10 Questions with ... Mark Hamilton

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

On-air at Top 40 KRKQ/Lompoc, CA in '85; Top 40 KZZP/Phoenix in '86; crosstown Alternative KEYX (The Key) in '87-'88; APD/middays at Alternative KITS (Live 105)/San Francisco from '88-'95; and PD at KNRK '95-present.

1. After 15 years at KNRK what are you most proud of?

Still breaking and finding great new music

2. Explain all the recent programming changes you just made?

Back in 2004 when we overhauled the station we turned to the listeners for their input with a pretty significant survey we basically built the foundation of what we are today with the results and findings of that survey. The recent changes we announced were the result of another survey, focus groups, and comments to comments we had posted on our website. Most significantly, based on the feedback we got (from many thousands of people by the way) was pulling LoveLine off after 14 years, Daria re-joining former co-host for a feature on Friday afternoons (she still remains the afternoon host on cluster-mate The Buzz), and increasing our commitment to local music by simulcasting our "NorthWest Bands Only" HD2 channel on 910am.

3. What have been the highlights for KNRK since becoming PPM market?

We started soft and since then have had eight straight months of continued growth across all demos... most pleasing is that we are now #1 in the "engine room" demo 25-34 adults.

4. What would shock people the most about the station?

That you CAN win big in the mornings by playing music! What a concept and one that we have stuck to for six years.

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

Best: I don't think of this as a job ...

Least: Typing (just ask anyone in the building, people stand and watch what probably should be on "Stupid Human Tricks."

6. What do you like best about living in Portland?

Certainly not the weather. I like the beauty, culture, lifestyle, and the people.

7. What recent promotion has caused the most excitement with your listeners?

Muse "Design A Muse Tour poster' and "Open For The Killers" BOTH got amazing reaction, involvement, and response!

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

I'm actually from Mississippi not England...HAHA!! Just kidding.

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

It was one of the most exciting moments of my life... turning on a microphone and being LIVE ON THE RADIO! WOW!

10. What advice you would give people new to the business?

Devote every waking moment to refining your "craft."

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

I load up my 50 CD changer/player with new/recent music, put it on shuffle and see what catches my attention.