10 Questions with ... John Paul

NAME:John Paul TITLE:Program Director STATION: KUPL MARKET:Portland COMPANY:CBS BORN:11/18/73 RAISED:Longview, WA

Please outline your radio career so far:

Started in the 8th grade at KLOG/KUKN in Longview, WA (1987-1995). Named afternoons/APD my senior year in high school.

KLOG/KUKN, Longview, WA 1987-1995
Weekend/fill KUPL, Portland 1993-1995
Weekend/fill Q105, Portland 1995
PD-WKKG/WINN, Columbus, IN 1995-1998
PD-WYRK/WBUF, Buffalo, NY 1998-2005
PD-KUPL, Portland 2005-present

1. You have moved from WYRK/Buffalo to Portland, Or as a programmer, what's the biggest difference so far in the way that you've had to program?

In Buffalo we didn't have a direct country competitor. There were a lot of smaller towns with country stations, and most of the stations in Toronto covered Buffalo, but for most of my time there, we were the only game in town (WNUC flipped from Country to Sports while I was there). So having a direct competitor has been the biggest difference. Instead of getting everything we now have to fight for everything. I'm also more aware of the music we play. I took more chances in Buffalo, I try not to make many mistakes in Portland. It's too competitive.

2. What has been your biggest challenge so far, since taking the reigns at KUPL?

Making the station sound younger and more contemporary. We've all worked very hard at that.

3. What's the biggest lifestyle change aside from not being able to find chicken wings as good as in Buffalo. And, come to think of it, you're from the Northwest right?

Not much, I grew up here so I was pretty used to it. My wife and I are camping and fishing a lot more now that we have moved to Portland. You tend to spend more time in the outdoors in Portland (hiking, camping, fishing). Not needing to shovel the snow everyday has been a big plus.

4. How are you dealing with the competition for listening besides KWJJ, such as iPods, the internet, cell-phones, x-boxes and everything else vying for attention. What do you do to make the message cut through.

We are trying to be as local and as topical as possible. I want listeners to feel like they will miss something if they don't have us on. We are working hard to give people a reason to listen beyond the music.

5. Many radio stations are running twice as many commercials as they did five years ago, some with 20 minutes an hour. In your opinion has that hurt radio?

If music stations are running 20 minutes an hour, yes it will hurt. I think 10-13 is fair number of spots to ask listeners to hear. Anything more could hurt TSL.

6. What are you doing to mentor new talent and bring creative people into radio.

I have two hours on Sunday nights where I will let my board ops on the air. While it's only two hours a week, I also meet with them on a regular basis for aircheck meetings. I give the board ops as much time with me as anyone else. It's fun to see young people get really excited about being on the air and wanting to get better. I also have several jocks from other markets that I regularly aircheck. I love to help others and hear them get better. I was given a chance when I was 13, so I try to help others too. I will always call back a talent that has questions.

7. Do you have time to listen to new music? How much is that still a part of your job.

Not as much as I'd like, but yes. My APD/MD Rick Taylor and I meet once a week to listen to music. I have always tried to be on top of the new music and be able to give opinion to labels.

8. You recently got married, plus you love the area in Portland and your family is also there. If you lost your gig tomorrow would you move for another radio job? (Oh and we didn't mean to jinx you Johnny)

My wife is from Buffalo but loves it here. She's a special ed school teacher and really doesn't want to leave. The job would have to be a really great one for us to leave. I'm more about "quality of life" than "market size" now.

9. Is there a big street battle going on with KWJJ. How do you stay aggressive while still staying respectful to a great guy like Mike Moore and his staff?

It's a marathon without any finish lines. We try to get everywhere and once we're there I've never seen a better group of jocks with listeners than the KUPL jocks. They are unreal when it comes to shaking hands, meeting listeners and making them feel special. They understand that they are campaigning for votes (Arbitron) and have to meet every one.

10. What do you miss most about Buffalo aside from the wings and the snow?

I loved living in Buffalo and wasn't planning on leaving anytime soon, but when you're dream job opens in your hometown, it's only natural to want to leave. I miss a lot. Probably the cost of living the most. Summers in Buffalo are the best (winters do suck). I had a great group of friends outside of radio...and the food. If you are ever in Buffalo, hit Chef's. Best Spaghetti Parm ever.

1. What's playing in your CD player or ipod right now that your liking?

I'm man enough to admit that I love the new Justin Timberlake. My wife got it and after hearing it a lot, I'm a fan. Plus he was the best on SNL in December. I'm a big fan of Jack Johnson, John Mayer, etc.

2. Name two superstar record promoters that you've gotten to know since moving west and we already know that your buds with Chris Loss.

Mike Krinik is awesome. He totally gets it and understands that my goals are different from label goals. His follow through and honesty is the best. I also think the Stacy Nichols at Midas is awesome. This is her first record gig and you would never know it. Loss sucks. Just kidding. Chris and Mike are among my favorite people in the world.