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10 Questions with ... Amy Presley
July 26, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. We have 100,000 watts. We’re up there with every commercial station in town. The best part about having that much power in this area is the flat landscape. Our signal goes a looooong way because there’s nothing blocking it. On most days you can pick us up in about 13 counties of the Texas Panhandle.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Worked 15 years at KXGL in Amarillo, TX. Started part-time doing weekends and worked my way up, doing Nights, then Middays, and becoming the Music Director. I’ve been at KACV for over 4 years now. I love being back where I first went on the air. Now I get to share my passion for broadcasting with students.
1.How did you first become interested in radio?
When I was a child, I was obsessed with radio. I would talk into my hairbrush and pretend I was a DJ. I would make mixtapes and talk over the songs. As I got older there were fewer and fewer jobs in radio. I thought I was going the television route until my ex-PD at the college station told me about a part-time position at the new Classic Hits station.
2. Four years ago you returned to KACV after 15 years in commercial radio. Why?
I needed something new. I went through one of those huge transitional moments in my life where I wanted something better for myself. I quit my job not knowing what was next, honestly thinking I would never be on the air again. Then the position at KACV opened up. I knew it was the perfect job for me. knew KACV was perfect for me because I always wanted to be a teacher. Plus, I get to teach the program I went through. I love how everything has come full circle.
3. KACV has a long history in the Alternative format. Give us the 411 on the station.
The station has been on-air since 1976. In 1988 we went to 100,000 watts. At that time college radio was starting to see the early Alternative bands. That’s when KACV officially changed their format to Alt. It’s been that way since. We still have Specialty shows throughout the week, but 90% of our programming is Alternative.
4. The station has a big signal. Tell us about the station’s coverage in the market.
We have 100,000 watts. We’re up there with every commercial station in town. The best part about having that much power in this area is the flat landscape. Our signal goes a looooong way because there’s nothing blocking it. On most days you can pick us up in about 13 counties of the Texas Panhandle.
5. Tell us about the station’s music meeting.
The station consists of two paid employees, myself and my student MD. We sit down on Mondays and listen to songs together. We can tell pretty quickly if it’s an “FM90 Song” or not. I do love getting suggestions about bands or artists from my students though. There’s so much music out there it’s nice to have people always looking for me.
6. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
I feel like I still don’t quite have the hang of it. I’m always learning and researching new ways to keep the station from getting stale. After working in Classic Hits for so many years I was kind of ruined. We never added new music, our clocks always stayed the same. Now I’m thrown into the world of new music every week, which is amazing, but also tricky to keep it rotating properly.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
The students! Hands down. They make this job so much fun. I love seeing them grow over the course of a semester. I also love getting to work with up-and-coming bands which is something I didn’t get to do with Classic Hits.
8. What stations do you like to keep tabs on?
Our friends at KWTS in Canyon at West Texas A&M University. I still love listening to KXGL to see what they’re up to. I also love KRXP, WEQX, and of course KEXP.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
COFFEE! And music. And books.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I’m super indecisive. From my hair, to what I eat, the clothes I wear, to what tattoos I get… I want someone to pick it all out for me. I hate making decisions. Which is crazy that I make so many decisions about the station every day, but the station isn’t ME.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
I try to relax as much as possible. An ideal day would be brunch with my husband, going to have coffee and reading books together, then binging a 6-part murder or cult documentary.
What are your favorite places to eat in the area?
Yellow City Street Food, El Tejavan, Lazy Gator
Favorite food?
Mexican food. All of it. BRING IT ON!
Favorite drink?
I love whiskey, but it doesn’t love me. I’ve swapped over to Tito’s Vodka and soda.
First record ever purchased?
I had Kylie Minogue’s “Locomotion” on a 45. I still have it!
First concert?
Amy Grant in her Christian days.
Favorite band of all-time?
The Breeders with Modest Mouse at a close second.
Favorite new band over the past year?
Band: Wet Leg. They’re a riot. Solo artist: Joe P. I absolutely love his songwriting.
Anything else you would like to add?
Music is truly my life. When I’m not at the station listening to music, I’m at home with my record collection. Or I’m playing music, or writing it. I truly feel a connection to music unlike anything else in this world. I’m basically obsessed with it. I’m so glad I’ve been in this industry for so long.
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