-
10 Questions with ... Rich McLaughlin
April 7, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Rich McLaughlinTITLE:Content DirectorSTATION:WFUV's The Alternate SideMARKET:New YorkCOMPANY:Fordham UniversityBORN:Bronx, NYRAISED:Williston Park, Long Island
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my radio career at WFUV while in college at Fordham University. After graduation in 2001, I joined Sirius Satellite Radio as a Programming Coordinator. In 2003 I was promoted Format Manager, responsible for programming Alt Nation and Left of Center, Sirius' two alternative rock radio stations. Last year, after nearly seven years at Sirius, I came back to WFUV to create a new multimedia platform called The Alternate Side. I'm also getting my EMBA degree at Fordham University.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Head Of Recreation, Williston Park Pool
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Guns N' Roses, Appetite for Destruction
FIRST CONCERT:
NIN at Nassau Coliseum
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
R.E.M.
FAVORITE ALBUM OF ALL-TIME:
Eels, Daisies Of The Galaxy
1. What excited you the most about going back to WFUV?
The opportunity to create a brand new platform for WFUV was really exciting. Our industry is changing so rapidly right now, but new opportunities and technologies continue to present themselves. At Sirius I was able to help create a few of their radio stations prior to launch. I saw some similarities to my experience at Sirius in this new opportunity with WFUV. There's something thrilling about being on the ground floor of a new venture. It's exciting to create a new idea, to develop the idea into something concrete, and to ultimately be responsible for its' future success. We have a long way to go, but I think we're off to a good start with The Alternate Side.
2. What led to the launch of the online/HD station?
WFUV applied for, and received, a grant from The New York State Music Fund. The fund was established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. It was created from a settlement agreement after the Attorney General's Office resolved investigations against record and broadcasting companies that had violated state and federal laws prohibiting payola. So, you could say that The Alternate Side is a positive outcome of the payola investigations. We actually called The Alternate Side "Eliot" when it was in the development stages. We also received support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's Public Media Innovation Fund for the development of the web site's online social network. And, of course, much support came from WFUV itself.
3. How would you describe the music on The Alternate Side
The Alternate Side combines the more youthful end of the AAA spectrum (The Hold Steady, Fleet Foxes, The Decemberists) with a more adventurous, true Alternative sound (TV On The Radio, Animal Collective, Yeah Yeah Yeahs). We also put a big emphasis on the NYC scene, supporting local artists like The Menahan Street Band, Chairlift and The Postelles. So, it's a pretty eclectic mix.
4. What is your day-to-day role as Content Director?
My role as Content Director is to develop The Alternate Side as a fitting complement to what we're already doing on WFUV. I work directly with our PD Chuck Singleton, MD Rita Houston, and the rest of our skilled staff to make sure we're on the right path in that regard. On a day-to-day basis, I oversee the content for our radio station and website. The majority of my day is spent managing Team Alternate Side (this is easy -- we have a talented bunch), adding and scheduling music, updating the content on the website and blog, listening to a ton of new music for possible airplay, hosting my daily airshift, booking and hosting artist interviews, and there are a few meetings here and there.
5. Who else do you have on your staff and give a brief description of their duties?
I work closest each day with The Alternate Side's Tech Director Jeff Kuprycz. Jeff is a Hofstra grad who came to WFUV from Breakthru Radio. Jeff was instrumental in the design and launch of thealternateside.org alongside our New Media Director Laura Fedele. He handles the technical aspects of our radio and web operations, helps manage and train our staff, contributes to the blog, and hosts an airshift. Jeff is a forward thinker with incredible instincts. The sky is the limit for him.
On The Alternate Side air staff we also have Alisa Ali and Demos. Alisa has a refreshing passion for music that she brings to the airwaves, and she also produces WFUV's morning show. Demos and I worked together at Sirius. He's one of my favorite DJs so, selfishly, I'm pleased to have him on our team. Behind-the-scenes we have Xiomara, Will Sanderson, Natasha Pascetta and Wes Hevia assisting in building content for the site, recording and editing video, etc.
6. What part of your job do you like best?
Attempting to innovate and develop new ideas. We throw a lot of ideas around everyday. Some of them pan out, many of them don't, but it's always worth a shot if you believe in the idea. That's something I learned at Sirius and I've tried to carry it over to WFUV.
7. What would surprise people the most about the station?
I think some people are under the impression that WFUV is a college radio station, which is not true. WFUV is a non-commercial radio station owned by Fordham University. While Fordham students do work at the station and contribute a great deal, it's run by professionals (we'd like to think). I don't know of any college radio stations that could claim Vin Scelsa, Dennis Elsas, and Pete Fornatale as on-air talent.
8. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
One of my earliest childhood ambitions was to be one of those midgets who got to wrestle Andre The Giant. Who knows what could have been had he lived a few more years.
9. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Growing up on Long Island in the 90's? WLIR/WDRE, of course!
10. If you were to leave radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I would play center field and bat leadoff for the New York Mets.
Bonus Questions
When you are not obsessed with the Mets or getting prepped for your first season in Industry Hardball, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Is there really time for anything other than the Mets and fantasy baseball? I am an avid runner, and did my first marathon in 2007. I'm working on my vinyl collection. I'm in the R.E.M. fanclub. I hang out with my wife and friends. I drink beer. That about covers it.
-
-