10 Questions with ... Chad Blake

NAME:Chad Blake TITLE:Asst. OM/MD/Nights STATIONS:Hot AC Satellite Format MARKET:Denver, CO (carried Nationally) COMPANY:Jones Radio Networks BORN:Carroll, Iowa RAISED:Ottumwa, Iowa

Please outline your radio career so far:

KSTZ/Des Moines, IA - '96-'98
KCCQ/Des Moines/Ames, IA - '98-'99
KMXV/Kansas City, MO - '99-2001
WCVQ/Clarksville, KY - 2001-2002
WJLQ/Pensacola, FL - 2002-2003
Jones Radio Networks/Denver - 2003-present

1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?

I remember being 19, and finding the "courage" to call Jon Zellner at KMXV/Kansas City back in '99. At the time, I was doing nights/music director at KCCQ (Hot 105) in Des Moines/Ames, IA. I was extremely "green" on the air! But, Jon gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I learned so much!

For the first six months, I commuted four hours to Kansas City from Ames, IA to do an overnight shift and THEN drove back home! Now, that's dedication!

2) Who do you consider your radio mentor(s)?

Jon Zellner (VP of Programming - XM Radio, Washington DC), Dylan Sprague (PD - KALC, Denver, CO), and Jon Holiday (Senior Director of Programming - JRN, Denver)

3) What is your biggest challenge working at Jones Radio?

To sound "local" (even though you're not). You're definitely challenged to prep a lot better. Obviously, I can't talk directly about the Matchbox Twenty show that's "tonight" in the Charlotte, NC market carrying my show. That would sound odd to the other 80+ affiliates! I feel challenged every night to relate to and entertain my audience.

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

I love getting that "raw reaction" from the audience toward a song they're extremely passionate about (Finger Eleven "Paralyzer" for example). We flew listeners into Denver for the John Mayer show at Red Rocks last summer. Just seeing the "excitement/disbelief" on our listeners faces when meeting John Mayer! That's the best part of my job!

5) What is the biggest misconception about Jones Radio Network?

"You guys are ALL voice tracked, right?"

As a matter of fact, many of the JRN satellite formats are "live 24/7" with a jock pushing his or her own buttons. Jones Radio Networks proudly caters to 48 million listeners weekly through our satellite formats, jock prep and other services! Whether it's affiliates in large markets such as Nashville, TN or small markets in the Heartland of America; we offer major market air talent and programming tools.

6) What do you like best about working in the Hot AC format?

I completely eat, sleep and breathe the Hot AC format! I think when you're "smack in the middle" of everything, attending all the concerts, building friendships with the artists, hanging where the audience is, etc. This is all incredible stuff that can do nothing but help build the product and programming it, too.

7) Most of us have known or even worked for a "colorful" air talent. Care to share a story? (The names can be changed to protect the innocent).

I worked at a radio station where we "employed" a guy (very briefly) who didn't like to follow the music log. He used to sneak CD's in from his collection at home. Realize, we're a Hot AC - he kicked off the "Friday 5pm Hour" with...........ready?

Delbert McClinton "Giving It Up For Your Love"! I nearly had a heart attack - then I technically did after he dry segued into Puddle Of Mudd "Blurry."

8) What advice would you give people new to the business?

Multitask! The more you offer an employer, the more valuable you're going to be!

9) If you are currently a Music Director, or on-air talent, do you have an interest in one day becoming a Program Director?

Absolutely! In the past four years at JRN, I've continued to move up the programming ladder. My ultimate goal is to eventually take over the day-to-day OM duties for Hot AC!

10) Your radio or records dream gig?

I'm living it! Honestly, I've got the best gig in the world!

1) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?

Race Taylor (WPLJ - NY) Absolute amazing talent!

2) Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

I'm a huge Rick Springfield fan! It would be tough to find a better "live show", too. I've seen Rick about five times in concert. He's a super great person, too. First class individual!

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

At KMXV/Kansas City back in 2000, I was on the air late one Saturday night, and some thugs with baseball bats tried to break in the studio window! My first call? (No, not the KC Police) I called JON ZELLNER in bed at home!

His exact words - "Call the police, buddy; what the hell are you calling me for?