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10 Questions with ... Andrew Hoover 'Hoover'
June 24, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. That even though you're mostly unsupervised in your job as a jock, the boss is always listening. I've found this out the hard way a few times. But that's a good thing, and it's the thing most people outside of radio don't understand. We have rules; we can't do whatever we want
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Born in Fort Wayne, IN and raised in Richmond, IN. I've always tried to be the star of attention. Radio was a natural path for me. In middle school, I took a small radio career project, where we had to create a radio station and a show, etc. I've since been told by the teacher, I'm the only student to ever have music beds and SFX. I took it a little serious. After that, I became a regular caller on every local station in town ... yeah, THAT kid. I started getting to know the jocks at WFMG, and actually did the Relay for Life with them and their stunt walk 24 hours straight. Did that for about two years, and then at 16, the midday jock asked me if I wanted to be part-time. A whirlwind started and I was the new weekend host by the time junior year started. I made sure to try and work every event I could as a part-timer, even if it was unpaid. After two years of part-time, I graduated high school and was offered full-time, originally offered afternoons on WFMG and VT'd middays on WZZY, and being Public Service Dir. For about a year, I also was one of our sales representatives. Don't judge me; I made good money. It's been one of hell of a ride, from dressing in drag for St. Jude, introducing big artists to my hometown and last year winning an Indiana Broadcasters Association Spectrum Award for Best Local Impact News. This year marks seven years in radio and last month, I switched rolls to Social Media Dir. for our five stations, while still handling live afternoons and VT'd middays. Safe to say, I'm a lifer.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
Nostalgic! I grew up listening to WFMG. I remember being a kid and going to FMG's 4th of July event, Freedom Jam with my family and now being part of it, working alongside the jocks I grew up with and doing it all in my hometown. Considering, I'm still at my first gig with no plans to leave. I'm beyond happy, I'm one of a handful of jocks in Richmond to be born and raised.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
A few things ... A deep love for music and the impact it has on people's day. I've always loved playing music loud for people. When I was in 4th grade, I DJ'd my sister's wedding. It's always been something I feel connected to.
Man, as bad as it sounds., I LOOOVVVEEEEE being the star. I was always the loud kid in class, always made sure my opinion was heard and always made sure to stick out. I feel like radio is full of people like that. I wouldn't say it makes me cocky, but I'm certainly okay being the center of attention and radio fulfills that.
Growing up, the radio stations were everywhere in town. They went to all the cool stuff and had the most fun. Naturally, I always loved my hometown and radio gives me that avenue to give back and be part of everything that happens.
3. As you're prepping your afternoon drive show, what are the kinds of things that you look for that you know will click with your listeners?
For me, I try to keep it local. I love having guests on from the community to talk about events and finding different things for people to do around town. We are such a community station and the listeners know that. It always clicks well when I'm talking about something that is happening in their backyard.
4. What kinds of social media engagement works best for you?
I would personally say, being me! Showing listeners what happens on and off the air. From my cute cat, to Christmas with the family. It always goes well with my pages when I show my personal life a little with listeners. I mean there is some stuff you keep to yourself, but at the end of the day, we all shop at the same places, eat the same food.
5. "Local, local, local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you make sure that you stay visible and involved in the community?
I'm lucky to work for an owner who is everywhere. Our owner is local and is a big part of our community. He always encourages us to be part of it. Naturally, I'm involved with multiple non-profit boards and helping with community events. I like to stay local by making sure to talk on air about events in town I'm going to and post pictures, etc. I think another great asset to being seen is volunteering. My PD Rick Duncan and I are always hosting events in town, not always under the station name but usually just to help, and it gets noticed.
6. Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
Aren't we all? I work in a very small market, so we do it all. From social media to graphic design to production to hosting shows. I've even did a stint in sales.
7. Who would be the ultimate "dream guest" to have plug in across from you on your show?
Judge me all you want, but Donnie Baker would be a hoot. I'm a jock who is loud and crazy on air and I think he'd be a great interview/co-host for the day. From the crazy stories he tells to how natural he is behind a microphone, he'd keep me crying on air and most likely get a lot of people listening.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
That even though you're mostly unsupervised in your job as a jock, the boss is always listening. I've found this out the hard way a few times. But that's a good thing, and it's the thing most people outside of radio don't understand. We have rules; we can't do whatever we want.
9. As a kid growing up, what was your favorite radio station? Jock?
My favorite station was G101-3 - WFMG, my current employer. G was always everywhere, and the jocks were genuine. The station played great music, the jocks pushed the limit to be hip and fun. They put on lots of community events and they were THE station. I remember calling into my now PD's show and him putting me on LIVE at 14 and I would tell him "I'm going to be a radio DJ someday," they supported it and made it happen. Working for this station, seven years in -- it's awesome to see kids like me and know they too could start here and make radio their dream.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Rick Duncan -- My PD has taught me almost everything I know. Rick's knowledge in broadcasting is vast, just like his knowledge of useless facts. Rick is one of those jocks who you just instantly click with and can carry a conversation. I've always been amazed by his ability to be the ringleader and calm something back down or fire it back up on air, per se. His production work is killer, too. He's a solid PD and an amazing radio personality. Plus his German accent is the best thing I've ever heard ... and I always cry laughing.
Dave Snow -- Dave was the jock who I shadowed when training; he was also there during my first night on the air. He's got a killer voice and knows how to use it. He was always coming up with crazy stunts and amazing promotions that listeners ate up. Dave was a great mentor to me and being one with the community and being noticed as the local jock. I speak in past tense, because his love for community lead him to become Mayor.
Jessica Leigh -- Hands down, an all-around talented jock. She's since hung up her headphones, but her infectious laugh and great voice made for good radio. A lot of my on-air attitude and persona relates to Jessica, the off-the-wall, over-the-top ... sometime ditzy jock who relates to listeners. She had a great way of making people laugh and making someone feel like a friend.
John Rose -- The man with the golden pipes. John is a production genius, from his writing skills to the little things we sometimes forget about in production. John is the kind of jock who makes you realize it's more than a job. He's a 30-plus-year veteran who lives and breathes the job and goes out of his way to make sure things are done the right way. He's also very connected and well respected in the Winchester community he's been broadcasting in.
Bonus Questions
What was the first concert that you ever attended? Best concert?
My first concert was Jason Aldean with my sister. I was in 8th grade, and I remember calling my girlfriend at the time and playing "Big Green Tractor" for her. I'd say the best concert I've ever been to would be a three-way tie. Great company with me when I saw Def Leppard and REO Speedwagon, being a little tipsy with friends and great music made for a great time. Then seeing Queen w/ Adam Lambert in Chicago with one of my co-workers ... talk about wow. Recently I saw Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, John Anderson and the Bellamy Brothers and the show amazed me. Talk about mad talent, ... looking at you, John Anderson.
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