10 Questions with ... Darren Gauthier

NAME:Darren Gauthier TITLE:MD STATION:KNXX MARKET:Baton Rouge COMPANY:Guaranty Broadcasting Company BORN:A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, AKA New Orleans RAISED:Baton Rouge

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

College radio 1993-95, then APD/MD/mornings at WZRH/New Orleans, on-air at KKND/New Orleans, production/on-air KOOJ/Baton Rouge. I've been with Guaranty since 2003, MD for four years.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Political Consultant (I still did radio on the side, couldn't walk away completely)

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

Beach Boys, Endless Summer on 8-track

FIRST CONCERT:

Bob Dylan

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

Aside from the Beatles? The Who, Clash, Ramones, XTC, AC/DC, Nirvana, Ray Conniff Singers.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I heard AM Top 40 growing up and said, "That's cool."

2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

WLCS, 910 AM. Screaming Top 40.

3. What do you like best about your job? Least?

Still being able to bring new music to our listeners is the best thing. I miss the "oh wow" days of the 1990s when we were overflowing with new and different sounds.

4. How would you describe the music and imaging on The X?

We play up the local angle in our imaging. We're all about Baton Rouge. Musically, we try very hard to balance currents and gold. We're proud to bring new music to the market.

5. What would an outsider find most surprising about the station?

That we are locally-owned and operated with live and local talent.

6. What do you like best about living in Baton Rouge?

It's home, and people can pronounce my name properly.

7. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Transmitter readings and Abita Beer

8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

It's what comes through the speakers that matters.

9. What is your favorite station outside the market and why?

Lynn Barstow does a great job with 101X and KGSR in Austin and so does Mike Kaplan at The End in Seattle. Good to know stations like WXRT are still around.

10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I dunno. Prosecutor or detective or a priest. Something that ministers to the greater happiness.

What are your hobbies?

I don't have time for hobbies but seeing as Baton Rouge is a drinking town with a football problem, I fit right in.