10 Questions with ... Niki Reyes

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my career as an intern in college at KBIG 104.3 FM in Los Angeles. From there I worked in promotions at Clear Channel Los Angeles at the Fabulous KLAC (570 AM) and 102.7 KIIS-FM in Los Angeles. From there worked in programming at KBIG 104.3 FM, and then found my self here in Bakersfield, CA at heritage station Kelly 95.3 FM. This is where I've been for the past five years!

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I was 12 years old and I heard Kevin & Bean on KROQ/Los Angeles for the first time. That was it, I was hooked and I wanted their job!

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

Our market loves and supports local shows. We're especially lucky now with syndication taking over. It's different here because in LA you have movies and TV which are huge mediums. In Bakersfield, we get to be a big fish in a small pond.

3) What is it about your station that you feel really makes it cut through?

Besides the fact that we are a heritage station, we get to have complete creative control over the station and morning show. Not every company allows you to do that.

4) How do you prep yourself for your radio shift?

With push-ups and diet pills (just kidding!!!) Honestly, it takes a lot of sleep and a lot of coffee. Unfortunately, the sleep part doesn't happen often.

5) What type of features do you run on the station?

The one that's impacted us the most recently is a cut-in we do with a local TV news station. We have a camera in the studio and they ask us what we're talking about on the show. It also helped their TV ratings.

6) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

The economy...PERIOD!

7) How do you stay in tune with your audience?

You have to be part of the community. You have to shake hands and kiss babies.

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

My co-host Danny Hill... We do a morning show together, so we spend a lot of time together and we know A LOT about each other. Sometimes too much!! He is the epitome of what radio should be. Like a baby's face he is pure without sin...(he told me to say this).

9) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?

I didn't get arrested, but a listener almost did. We were doing "Undress for Seacrest" (it was for American Idol finale tickets). We told our listener to wear board shorts underneath his clothes, but he didn't get that far and police were ready to arrest him for indecent exposure. It was great radio!

10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?

Keep having fun. If you're not, it's time for a career change.

1) How did you get your on-air name?

There's funny story on my fake last name "Reyes." I'm Filipino, French, and German. At the time, my PD and I thought it would be great to use a Spanish last name. Hey, we had to use every tactic to work those Spanish stations!

2) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I'm a "foodie!" I'd probably have my own restaurant or be a food & wine critic.

3) Who do you consider your radio mentors?

I've learned something from every person I've worked with, and sometimes most importantly what NOT to do.

4) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)

I said "s@#t" loud and clear...Thank God for the dump button.

5) Tell us what music we would find on your MP3 player right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

Maroon 5...Great music, they're talented, and they have a good looking lead singer!