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10 Questions with ... Mike Kaplan
August 18, 2009
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NAME:Mike KaplanTITLE:PDSTATION:KNDDMARKET:SeattleCOMPANY:EntercomBORN:PhillyRAISED:Philly/Jersey
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WMGM/Atlantic City, WPST/Trenton/Philadelphia, WJLK/WBBO/Monmouth-Ocean NJ, KRBZ (The Buzz)/Kansas City, WEZB (B97) & WKBU (Bayou)/New Orleans, and KNDD (The End)/Seattle.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Fluffer
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Michael Jackson - Off the Wall
FIRST CONCERT:
Police @ The Spectrum
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Springsteen & the E-Streeters
1. What do you like best about living in Seattle?
The airport. Comes in handy during the long, wet and dark winter months. Honestly, to be fair a NW summer beats any other place in America.
2. What are you most passionate about?
My family and friends well being.
3. Why was The End so successful in the latest Monthly PPM?
It's a refocused brand that's more accessible to the critical mass. We've seen consistent increases month-to-month in both men and adults during pre-currency. Mostly due to a steady uptick in listening occasions and daily TSL. Our P1 growth has been substantial.
4. What are you most proud of from the latest ratings?
The team here at Entercom. They're one of the rare groups that still do it right. I was given the resources to help solve the issue of bringing this once epic brand back to life. We're well on our way.
5. How has The End changed in the past year?
There have been major changes... and not just in the past year but within the previous 5 years. The End had brief stints as a New Rock First station, a Classic Alternative, and most recently Indie. While the strategic plan may have fit the competitive nature of the market at the time, the issue became apparent that the brands overall essence was abandoned. The fans were more and more disenfranchised and weren't long for the party. Fortunately the cume was large enough and Seattleites had a desire to love The End again. So we retooled the image and focused on playing the hits.
6. Tell us about the two new jocks you hired Greg Rampage (GregR) and Whitney (Red)?
They're amazing talent with a ton of potential to evolve into the best at their positions. And they've got the energy and passion that reflect who we are. It's collaborative effort that'll continue to drive our success.
7. What may surprise people the most about The End?
Our dress code. We wear nothin' but flannel.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________.
Thinking it's going to rain
9. What stands out the most about your first few days in radio?
How great my parents told me I sounded on-the-air while my friends said I sucked. It messed with my mind. Weird though it's now the other way around...
10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
The continued quest for balance...focusing on the center lane. And having empathy. They both go a long way to building and sustaining relationships.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Let's just say I'm thankful there's no Bourbon St. in Seattle.
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