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10 Questions with ... Bob Henson
October 1, 2007
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NAME:Bob HensonTITLE:Afternoon Drive / MDSTATION:KNAH (HANK-FM) 106.3MARKET:Merced, CACOMPANY:Mapleton CommunicationsBORN:A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away - 1959 Santa Monica, CARAISED:In Venice, CA, or as we locals called it "The Zoo". That was where I was first introduced to bizarre behavior. I guess that's what made the transition to radio so comfortable.
Please outline your radio career so far:
After 12 years in network construction with a major phone company, I found myself the low man on the seniority totem pole and was laid off due to a work force reduction. I enrolled in broadcasting school and after completion sought my first job. I landed one in New Mexico where I did news/ sports/played music/did interviews/won some awards then I moved back to Southern California. I worked at a sports station, a hot country station, had a sports-talk television show, and worked at a Christian station before moving to Merced in 2001.
1) What was your first job in radio?
After completing broadcasting school, I took a job at KTNM/KQAY in Tucumcari, NM as a news director. I also did sports play-by-play for the local High School.
Early influences? Growing up in Southern California, I was lucky enough to hear broadcasting from some of the legends; Chick Hearn, Vin Scully, Bob Miller, all of the crazies at the legendary 94.7 KMET, and the "Mighty Met". Jeff Gonzer, Ace Young, Pat Kelly, Bob Coburn, Jim Ladd, Joe Benson. They were the ones who showed me that radio is supposed to be fun and entertaining, and that people like to laugh while they're listening to their music!
2) Can you be a boss and also a friend to your employees?
Yes. As long as boundaries and responsibilities are clearly drawn, and everyone knows where that line is. I think it leads to a much more comfortable and efficient work environment. People tend to be willing to work harder and with much more diligence when they are working for a friend than they will for a harsh, demeaning taskmaster. It's the type of environment I enjoy at 106.3 KNAH, HANK FM. It's a relationship of mutual respect that encourages people to do their best and challenges them to strive to do better every time they crack the microphone. I consider my boss, Brian "BMO" Montgomery, not only one of the best friends I've ever had but also one of the best teachers and sources of encouragement I've ever known in this business.
3) If you are wearing more hats today, than say last year, what area is suffering, and what are you doing about it?
I'm actually wearing fewer hats this year but the ones I'm wearing now are much different. They carry more responsibilities and are much more "hands on" in regards to the content of the product we put on the air. It's a challenge that I look forward to each and every day! I think the area that has been suffering the most for me is trying to stay on top of all the new artists, songs, labels and contacts. I'm trying to set aside more time each week to review new music, and give each artist and song equal consideration.
4) Has the advent of Satellite Radio affect our biz?
I don't think it has affected us that much. Although many people including myself are subscribers to satellite radio, many people just aren't willing to pay a monthly fee to listen to their favorite music. I enjoy it on the road. It eliminates surfing for stations each time you lose a signal, however it fails to provide that "Home Town" touch that allows people to be informed about what's going on in their area. I think that's what drives our business and although commercial free is nice, it lacks that personal "close to home" touch that most people enjoy.
5) What do you like best about your job?
Working for, with, and learning from "The Man" Big Daddy, Brian "BMO" Montgomery". He has a way of making each and every day a challenge and learning experience as well as a Helluva Lotta Fun!!!
Least? I truly love what I do! Anybody who doesn't shouldn't be in the business! It reminds me of something I once heard - a wise man said, "Find something you love to do, get someone to pay you to do it, and you'll never work a day in your life".
6) What can we be doing with our station's web sites to better our stations as a whole?
Although the station is only a couple of months old, and the web site has only been up for about a week, we are hoping to add streaming audio in the near future. That will definitely be a plus!!!
7) What do you plan to do differently in the next year regarding work and family?
Not much. Finding the balance between reaching your career goals and giving your family the love and attention they deserve is not easy in this business. I'm blessed with a wife who grew up around the business and she truly understands the nature of the beast! I think the real trick is being able to separate work time from family time and in order to allow you to devote yourself to both with equal passion.
8) Who are your programming mentors?
Brian "BMO" Montgomery, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Larry Thornhill, Dan Gilchrist.
9) Who's your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
My good friend Andy Waits. He is the consummate professional, with a great sense of humor, great moral fiber, and a heart as big as the whole outdoors!! He knows this format inside and out, and I highly respect and admire the man!!
10) Favorite artist that you have met?
Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. They were both gracious and appreciative not only of us in the business, but also to all the fans who just love to listen to their music. They were genuine, the real deal!!
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
I used to read everything, books magazines, newspapers, the back of the cereal boxes, however lately, with the demands of the job and trying to maintain a home life, reading has been forced to take a back seat.
2) You are on a desert island...what 5 CDs are in you portable disc player?
Pink Floyd - "Dark Side Of The Moon"
Led Zeppelin - "Houses of the Holy"
ELP- "Brain Salad Surgery"
Rick Wakeman's Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Charlie Daniels "2001 LIVE"3) Describe your favorite meal?
Prime Rib, Medium Rare, (with real Horseradish)
Salad, with Blue Cheese Dressing or New England Clam Chowder Soup
Lobster w/Garlic Butter
Baked Potato (with everything)
Artichoke
And for dessert,
Strawberry Shortcake, or Cherry Cheesecake, a Good cup of Coffee, and to top it all off, a GOOD CIGAR!! -
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