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10 Questions with ... Chris Roberts
November 10, 2008
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NAME:Chris RobertsTITLE:PDSTATIONS:KLTG 96.5 The BeachMARKET:Corpus Christi, TXCOMPANY:Tejas BroadcastingBORN:Cincinnati, OHRAISED:Cincinnati, OH
Please outline your radio career so far:
Ohio Center For Broadcasting - Class of 1996
WKRQ (Q102)/Cincinnati, OH - Air talent - 1997-1999
KLTG (96.5 The Beach)/Corpus Christi, TX - Middays/Asst. to the PD - 1999 to 2004
KLTG (96.5 The Beach)/Corpus Christi, TX - Production Director/Middays - 2005-2006
KLTG (96.5 The Beach)/Corpus Christi, TX - Mornings - 2007 -2008
KLTG (96.5 The Beach)/Corpus Christi, TX - 2008 to last Friday - PD/middays1) Who were your early influences?
If you're talking radio influences and who I still hear talking to me in my head like it was the first day? That would be Jimmy Steal (my 1st air check OMG!), Race Taylor, Brian Douglas and without a doubt...JRod who is still a very good friend! I've always tried to learn something from everyone that I have worked with, so I know there are a few more I could list.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
For me, it's always been about the passion for music. I started off as a singer. I sang lead vocals with several Cincinnati bands throughout the years. I moved to Los Angeles and played with some bands on the Sunset Strip for a while. Eventually I moved back to Cincinnati, but I'd always loved radio even as a kid, even to the point where I would go to radio stations to see what I would have to do to get in the business. Then I went to college for broadcasting, and got an internship.
3) Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
My "this is it" moment probably came to me at a "One Earth Party" at Q102. The last one Q had. I think there were 60,000 people at a free show that featured several bands on one stage including The Barenaked Ladies, Sister Hazel, Paula Cole and others. Being in the middle of so many people, and with all those artists backstage it was thrilling to say the least. But later, I had to pull board-op duties while the jocks did live breaks from the show. All I can say, is WOW! Running a tight board, making the jocks sound good hearing the station I grew up with...being a part of that magic and making it happen!! Those were good times! It's hard to ever forget an experience like that.
4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
My interests have always been art/drawing, cars, and music. I've also had training as a mechanical draftsman.
5) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
The most important issue facing radio today is finding the balance between having a successful productive entertaining on-air show, along with the other responsibilities we all have in the business. We're all multi-tasking so it's hard to focus on any one project these days.
6) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I think I heard it first from someone in my family, "it's been a long row to hoe". Yes!
7) What's been the biggest difference from being a jock and being a PD?
My number one concern is what is on the air and what's coming out of the speakers. If your mind is somewhere else, you're not winning the battle.
8) Besides your own, what format would you like to program and why?
I would love to work in the Rock format, because I have a lot of passion for that genre of music. And coming from that background as a performer, that guitar oriented sound is a passion for me. While that's my passion, I'd also be open to doing other formats like Top 40, Country, AC or others.
9) What is your vision for the future of radio?
I think people have always tried to put radio in the crosshairs and plan its demise. Remember when MTV was supposed to "Kill The Radio Star?" Ha! Look where they are now! Radio's future depends on great personalities, who are local, local, local! That's where radio will win.
10) Now that you'll be leaving Corpus Christi to return to your home town of Cincinnati, What are your plans for the future?
I've enjoyed working here with Kent Cooper and Clayton Allen and the entire crew. I'm returning home to be closer to my family, but I'm looking forward to my next opportunity in radio wherever that path may lead me. I want to continue to learn more and grow with the industry. I've never worried, and I've never looked back!
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