10 Questions with ... B.J. Kinard

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WPUP/Athens, GA for three years -- jock and APD for sister station; WRXR/Augusta, GA -- nights; WXZZ/Lexington, KY for three years --PD/afternoons; WFXH Savannah/Hilton Head for four years - PD/afternoons and Asst. Operations Manager (seven stations); WBZY/Atlanta, GA for one year -- Promotions Director. 99X for the last two years

1. What has been your biggest accomplishment since joining 99X?

I think having the station come back on the air has been the biggest thing. I didn't make that happen, but I would like to think that the things we were doing while we were internet and HD-based made Cumulus want to bring it back for everyone to hear.

2. Explain how 99X operates as a terrestrial station on sister WWWQ's translator signal at 99.7 FM?

It works like this...bare with me...99X lives in the HD radio on our sister station WWWQ/Q100's HD2 channel. We acquired a FM translator signal last year that takes that HD signal and translates it to the FM dial at 97.9. With that, anyone with a regular radio...not just HD can hear us in Atlanta.

3. What is the range of the station's signal coverage?

Since it's a FM translator, its max power is 250 watts...yes 250 watts. I know, on paper it looks like you can't hear it out of the parking lot, but that couldn't be further from the truth. We cover the entire metro and then some. The key is, we are at almost 1,000 ft on the tower and Atlanta is pretty flat so it carries a long way.

4. What is your biggest challenge with 99X?

We have three challenges: one locally, one nationally, and status.

Locally, I just need people to know that we are back. We have ZERO advertising budget (just like a lot of places). We have to be creative on how we tell people we are here.

Nationally, it's explaining to labels what we are and that we are real. All of my locals get it because they are here and they listen. It's not until a National rep visits and says, "You guys are real. I listened all the way from the airport to here!" and they all say it.

Status: I can't believe...just like all the labels...that we don't have reporting status. I will say that I'm working on it.

5. What are your goals for 99X in 2010?

Like the last question...STATUS!!! I also want more listeners, but my goal is to do it with no marketing...because I like a challenge and we have no money. Ultimately, I want the station to have the feel and excitement of its heyday and I think we can make some big steps this year toward that goal.

6. Give us a rundown of your on-air lineup and a brief description of each shift?

Mornings - we are automated. I do midday's 10a-3p. I'm your sarcastic music knowledge guy. Lewis is on 3-7p. He's Mr. Excitement. He'll do some funny bits and make you enjoy your ride home. Shawn is at night 7-midnight. She's the cool chick you hang out with at the bar...but you don't take her home because she might stab you in your sleep...be afraid.

7. How do you sort through all the new music each week?

If the cover is pretty, I listen to it first. I really do try to listen to everything. I hit CDs first, then DMDS and PlayMPE second and then I do Allaccess Cool New Music top to bottom one week and then bottom to top the next. That pretty much keeps me covered. I do have peeps around the station tell to listen to stuff too, which I do. That's how I found the Constellations.

8. Who were some of your favorite Live X performances over the past year?

We've had so many! Crash Kings were unbelievable...you need to see these guys. Civil Twilight just did an amazing one. Owl City's first ever stripped down performance was with us and was solid. Band of Skulls was also a highlight. Get to know this band!

9. What do you like best about living Atlanta?

It's my hometown so I have built in baby sitters. I know that's exciting right? We are a major city so there is no shortage of things to go do and see.

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

My favorite thing in radio is to do interviews. I love them. My ultimate job would be like a Rockline or just doing every FMQB special. You can view lots of my interviews at 99x.com in our AV Room (shameless plug).

What are you most passionate about?

My family...no question. Other things do include classic cars (I have a fully restored 1964 1/2 mustang), guitars and Martial Arts (I've been doing it since I was a kid).