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10 Questions with ... Hunter Quinn
October 3, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WXSS/Milwaukee, WI - 1999-2000
- WGTZ/Dayton, OH - 2000-2001
- WKFS/Cincinnati, OH - 2004-2005
- WHOT/Youngstown, OH - 2005-2007
- WKSI/Winchester, VA - 2007-2010
- WZEE/Madison, WI - 2010-2012
- KZZO/Sacramento - 2013-2015
- KBKS/Seattle - 2016-Present
1. What Got You Interested In Radio?
Craig Carson from Kiss in Milwaukee came to my high school for a cookout when Kiss was brand new. I was instantly amazed at what he did as a career and got an internship the next week. Craig took me under his wing and helped me learn the basics and I bugged Brian Kelly and JoJo Martinez enough to build my passion for radio and choose it as a career path.
2. Who do you consider your radio mentors?
Rich Davis (KDWB) has been my go-to counselor, mentor and great friend since we met 10 years ago. He's helped me along the way including bringing me to Seattle.
Dave Adams (KLOU) and I worked together for just three months in Lansing, MI, but we have been friends ever since. We are continually tossing ideas back and forth.
Randi West is one of my radio idols. She has helped shape several of the promotions and events that you see all over the country and she has a different way of looking how our audience uses radio. She's truly a remarkable programmer.
Since coming to Seattle, I've been lucky enough to soak up information and philosophies from Maynard, Andrew Jeffries, Brandon Bell and our SVPP Rich Moore. The amount of knowledge I've gained has been truly incredible.
3. The Seattle market has gone through many changes over the past year. What are your thoughts on the current landscape of the market and how does this compare to other markets you have worked in?
What iHeart did in January, flipping four stations simultaneously, was one of the most insane experiences in the lives of everyone who had a hand in it.
My hat is off to the nucleus of programmers and managers that had the vision, preparation and guts to pull it off. And if anyone has thought of duplicating it, please contact me and I'll put you in touch with people who will immediately talk you out of it!
Since our flips, we've lost a HOT AC competitor and there have been no fewer than a dozen changes in talent and programming within the market.
It's certainly been a hectic 2016 in Seattle. We have a solid set of brands in our building and there is strong competition within this city so it's always keeping us sharp and focused.
4. How has the transition been for KBKS (KISS 106.1) to go from a Top 40 to a Hot AC?
There was a ton of research done to lead us to the change and blueprint has worked extremely well. The growth has lead us to be a Top 5 contender in all key demos.
5. Kiss and Power (KPWK) have a brand new PD, Justin Riley. Are things finally settling down?
It's been eight months of constant transition and change and the team has weathered it all amazingly well. With Justin coming in, we finally have the team together on both stations and we are in a great position to grow and build these two strong brands.
6. Besides social media, how does your station stay in tune with your audience?
We are ridiculously old fashioned! We get out and meet them! The cornerstone of our station, our morning host Bender, just spent nine hours on a rollercoaster raising money for Seattle Children's Hospital. He met hundreds of fans and raised thousands of dollars and that's just one of dozens of events he does throughout the year to help raise money for the hospital.
Bender and his morning show partner Molly focus their show on Seattle, our target life group and their lives as parents. No fake bits just real, funny content with local callers.
7. How do you prep yourself for your afternoon radio show?
Honestly, just live life. Watch the local news and keep an eye on what's trending. Sometimes you'll find me watching a couple "Broadway Bill" break videos to psych myself up just before heading to the studio.
8. What is the most rewarding promotion you've ever been a part of?
I've been a part of several promotions that have had success with ratings, revenue and warm & fuzzies. I'm really looking forward to assisting with Bender's "One Big Kiss Radiothon." Being the dad of an amazing five-year old, Lyla, I'm excited to have a positive impact on kids' lives.
9. What's something you'd like to see change about radio?
All the clickbait posted on social media. When a listener clicks on a post and its fake news or fake outrage, the credibility of that station takes a hit. It's disappointing when jocks copy and paste blogs without reading them. Keep your standards, be honest and listeners will be more loyal.
10. What advice would you give people new to the business?
Soak it all up! Volunteer for everything you can. Be around as much as you can. I've always said that opportunities come to those who step up and show interest. If you're at a point in your life or career that you're looking for a new job, go after it 100% or don't go after it at all.
Bonus Questions
What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?
You have to want it. Promotions aren't just given out. Awards are almost always long overdue. Put in your time, continue to challenge yourself and you will feel fulfilled and be rewarded.
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