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10 Questions with ... Karac Ruleau
November 24, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started in college radio at WLFC-FM in 1996 through 1999. Intern at CD101 in Promotions Department Jan. 2000-April 2000. Sales & Marketing Coordinator at CD101 from April 2000-June 2001. Promotions Director at CD101 from June 2001- present.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
When I was a child I would listen to Casey Kasem's American Top 40 and then record my own countdown complete with a long distance dedication. But it wasn't until I went to college that I became interested in radio. At my college student organization fair I signed up to DJ and the following day I was trained for one-hour and then thrown on-air. Ever since that day I have been involved with radio.
2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Living in rural Nebraska we didn't have many options when it came to radio. More specifically we had two options KSDZ-FM (Country by day, oldies by night) and KPNY-FM. I despised country music so I would listen to KPNY-FM.
3. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
Most people are surprised to learn that I'm from rural Nebraska.
4. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
Best: The relaxed laid-back environment at the CD101 offices. I also really enjoy working with Andyman (PD) in putting together our two annual shows CD101 Day & CD101 Summerfest.
Least? Completing those damn compliance letters.
5. What do you think your most important role is as Promotions Director?
Maintaining the station's image, attracting new listeners while building the loyalty of current listeners.
6. What is a typical day like for you at CD101?
It starts by check my email and the day begins. Everything from scheduling giveaways, following up with contest winners, meeting with non-profit groups, proposals for concert promoters, and some type of guerilla marketing.
7. Who are some of your personal favorites from the CD101 Big Room this year?
Some of my favorite CD101 Big Room performances from 2009 are Matt & Kim, Matisyahu, and The Dead Weather. The CD101 Big Room is a small, cozy and intimate room where CD101 artists play a quick, or not-so-quick, show for listeners. It's a place for fans to get up close and personal with their favorite artists. To see photos or videos from past performances visit http://www.cd101.com/sections/onAir/BigRoom.aspx
8. What station promotion are you most proud of and what made it successful?
Each year from April through November we have a daily contest where listeners are encouraged to let us know what has them stressed out. Each day we choose a few winners and show up at their offices and provide them and their colleague's with a Stress Break: free delicious ice cream. The CD101 Ice Cream Truck has been with the station since the very beginning and the number of smiles it has brought to listeners faces is countless. We are continually asked for free ice cream everyday when we are out on the streets.
9. What was the last promotion idea you straight up stole from another station (and customized for CD101)?
I doubt that there are any original ideas, but I remember recently we were approached by a concert promoter to hold a contest that was straight up stolen from another station. The contest was become
promoter for a day. Way too many hoops to jump through and our audience didn't respond to the promotion. Huge fail. 10. If you wanted to completely change careers today what would you do?
I have a love for clothing and shoes. So I would probably enjoy working in the fashion industry.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
When I'm not at a station event or concert, you'll find me at the gym or the neighborhood bar.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Barista
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Poison "Look What the Cat Dragged In"
FIRST CONCERT:
Van Halen
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Tori Amos
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