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10 Questions with ... Matt 'The Bratt' Derrick
March 31, 2008
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TITLE:PD/AfternoonsSTATIONS:WKZY 106.9 KZYMARKET:Gainesville, FLCOMPANY:Sunshine/Pamal Broadcasting
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
My best friend in college worked in radio , but I think I always loved listening to radio. I mean...growing up in New York City...who wouldn't?
2) How would you describe your first radio gig?
" I was a morning show intern. I was making copies, getting coffee at 4:30 in the morning, and was happy to do it. I was just excited about being there. Oh yeah, and every once in a while I would get to push a button!
3) What should radio be doing now to secure a role in the future of the ever-changing media landscape?
Stop with all the gimmicks, all the "less Is more," the lack of actual talent, and the lack of real, great promotions. The more we "un-radio" radio the more we suffer! This is show business. It might be the armpit of show business, but we can't forget the "show"!
4) would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Sales-wise, this is a very competitive market. However, in terms of radio, the stations here have gotten away with being very bland and boring for so long. I am excited about the opportunities that presents for us!
5) Some stations have clamped down on their jocks giving them a lot less time to talk. Have you felt that pinch at your station?
Absolutely not! But from time to time you have to remind your jocks this isn't a chat-fest. If you work with them, you're doing compelling content, and you play the hits, they should be given some freedom.6) What long-term role do you see HD radio playing in the future?
It's really hard to see it right now. Perhaps in 5-10 years everyone will have an HD radio and it will become second nature to people. However I think that we analog folks have learned we need to step up our game to compete with so many forms of music entertainment. So for now it's limited!
7) Do you believe that radio and the recording industry can come up with a fair compromise on royalty compensation for both Internet streams and terrestrial radio?
So far I don't see any hope of that, but if the the writers guild can do it, so can we right? C'mon...you gotta believe!
8) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff??
We have a "new morning show." Well, at least half of it's new. I just brought in Kory from Colorado Springs to join market veteran Leeza Gordon. I expect great things for Gainesville. In middays I have Kevin McKay who I brought in from WAPE "The Ape" in Jacksonville. He is a true radio kid... He is passionate about all things radio and he's tall and good-looking, so I am quite confident he will have all the college chicks on his Myspace page soon. I do afternoon drive so we know that will be # 1(ha ha!), and at night we have Jayne FM.
9) What's the highlight of your career radio to date?
I would have to say getting that call from Ben Hill when he offered me the PD job here. So many GM's and consultants just wouldn't have taken a chance (even though I did have years of experience and having been APD of one of the best Top 40's in America). Of course, KHTT in Tulsa was my home for so many years. I was given so many opportunities and I still call it my home! (Shout out to Tod Tucker!)
10) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
I wake up everyday loving what I do. Sure, it's frustrating at times, the money is not as good as it could be...but I can honestly say I love it. Besides I have no idea what else I would do with myself!
Bonus Questions
1) Who do you consider your radio mentor(s)?
Andy Barber, Andy Shane, and John Peake.
2) What's been the biggest difference from being a jock to being a PD?
There's less time to think about being a jock. It's a struggle to find the time to actually prep for a great show! But you have to make it work!
3) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I use to be a figure skater! (Insert joke here)
4) How would you describe the music and imaging on your station?
We're not your "momma's Hot AC" here. While we present the station in a balanced way, we aren't afraid to have fun, play the hits, and actually interact with our listeners, we are not your typical passive Hot AC. I love stations like KALC "Alice 105.9) in Denver, and WQAL in Cleveland. These are two very different stations musically, but they've both got "the 'tude!"
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