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10 Questions with ... Fitz in the Morning
October 16, 2006
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NAME:Fitz in the MorningTITLE:Morning Show HostSTATION:KKWF 100.7 The WolfMARKET:SeattleCOMPANY:EntercomBORN:Wichita Falls, TX (27yrs old)RAISED:Bowie, TX USA
Please outline your radio career so far:
Mornings KNIN Wichita Falls, TX CHR 97-99 - Mornings KKBQ Houston, TX Country 99-00 - Nights KJYO Oklahoma City, OK CHR 00-01- Nights KHKS Dallas, TX CHR 01- 02- Mornings KRBV Dallas, TX CHR 02- 04- KPLX Dallas, TX Country 05- 06- Mornings KKWF Seattle, WA Country - Present
1. What got you interested in radio, and what was your first job?
I grew up in a family that was all about the "ARTS". My Mother (who has always been a huge part of my show) is a former Miss Texas and currently a Theater Arts teacher so I was always involved in performing. IN 1997, I was playing college basketball in Wichita Falls, TX while trying to maintain my two internships at KFDX TV-3 NBC and 92.9 KNIN. I was the weather guy for a MINUTE but I wanted to start reporting on KFDX and I think they had a problem with an 18 yr old on TV so I decided to drop my TV internship and focus on radio. I got lucky! The station was purchased by a guy named Bruce Holberg , who for some reason thought I had a future in radio. Next thing I know, I go from being an INTERN to a MORNING GUY!! LOL
2. If you were just starting out in broadcasting, knowing now what you didn't know then, would you still do it?
In a second!! My old PD, the Legendary Dan Kieley (miss ya Dan) once said to me, "Fitz, I sure would hate to have a job where I had to work." He was so RIGHT!! I have so many talented friends who are out of work right now. Radio is tough today. I feel so blessed to get paid to be in front of a microphone.
3. In today's homogenized world of radio, how do you "localize" and how do you get into your listeners head whether they are on the job, in the car or at home?
I learned this from Kidd Kraddick. My show is all about being LOCAL. If I am reading the paper and I see that an 11 yr old kid just received an Eagle Scout award, I want to book him on the show and give him recognition for his achievement. Recently, I was at the Washington state fair and directly outside of the fair was a Christian rapper who was selling his CD's to the people walking to the fair. As people would walk by he would get up in there face and rap about Jesus. This guy was a riot. I said to my producer, "LETS GET THIS GUY ON THE SHOW!!" So we had the Jesus Rapper on and let him rap about Jesus, on a country station. People are still talking about that guy. I think it is all about creating LOCAL WATERCOOLER talk.
4. What is the first thing you do when getting into the office every day? And the last thing before leaving?
I get to work at about 3:40 am. I grab the paper and get through it as fast as I can, then the interns go to Starbucks. The last thing I do is sneak out as quick as I can when I get of the air. I like to get away from it all. A wise man once told me the greatest show prep is LIVING LIFE! Who am I kidding? I don't leave the station till about 2:00 everyday.lol
5. What is the most unique characteristic of your market and your station?
I am amazed at how much Seattle loves Country music. I think that it helps that I am a good ol boy from Texas. The Wolf in Seattle is a monster. My APD Rob Walker described it as the Z100 of Country. We have definitely brought Theater back to radio. I have the most amazing Program Director! Scott Mahalick is a Marketing Genius. From Jumbo screens at Seahawks games to candy mints to toilet paper, he will figure out a way to get our logo everywhere. I learn something new from him everyday. It is amazing the type of radio you can create when you know someone has your back.
6. If you were to leave radio today and choose another occupation, what do you think you'd like to do?
I can't imagine doing anything else. When I was on the beach after doing mornings in Dallas, I did nothing. LOL I didn't know what to do. Radio is my life. Well, not true, I did sing jingles and write some comedy for TM Century in my downtime.
7. What was your last non-industry job?
LOL. Are u ready?? I worked in the Wal-Mart sporting goods dept when I was 17 yrs old. The only thing I did all day was write little songs to sing over the stores sound system. LOL That was truly my first gig.
8. Who's your favorite air-personality not on your staff?
Mornings would have to be Jeff and Jer from Star in San Diego. I am also a huge fan of Scott Shannon. I used to listen to his airchecks for hours. Aside from mornings, my good friend Atom Smasher who just recently landed afternoons at Kiss in Dallas.
9. If you could change one thing about the current state of radio, what Would you change?
I am worried about the future talent of radio. Never again will a young 17 to 18 yr old kid have a chance to be the nightguy in a place like Wichita Falls, TX. Everything is voicetracked and automated in a lot of small markets. I think it is killing the industry. I have to believe that out there, somewhere, is the next Dees, Kraddick, or Brad B (host of slow jamz on Sunday night at KJ103 OKC.love ya brad-lol) The talent pool is shrinking.
10. What was the first concert you ever attended?
My mom took me to see Neil Diamond when I was seven. I don't want to talk about it.
Bonus Questions
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?
Probably Mariah Carey because she could always entertain me and If I got hungry, I could live off of her thighs for years.
2. You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the First thing that you would say?
I would tell him that I am going to play whatever I want in the morning. LOL Kidding Scott.
3. What's your favorite fast food?
Whataburger! They don't have any in Seattle. I think it's a southern thing.
4. What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?
OMG Dog The Bounty Hunter. I would love to tackle some criminals with him. By the way, let the DOG GO!! Let the DOG GO!! We love ya BRA!! lol
5. What's your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Sit in the hot tub for hours watching re-runs of Dog the Bounty hunter or Flava of Love.
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