10 Questions with ... Todd Stach

NAME:Todd Stach TITLE:Program Director STATION:WCVO 104.9 the River MARKET:Columbus, Ohio COMPANY:CVCO, Inc.

Brief Career Synopsis:

WNLT/Cincinnati (1994-98), WAY-FM/Fort Myers, FL (1998-2002), WVMC/Mansfield, OH (2002-05), The Fish/Cleveland (2005-06), WCVO (104.9 The River)/Columbus, OH (2006-Present)

1) What was your first job in the industry? Did you have any mentors early on?

I graduated from college on a Saturday and began the afternoon drive on Monday at WNLT/Cincinnati. I felt very fortunate to find work that quickly (and I'm not sure how I got an on-air job after remembering how bad I sounded, HA!) Mentors: Interning at WAY-FM/Nashville in college allowed me to shadow and soak-in much from Bob Augsburg, Michael Wilson, Skip Spence and Mark Rider.

2) You're on in the mornings. What does your role look like?

Well, I came back to mornings in more of a producer/side-kick role. Stacy McKay just joined our team in 2009 after having the #1 morning show (W25-54) at Sunny 95 for 13 years. I'm her support by trying to make her shine.

3) What has been your favorite feature/spoof/promotion in the past year at your station?

We've found that promotions about people helping people really resonate with the audience. In the fall, listeners had the chance to fly someone "Home For The Holidays." At Christmas, listeners nominated a family to win a $500 mall gift certificate while winning $500 for themselves (three out of the five winners gave their $500 to the family in need anyway). In the winter, listeners nominated someone to win $500 to pay their winter heating bills. Currently, we're doing a "pay-it-forward" promotion called The Ripple Effect (www.rippleoftheriver.com) where listeners do a random act of kindness and leave behind a Ripple Effect card that explains why.

4) Who is your favorite on-air personality NOT at your station?

Brant Hansen and Wally at WAY-FM are just so authentic and real. I wish I had their talent.

5) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?

Have an all are welcome here approach. In my opinion Christian radio should not be a members-only place. So removing the kind of "Christianese" language is a good first step.

6) What are the greatest challenges in your position/job?

In these times I'm grateful that I have a job. However, like many others it's challenging to wear all of the many hats. As much as I try to handle it all, something is suffering.

7) And what are the greatest rewards in your position/job?

Hearing from listeners about connecting or life-change is the best!

8) If you were just starting in radio today, and you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?

Yes, I'm passionate about learning how to communicate better through radio.

9) If you could have any other job outside radio, what would it be?

Hmmm, I'd probably go to culinary school and become a chef.

10) Any favorite or funny artist run-ins? Highlights from a promotion or interview?

I'll always remember a promotion we did in Florida with Rebecca St. James called "Me and Rebecca in St. James City." St. James City is a tiny village on Pine Island with one hole-in-the-wall seafood joint. We registered listeners to win the chance to have lunch with Rebecca in St. James City with a limo ride. On the day of her concert, Rebecca was so gracious to spend about three hours with our winners in the limo and at lunch. Great memories for all involved.

1) Do you read everything or nothing? Do you have any favorite magazines, books, newspapers?

I've gotten in a bad habit of not reading much right now. I try to keep up with blogs on marketing, consultants and social networking.

2) What music is in your CD player/on your iPod right now?

Either Needtobreathe's "The Heat" or a Switchfoot CD.

3) Cat or dog person?

Definitely dog, but we just gave our dog Cocoa away six months ago. So right now I'm a "no pet person."

4) Describe your favorite meal.

Hmmm, food. Nothing makes my mouth water more than a medium-rare filet with grilled asparagus and garlic potatoes.

5) What is your favorite quote?

From "Hitch": "Life is not the amount of breaths you take. It's the moments that take your breath away."

6) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?

Sunscreen (I burn easily, I know, TMI), a water purifier and a boat