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10 Questions with ... Todd Nuke'Em
June 20, 2023
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I tend to focus on what is coming out of the speakers. I want to turn on the station and say to myself, "Hell yeah! That is exactly what X96 should sound like!" I run more on passion than anything. I want people to tune in and have the urge to crank it up and smile as they sing along to whatever we are playing. This wider approach with our library, I think, makes that possible.
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TODD'S SOCIALS:
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started as a board op back in August of 1988 at KJQ. This was the local Alternative station at the time and my duties were mostly involved with the AM News/Talk satellite station. I loved alternative music, and it became obvious where my interests were. I began doing overnights at the age of 18, which soon evolved into a fulltime 6-10p shift when I was 19. KJQ fell apart (crooked evil owners) in 1991 and the staff of KJQ launched X96 in February of 1992. I became the PD in 2003.
1. It's been 31 years for you at X96. WOW! You've been at X96 since the very beginning. What keeps you excited about the X96 brand?
It is the comfort of consistency coupled with the challenge of keeping it fresh. Our morning show, Radio From Hell, is the longest running show in Utah and I'm closing in on 35 years on the air in this market come August. Wow. That just freaked me out by saying that I've been playing alternative music in Utah for 35 freaking years! I really should get a life or something!
2. You told me the station is now targeting 35+. Tell us about the changes you made with the station in March 2022.
We realized a few key items. First, music these days is somewhat timeless—just ask Kate Bush. Everyone now has access to pretty much every song ever recorded, so library tracks from the 80s are now just as viable as anything. These appeal to Generation X as well as anyone else. We researched this strategy and it resulted in a library that spans over four decades. While targeting 35 plus, we ended up accidentally scoring big 18-34 as well. That's with three 80s gold tracks per hour and even more 90s tracks. The variety on the station means that you'll hear a new song right next to a Cure song from 1987. It's very listenable.
3. Despite the Gold shift, X96 is still 25% current. Talk about all the new music the station is still playing.
With a strong library to solidify our hourly programming, this forces us to expose only the best of the best alternative songs available. We are focused on a smaller number of power and sub-power titles. We know how most people use radio, so a narrow approach to the best currents makes sense for the limited time per tune-in. As we enter the evening hours, more currents make their way into the clocks. Our evening numbers have been rather healthy.
4. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
I tend to focus on what is coming out of the speakers. I want to turn on the station and say to myself, "Hell yeah! That is exactly what X96 should sound like!" I run more on passion than anything. I want people to tune in and have the urge to crank it up and smile as they sing along to whatever we are playing. This wider approach with our library, I think, makes that possible. Others are trying this approach as well. Live 105, 91X, and 99X are heritage signals that aren't being shy about their library.
5. Talk about afternoons on X96 from 2-6p.
We keep the tempo up, we let the music do the talking. I'm somewhat of a Matt Pinfield with my knowledge of alternative music (again, I should really get a life) and I generally have a story to tell about any song on the playlist. My favorite part of the show is Todd's Turntable at 3pm where we go super deep into my personal vinyl collection. I try to find something that will excite some of the most passionate fans and will also frighten our consultant!
6. What is your favorite part of your job?
Being on the air is always the best. They pay me to play music and run my mouth! It's the best! Don't tell anyone that I'd do this for free!
7. How much has X96 changed since Broadway Media acquired the station in 2014?
Broadway Media provides local ownership and immediate support with a variety of additional avenues. We own billboards in the market and are able to promote the station in ways that no other group can. Our billboards are electronic and we have inhouse graphic artists. If something timely happens or if we have a killer idea for a station promotion, we can saturate the market almost immediately.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Do not deviate from what the format is. Does Harry Styles belong on an alternative station? Does any of the awful Tik Tok pop that polluted the format from 2020-2022 belong on an alternative station? If you don't see the obvious answer to those questions, then I can't help you.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without...
...my wife, our dogs, and family.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
My appearance is deceiving. I'm just a big softie. All you need to do is present me with a dog or a kitty and I melt.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
We spend a lot of time hanging out with family, our teenage nephews, and not doing much at all.
Talk about your football job as Referee Todd.
I'm entering my 32nd season as a football official this fall. Most of that has been at the high school level. I love the game, I love working with the kids, and I love the challenge. Rules knowledge is extensive, and requires a major commitment. One of my happiest places is on a football field on a Friday night in the heat of an intense game. I find it oddly wonderful.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
I really only cheer for the officials. I'm not kidding. I can watch any game and get lost paying attention to the officials.
What's the latest with your trademark mohawk?
It's thinning and wants to turn gray, haha!
What are your favorite restaurants in Salt Lake City?
Anyone who knows Utah knows that the Red Iguana and Crown Burger are the two best places on earth.
Favorite food?
I'm not fancy. Anything basic like pizza or burgers. I have an absurd popcorn addiction as well.
Favorite drink?
Diet A&W Rootbeer. It is the nectar of the gods.
Favorite new band over the past year?
They've been around for a bit, but I'm loving Bad Omens. They are making a major impact on the alternative format, and it is legitimate.
Tell us about Blindlove.
Utah band Blindlove had a major hit for us back in 2020 with "I Wanna Be Okay." It ended up charting nationally and was on quite a few alternative stations across the country. They have since moved on from their label and management and are looking for a new home. Their new freedom has allowed them to release the new music that they've been working on. The band recently released "Juggernaut" and I think it is just the kind of track our format needs. It is edgy, it rocks, but at the core, it's just a catchy as hell pop song!
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