10 Questions with ... Dan McClintock

Editor's Note:
Following our interview, Dan McClintock reported that The Zone will be switching to 100.7 FM. Click here to read the story on Net News.

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

It's my 12th year with Cumulus Broadcasting including Rock WRRX/Pensacola OM/PD) and Rock KRCH/Rochester, MN OM/PD. Also, KRWQ/Des Moines, WNCD/Youngstown, WWRX/Providence, WFNX/Boston, and WMAD/Madison.

1. What led to the return of The Zone on the FM dial?

The FCC allows secondary HD signals (HD2) to rebroadcast on low power FMs to enhance HD2 coverage in the market. We've had great success with this in Atlanta with 99X at 97.9. There's always been passion in Toledo for the format. The Zone never went away, the station was still online/HD, this move allowed us to reach a greater audience for the people that didn't make the jump to HD receivers.

2. What is the station's coverage on WXKR-HD2's translator signal?

The Toledo city metro, Lucas County and northern Wood County. In some cases, we have greater coverage now in the Toledo metro proper on our new signal at 100.9.

3. How are you marketing the station?

It's very grassroots. We have the advantage of leveraging The Zone brand, a very successful station for over eight years -- "106-5 The Zone is now 100.9 The Zone."

4. What would surprise people the most about The Zone?

Those not from Toledo sometimes don't realize what a passionate place Toledo is for the alternative format and live shows. Some of the most successful tour stops have been Zone shows here in Toledo.

5. What are your goals this year for The Zone?

To build our audience and our billing. Reinforcing The Zone brand and getting the word out that we are back and on a new frequency.

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

The music balance has been unchanged from WRWK, to HD2/online and now at 100.9 FM. The Zone is a balance of currents and a core library from the '90s and 2K's. The imaging has always been up front and irreverent. The Zone has always used imaging to pre-sell currents with artist IDs and the song's hook to speed up the familiarity factor with our audience.

7. How do you stay connected with your audience?

Online at toledoszone.com, facebook, and twitter.

8. What is the most challenging part of the job?

With any programming position, it is always time management. It does get easier as you adapt.

9. What do you like best about living in Toledo?

Toledo's cost of living understandable is very affordable; it's one of the most livable cities of its size. We have Lake Erie to enjoy and T-Town is only a short drive from Detroit, Cleveland or Chicago!

10. What stands out the most from your first job in radio?

Having one of the coolest jobs of anybody I knew in high school and the chance to grab all the Rock albums!

When you're away from work, what are you music listening habits to the radio, iPOD, online, etc.?

CDs and vintage vinyl. Don't have an iPod. I would hate to have to download all the music I have accumulated to a new format!