10 Questions with ... Jason Squires

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KRAB/KKXX - Bakersfield - 1994-1999
• KSLY/KURQ - San Luis Obispo - 1999-2000
• KFRR - Fresno - 2000 - 2002
• Mediabase 24/7 - 2002 - 2004
• KFRR - Fresno - 2004 - present

1. Why did you feel the station needed to return to the New Rock 104.1 moniker?

Fresno is such a competitive market; the need to find our niche in the marketplace is what really made us decide to return to that moniker. Plus, we were continuously seeing that moniker come back in diary comments from listeners and clients. New Rock 104.1 is really what everyone here still called us, at the end of the day, it just made sense. It's very hard to not acknowledge what this station is and has been for over 10 years now.

2. What changes did you make to the music?

Basically, getting back to what we were known for, which is the biggest and best in the world of alternative rock, along with taking a few chances with baby bands again, along with trimming some of the more active leaning artists. It's been nice to see Broken Bells, the Temper Trap, Phoenix, and bands like this really become the core of the station again and also get reaction from listeners.

3. What has been the impact of having Kevin & Bean back anchoring mornings?

The impact has been huge, we suffered a tremendous blow when we lost Adam Carolla, but picking up Kevin & Bean was a real coup for us. The major factor was we were they're only affiliate for many years, under the old ownership, so when looking for a new morning show, the response was very positive in bringing back the Kevin & Bean show. We were lucky in the fact that they were a known entity in the marketplace. This is such a great show for us and the format. The numbers have been building with every month; I think we're poised to see them really make a big jump in the final months of 2010.

4. After more than a decade at KFRR, what are you proud of?

The biggest thing I'm proud of is all of my staff is still in place, which is quite a feat. We've been lucky that we've been able to avoid cutting anyone. We all wear many hats here, but my staff knows where I want this station to go, and we all know the goal for this station and the company.

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

This year has been about shows -- Fresno has not had as many concerts as we've had in years past, so being able to send listeners to Coachella, Epicenter, and MUSE dates has been huge. Along with tickets, we always try to add something to any promotion, from soundcheck parties, hanging with bands, backstage BBQ's, just something that you are not able to buy or get on your own.

6. What is the most challenging part of your job?

There are not enough hours in the day, along with being Program Director, I also do middays, which means, I'm also at many of our events as a "talent" (and for me I use that term loosely). Some days it's an 8am meeting, 9am meeting, airshaft, and I leave for a remote or station event that afternoon or that evening.

7. What stands out the most from when you first joined the station in 2000?

Obviously, it has to be social media -- Facebook, Twitter, and all of these platforms have really changed the way we communicate with listeners and ourselves. When I first moved to Fresno, I didn't even have a cell phone and didn't think I needed one. It's amazing to look back even 10 years ago and think how much things have changed.

8. What do you like best about living in Fresno?

I was born and raised in Bakersfield and Fresno is not much different, there's more a Nor Cal feel to Fresno. I enjoy the affordability to be able to do what I love and support my family doing it. I've made some tremendous friends here and met my wife here, so that would be the best thing.

9. What are you most passionate about?

My family and radio. My family has been able to help me put things in perspective, when it comes to work. I'm the biggest fan of what we do and what radio can do, just from being around it all my life. I think radio is still the greatest medium out there.

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

I'm extremely shy at times.

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

I listen to a lot of music around the house and in the car, plus a couple of days a week, whether at the office or at home, I stream a lot of stations, just to hear what other stations are doing, and get different perspectives on things in the format.

Which of your two favorite San Diego teams will go further in the playoffs: The Padres or the Chargers?

The Padres, if they make it, may not have that playoff experience and may get overwhelmed.

The Chargers have some question marks at WR, with Vincent Jackson being out, and a new rookie RB (Ryan Matthews of Fresno State!) but I see them being able to put it all together to make it to the AFC Championship Game.