10 Questions with ... Mikey Fuentes

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KFMB/San Diego - weekends
• KPSI/Palm Springs - late-nights
• KKSS/Albuquerque - APD/nights
• KISV/Bakersfield - MD/nights
• KKSS/Albuquerque - PD/mornings
• KFMB/San Diego -- Nights/Imaging
• KYLZ/Albuquerque -- PD/mornings
• KWIE/Riverside -- PD/mornings
• KVIB/Phoenix - PD/mornings
• KZON/Phoenix - mornings
• Impact Radio Group - Boise - Director Of Programming

1. How did you become interested in radio?

At eight years old I knew I wanted to be on the air, something about Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'N Roll. No but seriously, growing up anytime I listened to the radio, the jocks were always having a blast on the air and they were getting paid to play their favorite music... In my mind there was no better job. I still LOVE it!

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

Q106, 91x, Z90 - and if you want to go back to elementary school The MIGHTY 690 baby!!!

3. Why did the station flip to Alternative?

We had an underperforming Oldies station and the heritage Alternative station in the market moved into a more Active Rock direction creating an opportunity for us.

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

Musically we're a hit-driven Alternative Rock station. The imaging is very progressive; we've had top 15 markets emulate what we do here because they liked it so much. Much love to Phil Marx...

5. What would surprise people the most about the station?

The signal covers both Boise and Twin Falls markets which are 120 miles apart.

6. What makes the station unique?

This is not corporate radio. It's radio the way it used to be, product-driven and I can guarantee you that the owner knows everyone by first name.

7. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

I love the fact that the ownership and management believe in hiring the right people and letting them do the job they were hired to do.

Least? That I didn't get this job sooner.

8. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

On a business level, I currently program four different formats... Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Regional Mexican, and now Alternative.

On a personal level, I've saved two LIVES...

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

A smile.

10. If you wanted to completely change careers today what would you do?

I'd be a stay at home Dad.

What are your hobbies?

It's all about the chilling at the lake for me... Let's get our Wakeboard on.

Last non-industry job?

I took a sabbatical from radio and started a trucking company, which I still own.

First record ever purchased?

Police - Synchronicity

First concert?

La Reforma de Ensenada. I was 2; my parents didn't have a sitter.

Favorite band of all-time?

The Eagles.