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10 Questions with ... Ross Mahoney
October 4, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I oversee 4 very different markets. I think the format has realized that one size fits all programming doesn't work. Trying to make Programming decisions that reflect these very different markets, and their very different needs can be overwhelming. 4 different Market Managers, 4 different Sales teams, 4 different Promo/Marketing teams and 4 different Programming Staffs. It's a lot of meetings.
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1. What excited you most about returning to Audacy/Las Vegas as Alternative RVP/Programming?
When I programmed KXTE from May 2016 through September 2020, we were very successful. The station performed well in the ratings, we put on successful events and gave listeners amazing experiences that will last with them forever. The hope of returning KXTE to that type of radio station is something that I couldn't pass up. Also, the people. I made lifelong friends working there.
2. Talk about your homecoming. How did you feel when you walked back into the same building you left in the 2020 programming restructure?
It felt like a mix of redemption and what I was most comfortable doing. Nobody wants to be let go or downsized. Audacy took good care of me with severance, and I was smart with my money. I was fortunate that I didn't HAVE to take a job somewhere else. Whenever I had the opportunity to speak about employment with other companies, I would do some soul-searching. I would often ask myself if I wanted to be in radio so bad that I would pack up and move across the country again and would be conflicted about it. Whenever someone would ask me my perfect scenario, my response would always be "I hope Audacy calls me and says they made a mistake and would love for me to return." I feel very fortunate.
3. How much has your job changed?
Well, the workflow is 4 times what I was doing. I oversee 4 very different markets. I think the format has realized that one size fits all programming doesn't work. Trying to make Programming decisions that reflect these very different markets, and their very different needs can be overwhelming. 4 different Market Managers, 4 different Sales teams, 4 different Promo/Marketing teams and 4 different Programming Staffs. It's a lot of meetings.
4. Tell us about your role as Regional VP/Programming for KXTE (ALT 107.5)/Las Vegas, KRBZ (ALT 96.5)/Kansas City, WQMP (FM 1019.9)/Orlando, and WRXL (ALT 102.1)/Richmond?
Again, 4 very different radio stations that have their own unique histories. 3 Brands that have been beloved for decades and we are approaching the 5-year mark in Orlando. I have a great team of passionate people that I work with every day. Christy Taylor is the Regional Brand Manager for KXTE, KRBZ and WQMP. She also holds those responsibilities for KNDD in Seattle. She is a tremendous asset to me, and her passion and work ethic is unmatched. George Cotsirilos is our Programming Coordinator at Audacy. He's based in Orlando and helps quite a bit with the heavy lifting there and in Richmond. It's a team effort and we are in constant communication.
5. How do you contribute to the weekly music meeting?
There is a weekly music meeting where we listen to songs over zoom and discuss. It's scheduled for an hour, but most of the time it ends up being closer to 3 hours.
6. What is a typical workday like for you?
A lot of meetings. I make a lot of post it notes with reminders of what needs to get done every day. I prioritize it the best way I can and attack the list. My google calendar is populated with meetings. Usually if I'm not in a meeting, someone walks into my office to ask if they can have a meeting. Followed by people asking me if I can jump in a meeting that they forgot to invite me to.
7. What sort of things are you doing to make your ALT brands live and local again?
- At WRXL, Elliot In The Morning is right up the road in D.C. and he's been crushing it in Richmond for many years. Zach "Vaughn" McHugh in middays and Liz Harris in afternoons are local. We also have a great fill-in talent Clifford. They speak about Richmond because they live there and know it.
- WQMP has Mel in middays and James Steele in afternoons. Both have worked in the Orlando market for many years. They understand what makes sense in Central Florida.
- KRBZ has Jordin Silver in middays who used to do mornings in Kansas City. In afternoons, it's The Church Of Lazlo. If any show bleeds Kansas City, it has to be The Church Of Lazlo. The city absolutely loves Lazlo, Slimfast and Snowcone and the show is celebrating its 20th Anniversary.
- KXTE is and always has been about The Dave And Mahoney Morning Show. Even though, they are on in many different markets, they never seem to neglect Las Vegas. Dave, Mahoney and Audrey live and breathe this city. They always put in the extra effort to include local breaks that are built into their show. Dallas is on in the middays and although he is not local, he puts in the extra effort to always sound like he is.I lean on the staff in these markets and ask if the promotions and overall sound of the station sound like something that would work in their cities.
8. You have worked with some legendary brands over your career. How has your previous experience helped you with your new role to grow the Audacy ALT brands?
I try to learn something from everyone I have worked with. I've been lucky to work with amazing talent and mentors. I got to work with John O'Connell for 15 years. Try working with that guy and not learning creative ways to curse. I'm still a student of great radio. I love hearing stories from the people that have been doing it for a long time.
9. What is your favorite part of your job?
Here comes the cliché, but it is the people. It really is. Radio stations are at their best when the buildings are buzzing. I would love for these companies to invest in MORE people. You want your stations to be great at video and social media, hire more people that are good at those things. Passion translates when people love what they do and aren't overworked. Investing in people is a long-term investment, but I believe it does pay off.
10. What was your biggest takeaway from being On The Beach for almost two years?
I'm very glad I didn't burn any bridges in my 26 years in radio. I've built some amazing relationships. I had people looking out for me and constantly checking on me. Rarely did I go longer than two days without having a conversation about radio. My advice to anyone that finds themselves on the beach is to stay in communication with everyone. You never know when one of those conversations will turn into what will be next for you.
Bonus Questions
I know you are a big Boston sports fan and the New England Patriots are #1 for you. What was it like watching the Raiders move to Las Vegas a couple years ago?
Yeah, I'm a Patriots fan first and foremost. I played for the Raiders when I played Pop Warner football, so I never disliked that team. Las Vegas is a SPORTS TOWN. They love their teams here. The Vegas Golden Knights captured the heart of the city. The Raiders are loved in Vegas. Allegiant Stadium is beautiful, and I look forward to seeing the Patriots/Raiders game in December. The Las Vegas Aces just won the WNBA Championship and I bet it's not too long before we have MLB and NBA teams here.
What are your favorite places to eat in Las Vegas?
Barry's Downtown Prime at Circa is incredible. If you want old school Vegas, check out The Golden Steer and Piero's. 2 of my faves also.
Favorite food?
Depends on the week. My girlfriend makes an incredible Matzoh Ball Soup. Pretty hard to beat…maybe that or her Linguine and Clams with garlic bread.
Favorite drink?
Smoked Old Fashioned from Barry's Downtown Prime.
How do you use social media?
Not as much as I used to. I spend the most time on Instagram and Twitter and a lot less time on Facebook. I just like making people laugh and found myself in more arguments every election cycle.
How often do you get back to South Florida and what are your top priorities when you get back to home?
I haven't been back in two years mainly because of the pandemic, but I try to get back a couple times a year. Priorities are to see friends, relax, visit where I grew up and hit up my favorite restaurants.
Favorite new band over the past year?
I am digging Wet Leg…and even though they aren't new, I love that Turnstile is breaking through at radio.
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