10 Questions with ... Mike Olson

NAME:Mike Olson TITLE:Morning Guy STATION:WNFM MARKET:Reedsburg, WI COMPANY:NRG Media BORN:July 5, 1952 RAISED:God Fearing Catholic Boy & Rock and Roll

Please outline your radio career so far:

I worked the majority of my life as a Print Shop Manager and Mailroom Supervisor. A friend of mine, who was part owner of the local station, told me to come try out for a part time opening. I also worked part time for many years, at the local motor speedway, writing stories of the Saturday night races. While at the track, the owner always had me talk with the radio stations doing remotes for the night. One of those stations invited me to try out for an opening they needed filled quickly. The rest, as they say, is history.

1) What got you interested in radio, and what was your first job?

I listened for years to rock and country stations, as a kid growing up. The DJ's always made the music more fun to listen to. My first radio job was in my hometown, filling in for the sick and vacationing regulars, along with the ever popular Sunday morning church service programs.

2) There are so many choices today. Radio competes with the Internet, TV, cell-phones, video games. How important is radio to the average person today?

I believe they find radio very important. They can still tune in the radio while doing most of the fore mentioned. They count on it for sports, news, sales in the area, weather and so much more.

3) What was your last non-industry job?

I ran an in-house print shop for a couple of companies.

4) Who's your favorite air-personality not on your staff?

Van Edwards from WIBA in Madison WI. WIBA is a classic rock station that he has been with for a long time. His demeanor is so relaxed, yet he can spring into an upbeat, kick-ass tone, in the blink of an eye. He makes his job sound like he's in control of everything around. Fun to listen to.

5) If you could change one thing about the current state of radio, what would you change?

The repetition of the music. It seems with the thousands upon thousands of songs available, in any genre of music, there would be less from a single artist. I understand the popularity of a song that is on the rise, but please don't give the people another "You Light Up My Life" Debbie Boone, every other song, type of a program. I feel that you could keep listeners on your dial by giving a bigger variety. Instead of every two hours, for a popular song, how about three to four hours. Unless of course the payola is good!!!!

6) What are you doing better in 2007 than you did last year?

I find that I am taking more time for prep work.

7) Besides Country what is your favorite radio format?

I really enjoy Classic Rock. Eric Clapton, The Stones, Doobies, Def Leppard, etc.

8) Have you listened to Sirius or XM yet? How does it compare to what we're doing on the commercial side?

I have listened. I enjoyed finding music that I liked and hearing it non-stop. People still need to know who, what, when, where, and why. They ain't finding out about the local scene.

9) What gets you upset at work and how do you channel your anger?

Doing those last minute commercials, just as your ready to leave, from the always late sales person. I try to calmly explain it the GM, but I'm almost out of gauze from biting my lip. To cope, I try and remember that the customer is helping to pay my salary. They deserve the best I can give them.

10) What record surprised you so far this year?

"Jesus, Take the Wheel." It's like Carrie Underwood came out of nowhere and pounced to the top of the charts, on both Country and on the Pop scene. It's a slow dragged out tune that I thought would never go anywhere.

1) You're stuck on a deserted island and you get to pick one artist to be stuck with you. Who would it be and don't limit it to our format?

Get the quarter out for the flip. It's Sara Evans or Gwen Stefani!! They not only sing but they are sooooo easy on the eyes. HEADS, it's Sara, I WIN!!!!

2) You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?

We are going to update our equipment!!!