10 Questions with ... Kelly Martinez

NAME:Kelly Martinez TITLE:PD STATIONS:KLLP Star 98.5 MARKET:Pocatello, Idaho COMPANY:Gap West Broadcasting BORN:9/18/67 Pocatello, Idaho RAISED:Pocatello, Idaho

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I've always had a love and passion for music every since I can remember.

2) How would you describe your first radio gig?

It scared the hell out of me. I was handed a pair of headphones and being told we go live in 30 seconds, and I had never talked live on the radio before. Once I started talking it was an adrenaline rush that I've been addicted to ever since.

3) What is your biggest challenge working at this station?

Being one guy to run a station is tough. I love the challenge though. If you succeed, or if you fail then there's no finger pointing. It gives you a better understanding of your station all the way around from top to bottom.

4) How do you keep tabs on the competition? When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?

I have the competitors on a radio on my studio and check stations periodically. If they attack my station then they must think we're worth the time to go after and we scare them. That means we're doing something right. If you're a great station, you don't need to say it. It will speak for itself. Listeners know when you're full of crap.

5) What will convince you to play a song that you feel isn't right for the station?

The old saying is that "If it's a hit, then it's a hit." It's not my station. It's the listener's station. My station belongs to them. If it charts well in my format then I will play it regardless of my personal feelings toward the song. I think that's where you can get into trouble with your station as a programmer.

6) How often do you listen to your station when you are away from the office?

I listen all the time. I feel the only way to truly connect with your station is to listen to it outside the office to truly get a perspective of it from a listener's standpoint. Plus I have a teenage daughter and that helps!

7) How have the recent FCC regulations impacted the way you program your music and the station's dialogue on the air? What are your feelings about these recent changes?

It doesn't bother me. I feel you can be compelling and entertaining without being blue or obscene. Bill Cosby is a great example. As far as music goes, if the song absolutely has to be vulgar and have the obscenities to be a hit, how good is it? Listeners will like the song whether it is edited or not. If they want the song in unedited, they'll purchase the album.

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

I was having a conversation with my brother over the air on a Rock station. I said a few naughty words. I think it was around 40 of them. My mom called and said "Hey dumb a**!! Your microphone is on!" No listeners called the station. Thanks mom!

9) 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?

Eventually I believe they have to come to sort of compromise.

10) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve? I'd like to improve on everything.

Always strive for more and to be the best. Never be satisfied. It makes you complacent and lazy.

1) Favorite artist you have met?

Steven Tyler was an amazing individual and the most entertaining conversation I ever had with a celebrity.

2) In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?

Imagine, by John Lennon. The song is a timeless hit.

3) Cat or Dog person?

Pound for pound a cat will kick a dogs butt. Have you ever seen a 100 pound cat? I'll take the cat.