10 Questions with ... Stephen Michael Kerr

NAME:Stephen Michael Kerr TITLE:APD/Afternoons STATIONS:KKMJ Majic 95.5 MARKET:Austin, TX COMPANY:Entercom BORN:February 4, 1962, Houston, TX RAISED:Both Houston and Austin

Please outline your radio career so far:

KKMJ (Majic 95.5) 1990-Present

I've been totally blind since birth, but I never allowed that to get in the way of having dreams, and living them. I graduated from high school in the top 15% of my class, obtained a B.A. from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. I have been in radio for over 25 years, doing everything from Sports reporting, News and Traffic, to my current position as afternoon air talent and APD. I'm married with two children: a 15-year-old son, and a daughter who's about to start college this fall.

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I knew from the time my parents gave me my first radio at age six that I wanted to be on the radio. It just fascinated me that people could play music and talk through this little speaker, and I wanted to be like them.

2) How would you describe your first radio gig?

I got my first gig when I was 19 and still in college. It was at a 700 watt, non-commercial station that played contemporary Christian music. The studios were in a shack in back of a house, and the transmitter was a 1940's-type with tubes, and it was about as big as the room it was situated in, which was right down the hall from the studio. But, I gained lots of valuable experience, and I will always be grateful to the owners who gave me the chance to launch my career.

3) Who were your early influences?

I grew up in the late 60's listening to Steve Lundy on KILT (The Big 610) in Houston, when AM Top 40 was in vogue. In the 1970's, it was Barry Kaye and his craziness on KRBE that made me wish that I was in the studio having fun with him.

4) Why would someone listen to your station instead of listening to music on their iPod?

Our station has always been known for live and local programming: traffic reports, severe weather updates, involvement in community events, etc. You can't get that from an iPod.

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

Coaching talent. One of my responsibilities as APD is working with our part-time staff and critiquing their shows. I like to pass along the wisdom that others have given to me.

6) How do you stay in tune with your audience?

I try to relate to what they're doing while I'm on the air. Since I mainly do afternoons, I picture myself sitting in their cubicle with them, riding in their car as they battle traffic, and coming home to get dinner on the table and get the evening going.

7) Tell us what music we would find on your I-Pod right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

If I used my music collection on a commercial radio station, the PD would be hotlining me every five minutes. I listen To Classic Country, AC, Jazz, Blues, Oldies, Classical, Classic Rock... Everything except for Rap and Heavy Metal.

8) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

Our "Majic of Christmas Toy Drive" has been a hit for years. We do tons of remotes and live broadcasts during our Christmas format. We collect toys for needy families, and in some years, have held a party where we give the toys to the children directly. It is so rewarding to know you're helping families who are having a tough time, and who will have a brighter holiday because of you.

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

While working part-time at an oldies station, my song ran out, I pushed the button to start the next one, but nothing happened. I must have fumbled around for a good 10 minutes trying to figure out why nothing was playing. The PD, who lived about 10 minutes from the station, walked in, calmly reached over, and turned up the pot that controlled the tape machines playing the music; it had been down the whole time. Talk about a brain freeze! I thought for sure I'd get fired over that one, but I went full-time with that station several months later, so I guess they decided to cut me some slack.

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

Learn as many different aspects of radio as possible; be versatile. The more duties you're good at, the better your chance of being kept when budget cuts start coming.

1) How did you get your on-air name?

I used part of my real name (Steve Kerr) for years. When I began doing the "Love Songs Show" on Majic (which I hosted for five years) it was suggested by my PD that I use my full name, Stephen Michael Kerr, because it was so different, and I haven't stopped using it since.

2) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?

Nolan Cruise, who worked here at Majic over 20 years as a PD or air talent, has one of the smoothest deliveries I've ever heard. He's also been one of my biggest supporters, and is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.

3) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?

I saw R.E.O. Speedwagon when they came to Austin last year. I'm always apprehensive about seeing artists who have been around for decades, because you never know if they can still do it or not. But they put on a fabulous show, and I really enjoyed it!

4) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I drove a car once. For most people, that's an everyday event, unless you're totally blind like myself. I drove around in a mall parking late one Christmas Eve night, and even did a figure-eight around a sign post, at the blazing speed of 17 mph. A friend of mine sat in the passenger seat and told me when to turn and stop, while her teenage daughter sat in the back videotaping the whole thing. I still have the tape.