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10 Questions with ... Danny Ryan
February 28, 2006
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NAME:Danny RyanTITLE:Afternoons/APD/MDSTATION:KEGA/101.5 The EagleMARKET:Salt Lake City, UTCOMPANY:Simmons Media GroupBORN:10/15/69 in Eureka, CARAISED:Arcata, CA
Brief Career Synopsis:
Brought up in the biz the old fashioned way. Working multiple jobs and my overnight board op shift! Got my start at Q105 in Rohnert Park, CA (6 years),then off to Boise, Idaho for 6 1/2 years at KIZN (Kissin' 92) and the last two years here in SLC, UT, USA...flyin' with The Eagle!
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
KUKI...weekends in Ukiah, CA. Driving my '69 Mustang two hours to play 45s and cue up huge semi-automated reel to reel machines! Paying the dues!
2) Can you be a boss and also a friend to your employees?
Yes. But, business is business. Sometimes that line can get blurred and then bad things happen.
3) Of all the skills that you've gained as a programmer, which area are you NOT as strong as you would like to be?
Selector. Learning something new everyday.
4) If you are wearing more hats today, than say last year, what area is suffering, and what are you doing about it?
Keeping all the balls in the air at the same time can be tough. But, I'm learning to work smart...not work more.
5) What do you think of National Contesting? Is it effective?
I have no idea. We're local!
6) What do you like best about your job? Least?
I love the challenge. We are in a pitched battle here in SLC with two other country stations, so I really enjoy the challenge and the strategy with that kind of competition. I also really enjoy coaching talent and helping them get better on and off the air. What do I like least...hmmmm...coming home when my boys and wife are already asleep.
7) Who are your programming mentors?
Finally, I get to give props to those that have been so good to me over the years and helped shape me into the person and radio guy I am today: Rich Summers, Tom Jordan, Rick Jackson, Rob Castro, Melissa McConnell, Bob Glasco, Spencer Burke, and Alan Hague have all contributed to my programming philosophy and have taught me how to do "Great Radio". (Plus they've all been able to put up with my passion and personality!)
8) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please!
I know we're a ballad driven format...but, folks "Tempo Is A Beautiful Thing" (Amen Kelly!) The return of Garth & Trisha is great. Rascal Flatts is blowin' everything away. Keith, Kenny, Toby, George and Faith & Tim...we are definitely on a big musical upswing. We just need to take advantage of that with smart and effective marketing and promotions, playing what people want to hear and taking it to the streets. Music is what people are tuning in for but you'd better give them something entertaining and relevant in between!
9) Favorite artist that you have met?
Collin Raye is the real deal, very gracious. Dierks Bentley is one of the boys. Trisha is just like Garth backstage, personal and engaging. George Strait: big star not a big ego. The One I haven't met yet...and quite frankly, I don't know if I could and keep it together is my all-time favorite: Garth! His music has meant a lot to me in my life.
10) Next Superstar Programmer?
Me...I Hope!
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read...everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
Country Weekly, Newspapers, the news crawler on Fox, yes...reading is essential. Plus, my subscriptions are a tax write off.
2) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
Tesla (It's not what you got, it's what you give), Phil Collins (every song is a hit), 80s music is a big guilty pleasure for me...and The Big Joe Polka Show.
3) You are on a desert island...what 5 CDs are in you portable disc player?
Shouldn't you change this question to iPod or MP3 Player...I still have a cassette walkman with the headphones with the orange ear pads...so...I would have to say: Garth "No Fences", Keith Urban "Golden Road", Tesla "Psychotic Supper", Tim McGraw "Not A Moment Too Soon" and anything from Journey.
4) Describe your favorite meal?
First Course: a bowl of Chicken Corn Chowder and Minestrone...Second Course: Big 'ol Salad with Chickpeas, carrots, cheese, cucumbers, and Blue cheese Dressing...Third Course: a combination of Pizza, Ribs, and Pancakes...Fourth Course: a pile of pasta...and The Fifth and Final Course...enough ice-cream, hot sauce and whipped cream to put me in a coma!
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