10 Questions with ... Amy Black

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started part-time as a remote tech at Citadel/Reno in 2007. By the end of my two-year stint there, I was the morning show co-host, midday host, and MD at KWYL. Now I'm enjoying the good life as MD and afternoon drive at KQLZ/Boise.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

It was purely by accident. While working for a non-profit in Reno, I met a slew of people in radio and soon found out that's where all the fun people work. Naturally, I ended up there, too.

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

Living on the income of one part-time gig. I remember having to choose between feeding my dog and myself, so I was hungry a lot.

3. What has been your biggest challenge shifting from Top 40 to Alternative?

As an on-air personality, it's been tough to learn how to connect with a completely different demo, one with a seemingly higher BS-meter and little to no desire to hear about entertainment gossip.

As MD, I don't have as much confidence in my instincts with a new record.

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

Best: I had a listener call last week shrieking about how much she loved the station. After growing bored of radio in this market years ago, she had resorted to her iPod and never looked back. Eventually, she heard about the station from a friend and hasn't turned us off since. Thanks to a variety of factors, there's a large group of people in this market who have given up on terrestrial radio. Grabbing them and getting them stoked about it again is incredibly rewarding.

Least: The communication gap between programming, promotions, and sales can be frustrating, but you learn to make it work.

5. What are the most important indicators for you when evaluating the plethora of new music to consider each week?

If it rocks, we play it.

6. What do you enjoy most about living in Boise?

I love being near my family again, mostly for the free food.

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

Red Bull. I shouldn't legally be allowed to drive to work without one coursing through my veins. It's dangerous.

8. What would surprise people most about you?

Until very recently, I feared public speaking more than death.

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

Growing up in a town that got three stations on a good day, so I geeked out for NPR. Car Talk!

10. If you could work anywhere, what would your dream job be?

Exactly what I'm doing now on a remote island in the South Pacific with a Cuba Libra in hand and a native fanning me with a palm frond.

What are your hobbies?

Anything outside in the snow or water... and knitting.

Last non-industry job?

Community Programs Project Manager at the Nevada Humane Society. Say that fives times fast.

First record ever purchased?

No Doubt - Tragic Kingdom

First concert?

The 2001 Warped Tour - I lived for Pennywise.

Favorite band of all-time?

Modest Mouse - The Moon And Antarctica changed my life.