10 Questions with ... Kristen Lucca

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WYSP Extreme Team Promotions - Internship (2001-2003)
• WPUR/WFPG/WIXM/WKXW/Atlantic City, NJ - Promotions Coordinator - (2003-2006)
• WSJO (SoJO 104.9)/Trenton, NJ - Promotions Coordinator - (2006-2009)
• WPUR/WFPG/WENJ/WSJO/Atlantic City, NJ - Promotions Coordinator - 2009-Present

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I loved listening to music and I loved Cousin Ed on WYSP. I wanted his job! I wanted to listen to music and go to concerts, and get paid for it! I wanted to turn my hobby and my passion into a career. I went to Woodstock 1999 and in the midst of the huge crowd I met the Program Director and "Hot Spokes-Girl." I applied for an internship and that's how I got my start in radio!

2) What makes your station or market unique? How does Atlantic City compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

Atlantic City is a world of its own. We have the beach, the "World-Famous Boardwalk," casinos, and nightlife! It has big city excitement with small town appeal. I love being at the beach! I like the intimacy and flexibility of a small market and I like the excitement and constant motion of a big market.

3) Please describe the best promotion you've ever been part of?

The "Second Chance Prom" with WFPG (Lite Rock 96.9). It has now grown into one of our signature NTR events. Each May we give listeners a "second chance" to re-live their prom or experience it for the first time. We have a professional photographer, a live band, a sit down dinner, and big giveaways. We give tickets away on the air and sell them for $96.90 a couple. The money raised from tickets and our auction benefit the "South Jersey Field of Dreams," where mentally and physically challenged kids and adults can play baseball in the community.

I have been very involved in creating the theme and bringing it to life. It's such a nice evening and to see our listeners all dressed up! The first year we were begging people to come and now six years later people are clamoring to get a ticket, and it's all for a good cause!

4) Please describe the worst promotion you've ever been part of?

My first big event with Millennium, fresh out of college was our inaugural "Women's Expo and Baby Fair." As the new kid on the block, I had the pleasure of dressing up in a costume to entertain children. The costume was "Maisey the Mouse" and I'm so tall so I ended up looking like a six foot rat and made children cry....so sad!

5) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

The "Country Cares Radiothon" and "Quest For One Million Pennies." Cat Country's main charity is the St Jude Children's Research Hospital. We raise money through our "Quest For One Million Pennies" (literally collecting buckets of pennies) and at our two-day radiothon at a local mall.

Despite the long hours, early morning broadcasts, lugging heavy buckets to the bank, helping kids beat cancer makes it all worth it. The community really gets involved and helps the kids and everyone hangs out with The Cat!

6) What was the most successful low budget promotion idea your station ever did?

"Beach Patrol" with SoJO 104.9. Since we are surrounded by the "Jersey Shore" we hit the sand and literally walk up and down the beaches from LBI to Cape May handing out station and client goodies to enjoy on the beach. It hits locals where they are at in the summer and it introduces the station to those commuting to the shore from the city. It's wonderful to get out of the office and spend the day working on my tan!

7) How do you market your radio station? How are your reaching the target demos?

Our theory is to pound the pavement and hit the streets and meet the people. The more visible the stations are, the more lasting impressions we can make for people to tune into the stations. We use Facebook to create an online community, and we use our web sites to highlight the station features and promotions that give away relevant prizes to the target demos... WOMEN!

8) How often do you do remotes and which work best for the station?

Our goal is to have each station out at least 1-2 times per week/weekend. The events that work the best are those that create listener engagement through concert ticket and cash giveaways, interactive games, and showcasing the station to the community.

9) What is the most popular giveaway item at your station?

Believe it or not music CD's are the first to go off the table, followed by the classic T-shirt. Everyone loves SWAG!

10) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

I hope to see the industry take on new initiatives to create revenue and connect with the listeners and expand playlists. Personally, I want to grow in my career and take on new challenges and expand my skill set in radio, records, or artist management.

1) Who is your best friend in the business?

Marc D'Arcangelo. He's an all around nice guy at the office and I couldn't do promotions without him. We work hard and always have fun and laugh in the process. Plus, he always smells good!

I also have to mention my intern-turned part-timer Timmy B. I interviewed him on the phone and felt an instant good vibe about his personality and hired him. On his first day, I shook his hand, gave him the keys to the van for a parade and he's been the best employee since! He got it from day one and makes me laugh while we work!

2) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?

Teresa Berry. She is currently doing mornings on WBMW (Soft Rock 106.5). She is an amazing on air talent, has an energetic personality that inspires me, she talks to every listener she meets and her voice is flawless on the radio!

3) Favorite artist you have met?

Keith Urban. I was in no shape or form a Country listener when I started at Cat Country. I used to make fun of my sister because she liked Country. I knew I had a choice: I could either embrace the format or rip my ears off at work.

My former Promotion Director told me you can't work in radio for the format because it could be here one day and be flipped the next. I heeded his advice and I embraced the Country world and eventually I fell in love with it!

Keith Urban was one of the first artists to grab my ear and I've had the pleasure of meeting him on more than one occasion. He was so genuine and listened to what I had to say and cared about the two minutes we spent together! I don't know why he married Nicole and not me?!?!

4) Have you ever thought about jumping over to the records side of the business?

YES! I've always wanted to get involved in the record business and work more closely with bands, tours and the fans.

5) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

The one thing that is always constant in radio (and in life) is change. You must embrace and adapt to change or get lost in the shuffle.