-
10 Questions with ... Kevin Quinn
January 1, 2013
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WINK - Fort Myers, FL - 2012-Present
- WFLZ/WFLA/WMTX - Tampa, FL - 2011-2012
- WQGA/WYNR - Brunswick, GA - 2010-2011
- WYKS - Gainesville, FL - 1998-2010
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I tell everyone that it was a burning hatred for academics... specifically math. Most of my friends say this is the perfect career for a guy who likes to avoid growing up. However, the real story is much more tame. I went to church with the midday jock on 88.1 "The Joy FM" in Sarasota. After volunteering to run the board for her a few times, I scored a weekend gig there. I felt like a celebrity and all I did was dub in the "Hour of Power" every Saturday morning.
2) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
The Southwest Florida market is interesting for a number of reasons. First, we are a very saturated market when it comes to choices on the dial. We have as many local stations as some cities in markets three times our size. This creates a very unique competitive landscape. While we are the only Hot AC in town, we are flanked by a mainstream Top 40 (WZJZ) as well as a Rhythmic leaning Top 40 (WXKB). We have to do a lot of the heavy lifting ourselves on some of the Hot AC records that our competitors won't touch. Those records take much longer to get familiar and they may be over nationally before we decide to move to power. This is one of the largest two-book diary markets in the country which poses it's own challenges. We also have a 20% Hispanic population which is growing rapidly. Keeping an eye on what they want to hear from us is essential to surviving.
3) What is the biggest misconception about your station?
Because of our long heritage in the market, WINK-FM is still known for playing "older" music. Despite the fact that our music mix is composed primarily of currents, we have a perception that trails behind the reality.
4) How do you prep yourself for your radio shift?
Twenty-five milligrams of Viagra washed down with a 32 ounce Hawaiian punch... Seriously, I keep a notebook with me and I am constantly prepping. I use "The Complete Sheet" and some other services. But my best material is gleaned from my everyday life.
5) Your thoughts on Syndication and Voice-Tracking?
I'm really torn on this issue. I can see the critics who suggest that the over use of syndication or voice-tracking has led to a watering down of the product along with contributing to the talent crisis in this industry. How are we connecting locally? Where are the overnight and weekend shifts where we groom the next super stars?
On the other hand, tracking and syndication often allows the best talent to rise to the top. And that means better content on the air. It also allows us to stay within the budgetary realities that terrestrial radio currently faces.
6) What can we be doing with our station web sites to better our stations as a whole?
Most radio station websites I have seen are abysmal. With staffs shrinking and IT budgets around the country, it can be a challenge to keep them looking fresh and relevant. I think we need to get away from the cluttered, RSS fed sites we have now and streamline them with just the essential content that people are looking for. If our web sites are easy to navigate and contain current LOCAL content then they will get traffic. More integration with our social networking sites is important too. A Facebook and Twitter widget haphazardly shoved in the right column does not count as social integration.
7) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
I have always been a champion for community involvement. I strongly believe it is one of the fundamentals of a great radio station. Each year, WINK-FM is involved in raising funds for St. Jude Hospital. It is so emotionally touching to be able to contribute to such an amazing cause. Last year we raised over $60 thousand dollars and we have even bigger goals for this upcoming drive.
8) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
I really admire Scotty Davis from WFLZ in Tampa. While I was only there for a small portion of his tenure, I can honestly say he is one of the best afternoon Top 40 jocks in the country. Randi West from WTMX in Tampa is one hell of a programmer and on-air talent. She has an amazing way of relating to the demo that I strive to duplicate. I also had the pleasure of working with Mo Bounce when I was in Gainesville, FL. Mo is currently doing nights on a little backwoods radio station called Z100 New York... Amazing jock and voice guy!
9) Do you have an interest in one day becoming a Program Director?
I am so fortunate to work with Michael Hayes who is one of the best program directors in the business. Despite the fact that I have been a PD in the past, I have learned a great deal from Michael and I still have plenty more to extract from his brain. Programming is one of my favorite things about my job, and Michael and I have a great partnership.
10) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I'm constantly trying to evolve and grow in this business. From my on air work to my programming strategies, to social media skills. I am never content with what I know. I spend a lot of time listening to jocks I admire around the country to soak up anything I can and keeping tabs on the rapidly changing digital landscape is essential to remaining a relevant talent in this industry.
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite TV show?
I really love "Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia" along with "Dexter" and "Boardwalk Empire. Although I've found myself watching a lot of "Gunsmoke" re-runs on late night basic cable lately.
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
I am honestly sad to see that this business has cut costs to the point where talented people are living hand to mouth just to do the work they love. This is a wonderful industry with many opportunities. Yet the rank and file among us are often compensated with a meager wage that makes it difficult to live a comfortable lifestyle.
What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air?
Many years ago during a live broadcast at a nightclub, I shoved my mic in the face of a bouncer and asked if he would let topless women into the club for free. His reaction rhymed with "Truck YEAH I will!"
What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
Coldplay puts on one HELLUVA show! I've always been a fan, but seeing them live takes the whole experience and amps it up. They sound great on stage and they leave it all on the stage. Their production is magnificent, with huge confetti cannons, lights, haze... Something I have never seen before. They involve the audience with LED bracelets that glow in tandem all around the arena.
What do you believe will be the next trend in music technology?
I'm not sure but I hope to GOD it doesn't involve a revival of Swing Dancing. Can you believe we all thought that was a good idea in the 90's?
Do you have any good stalker stories? Misty requests? "Fatal Attractions?"
I will say this one more time only: I am NOT guilty of stalking anyone. She wants me and has told me numerous times via our telepathic link... Please forward any additional questions on this matter to my attorney.
-
-