10 Questions with ... Nick Alan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My Dad has been in radio all my life. I used to follow him to work while he was doing this night show at 101.3 WCUZ in Grand Rapids, MI. Then later when he became the Operations Manager at WHTC/WYVN in Holland, MI he gave me a job board-opping (and taking out the trash and vacuuming the studios) when I was 15. And yes, eventually my Dad even put me on the air hosting weekend shifts.

When I turned 17, Bud Ford hired me to do weekends on-air at WTNR-FM "Thunder 94-5" in Grand Rapids. Over the next few years I worked my way up into the Afternoon Drive slot, also adding APD/MD stripes. When the position became available in Colorado Springs, I somehow convinced upper management to ship me out here! It's an incredible opportunity in a beautiful place, and I couldn't be more excited.

1) What was it like growing up with a dad in radio? Did he encourage you to go into broadcasting?

I knew I either wanted to be an airline pilot or get into radio. Guess which one my Dad convinced me to do? The one that actually made money! Needless to say, I didn't listen to him.

2) You went to work with your dad when you were a little kid. What kinds of things did you do when he was on the air? Did he have you pulling wire copy and writing the weather?

There was a big couch in the studio at WCUZ downtown Grand Rapids, and there were several occasions that the overnight guy just didn't show up. So I remember my brother and I would sleep on that sofa while my Dad was live all night! Good times!! But otherwise he would have us writing his weather forecast, picking up trash in the studio. Little things like that. I didn't care; I just loved being around all the buttons and knobs!

3) You started working weekends in radio when you were only fifteen. Were you like the cool radio DJ in school or the radio geek?

Wow! Well I was spinning oldies on a 1,000-watt AM station that didn't even come in at my high school. So yeah, I was a major geek. But I'd like to think it got a little cooler when they put me on the big FM in Grand Rapids! Oh wait, never mind, Steve Stewart says I'm still a geek. Thanks, Steve.

4) Why do you think young people don't want to get into radio as much as they used to and is that a problem?

It's definitely a problem!! With voicetracking taking over, a lot of stations are only live in morning and afternoon drive. Some even less than that! Back in the day, stations needed to be staffed in ALL dayparts, and a live night or overnight shift was a great place for a young guy or gal to build up their chops. Where is young talent being grown now??

5) You were at WTNR a long time! What will you miss the most about it and any tips for the person who steps in to fill your shoes there?

Advice: Steve Stewart (WTNR's PD) is ALWAYS listening! So if you think you can play "Weed With Willie" really late at night and get away with it - you can't!! He's always listening!!

My family and friends are all in West Michigan, so of course I will miss them. The staff at Citadel/Grand Rapids was like my family, also. I mean, I grew up in that building! Matt Hanlon, Steve Stewart and Bud Ford all believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.

6) Congrats on the new gig as PD at KATC! What are you the most excited about with this promotion? Anything that you are nervous about?

Without a doubt, I am most excited about living and working in the Colorado Springs market. It is the most beautiful place on Earth. While I'm on the air, I look out our studio window and see the amazing snow-capped Pike's Peak looming overhead. How can you beat that?

I suppose I am nervous that I will somehow TANK the radio station! But I have a really great support system both here in the Springs and back in Michigan. I want to succeed and I know they want me to succeed.

7) I know you like to ski. Have you hit the slopes in Colorado yet and what else is on your to do list there?

I have not gone skiing yet! I actually just watched a special on the Discovery Channel about skiers killed by avalanches, haha! But I will be on the slopes soon for sure. Otherwise, I just want to drive west into the mountains and enjoy the incredible scenery. And go to a bunch of Rockies games! I love baseball.

8) Out of all of the radio contests and promotions you have gotten to be a part of over the years, what one has really stood out to you as a favorite?

Citadel/Grand Rapids put together this unbelievable New Years Eve Party the past two years, and just watching that thing grow and being a part of that has been really special. We had concerts, a club DJ, a ball drop at midnight and the community absolutely loved it! We even got a local TV station to simulcast our ball drop right next to Ryan Seacrest in New York!

9) You're a music lover yourself, but how do you feel is the best way to stay in tune with what your listeners really want to hear?

I really think it's important that the PD do a live shift every day. It is so important to maintain that connection with the listeners and talking to them every single day on the phone. What are they requesting? What is important to them? What do they want from your radio station?

10) Besides Country, what format would you want to program and why?

Top 40 or Jazz. Top 40 radio is just a blast, and I have played jazz saxophone for a long time. I really admire the complexity of jazz music.

1) What job would you love to do outside of radio?

I've always loved flying, and I actually logged about 20 hours solo in a Cessna-172, so I'd have to say a commercial pilot.

2) Did you steal any records at the station when your dad wasn't looking?

Too many to count!

3) Congrats on your recent engagement! How did you propose?

Thanks!! New Years Eve downtown Grand Rapids, MI at our Hot New Years Eve Party I found a little rooftop spot that overlooked all the thousands of people and the stage and I dropped to one knee at midnight. Holly is WAY out of my league, so I'm a lucky dude!