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10 Questions with ... John Richards
June 19, 2006
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NAME:John RichardsTITLE:MDSTATIONS:WKCQ-FMMARKET:Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI (#130)COMPANY:MacDonald Broadcasting CompanyBORN:2/21/76, San Diego, CARAISED:San Diego, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Regent Broadcasting 7/01-4/03
MacDonald Broadcasting 4/03-present1. What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I worked at Banana 101.5, in Flint, MI, you know part-time at first and then started board-oping for the Bob & Tom show. I totally sucked at reading news, but I can honestly say I was never late, even though I had to be there at 5 in the morning. Brian Beddow was my first PD and I appreciate everyday the opportunity he gave me in radio.
2. Of all the skills that you've gained as a programmer, which area are you NOT as strong as you would like to be?
Making quick decisions in an emergency. I'm really glad my boss, Rick Walker is here. Sure he's tough on me but he always has my back. Hey, I've only been doing this for a year.
3. What do you think of National Contesting? Is it effective?
Thumbs down! Radio is all about the listener; it's not very effective if it's more like the lottery than a contest.
4. Will the advent of Satellite Radio affect our biz? Explain!
I think it could, Satellite and terrestrial radio play virtually the same exact playlists regardless of what format. I believe the more local, interesting and relatable you are to the listener, the better our edge will be over satellite.
5. What can we be doing with our station's web sites to better our stations as a whole?
Use web sites to drive promotions, it gives the listener more opportunity to become involved with the promotion.
6. Who are your programming mentors?
Rick Walker, Kevin Profitt, Brian Beddow and Erik Thomas.
7. Who's your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
Jim Rome, good night now!
8. What is your favorite radio station outside of your own market?
KIOZ, Rock 105.3, love the station and listen to it anytime I visit So. Cal.
9. What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please!
I think music has the perfect balance right now, a great mix of artist and genres. There is no real dominance from any act, I think that is really good for people to become more diverse in musical tastes.
10. In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?
Easy one, Danielle Peck's "I Don't"!
Bonus Questions
1. Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
George Carlin's "When Will Jesus Bring The Porkchops"
2. Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
80s music, shhh.
3. You are on a desert island...what 5 CDs are in you portable disc player?
1. Big & Rich "Coming To You City"
2. George Carlin "Live at Carnagie Hall"
3. Pantera "Vulgar Display of Power"
4. Essential Jimi Hendrix
5. Jason Aldean "Jason Aldean"4. Describe your favorite meal.
A medium rare filet mingon, with a Caesar salad and a 6-pack of Bud Light.
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