, I had no idea what I was walking in to. What I found was a team of some of the most amazing talent and content creators I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. I learn so much from this great group of people on the daily and we truly have each other’s back. It’s really family like and I LOVE that.
5. Let’s talk about your Alternative Brand 94.3 The X. Give us the 411 on the station.
KMAX went through MANY format changes during my time in the market. It’s turn to Alt in 2015 was a huge deal for the local market and has outlasted any previous format. Learning early on in my career from the BEST Alt PD in the World, Nerf, at KTCL, I was pumped to be able to steer an Alt ship of my own. I’m so excited about the changes we’ve made in the last 8 months and can’t wait to see my teams hard work pay off. The X was a one jock station for a year or longer before I got here, so we added vet Nate Wilde to mornings and up and comer Asher to middays to give us a full lineup for the first time in a long time!
6. Tell us about your on-air lineup on 94.3 The X?
Emily who does PM Drive is a rising star! Truly my right hand woman for KMAX. Couldn’t do it without her. Nate Wilde, I had the pleasure of working with at my former employer and was lucky enough to be able to land him to hold down “Slacker Mornings” from Townsquare in Grand Junction, CO. Dude is such a great radio talent and an even better person. Asher is our newest addition and currently holds down the midday show. A CSU grad and former KCSU PD, she’s a natural for Alt radio and has been a great addition to our local Colorado lineup.
7. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
I just like to have fun. I feel like if we’re having fun behind the scenes, our listers will have that same fun. I love creating fun interactive contests and giving our listeners reasons to not just turn us on, but remember us. I really love the music and have had a blast getting outside of my CHR bubble these last 8 months.
8. What is your favorite part of your job?
I love the people. The ones a work with and the ones I talk to everyday on the air and through my writing. Without the people, this job wouldn’t be possible. Literally!
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
I can’t make it through the day without turning on a radio. I love listening to the great products we’re cranking out at TS NoCo. Non-radio, it’s all about my son. He’s, my BFF.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I’m a Disney Parks fanatic! My family and I go to at least one park every year. In fact, we’re headed to Anaheim in August to wrap up the summer. See ya soon, Mickey!
Bonus Questions
You have a busy schedule with 3 kids. What are weekends like for you?
What’s a weekend? Lol They’re busy. From Soccer, to Cheer, to swim classes, to trying to fit in friends and family. Toss in a remote or two and there’s not much downtime in the weekends for me.
How did you get the nickname Big Rob?
I was originally Rob Austin (named after my favorite wrestler ever!). That morphed into Big Rob Austin, which morphed into Big Rob on the Radio. I’m 6’3 I guess is the boring answer lol
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Broncos, NLL Champions Colorado Mammoth, Stanley Cup Champions Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies. Also, a Boston sports fan as well because of family ties but I’m a hometown Denver sports buff first.
Tell us about your Public Address Announcer duties.
I’ve been the PA guy for the Colorado Mammoth LAX team at Ball Arena in Denver. I never imagined I’d be doing that sort of job, but I absolutely love it. If you’re ever in town in the winter or spring, hit me up for tickets! The games are a rush.
What are your favorite places to eat in Denver and Ft. Collins?
Oh man, I love a BBQ joint called Nordy’s in Loveland, CO. Elway’s is my fav Denver spot when I feel like getting fancy. Steak cuts like butter!
First concert?
Technically it was the KOOL 105 KOOL Koncert at Mile High Stadium in the early 90’s. What a lineup! First pop show was either Backstreet Boys at Fiddlers Green or Britney Spears at the Adams County Fair Grounds in 98/99.
Favorite band of all-time?
Oh man... I’m a huge Imagine Dragons guy... But I’d say Metallica would have to be the TOP band in my life. The Black Album was the soundtrack to some of my most cherished memories growing up.
Favorite new band over the past year?
Really digging The Kid LAROI. Bob Moses is pretty good too! Also love me some Luke Combs but that’s been an ongoing thing for a few years now. Some really great music out right now on all formats!
Anything else you would like to add?
I love Radio and creating the magic that come out of your speakers. I’m so happy to be a part of a company that believes in me enough to let me create that magic still. Truly blessed to be doing what I’ve been doing for almost two decades!
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