10 Questions with ... Stacey K

NAME:Stacey K TITLE:Middays/Production STATIONS:The New Mix 104.9 MARKET:Santa Rosa, CA COMPANY:Maverick Media BORN:Early '70s...Right here in Santa Rosa RAISED:Uhhh...Santa Rosa. I'm seeing a pattern!

Please outline your radio career so far:

My radio career has been a unique combination of moving from station to station while remaining "stationary." How, you ask? Well, I was with Wine Country Radio in (of all places) Santa Rosa (...shocking) doing overnights on their AAA, then mornings, then middays, then they acquired more stations, and I did shifts on the AAA, Classic Hits, and Top 40 station all at once. I remember competing against myself for midday numbers. (My AAA show against my top 40 show). Needless to say... I won.

It gets a little complicated after that, so I'll summarize... I did every shift on every English speaking station they owned plus Promotions and Production Manager and PD of the Variety Hits station at some point during my illustrious career there. Got tired...moved to Maverick Media. Or as I like to call it..."Maverick Mediaaahhhh." Hahaha!

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

I was that onw person in 25,000 that LIKED commercials, so I decided that I wanted to make them, and the job I really, really wanted..."This movie has been rated 'R' by the Motion Picture Association of America..." [etc.]. I wanted to be that woman. Remember her??? Oh, yeah. So, I got into radio, and I loved it, but the defining moment was when I started doing mornings. Oh, I'd loved it up 'til then, but after that, I was addicted. (shake shake)

2) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

The safe, cookie cutter radio will be our downfall. That's great for some stations, but stations that don't take chances, play it safe, and deliver the same content as everyone else IS an issue. We've all become so afraid to offend, that our industry is suffering. Where's the entertainment? Corporate, out of area decision-making and micro-management are the biggest issues.

3) How do you position the station musically and why did you choose this direction?

Actually, this was all the work of my PD Danny Wright. We say "The New Mix 104.9...The best variety of the 80's, 90's and now" 'cuz he cannot tell a lie.

4) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

Our station is unique because my PD has the freedom to make the station what he thinks it should be, and he's one of the best in the business in my opinion. Our GM understands that you hire people you trust and let them do their job. That seems to be unique in business these days, not just radio. Our market is unique not only because the San Francisco market bleed in to ours, but also because Sonoma County is such a unique place...I mean, have you been here? We're all freaks in one way or another!

5) If you are wearing more hats this year than last, what area is suffering and how are you handling that?

This time last year I was PD, Production Director, middays on the Top 40, and afternoons on the Variety station. I hung up a few hats, and it feels great. My performance is much better all around. I'm not drained, I'm not as stressed, and ultimately can deliver a better product because of it.

6) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?

My boyfriend works at a music store, so I glean a lot of info from him, I check out VH1, some MTV, and I glance at the magazines.

7) How have music file sharing services affected the way you program to your audience?

Although I don't program, I think that downloading is something that can, and needs to be accepted by the radio industry. Yes, people download, but chances are they heard it on the radio first, and while downloading may affect CD sales for a while, I think people will start to miss all the extras you get by purchasing a CD with a booklet, and info on the artists, lyrics, etc.

8) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

I've got Muse, Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magic, The New Damien Rice, a mix CD that I made of Retro songs, and Wolfmother. I find it very difficult to sit through a full CD, so I like to put random stuff together, and shuffle!

9) What gets you upset at work and how do you channel your anger?

People volunteering me for stuff without asking makes me maaaaaad! I turn green and break stuff. Then I feel better.

10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

It's always better when you're yourself. Be real, and people won't be able to tune out.

1) Do you have any good stalker stories? Misty requests? "Fatal Attractions?"

Yeah. This guy Ray kept bringing me loaves of day old bread. Lots and lots of bread...like five a day.

2) Have you explored launching an HD Radio channel?

Nah.

3) What is your favorite TV show?

The Office.

4) What is your favorite TV Commercial?

It's kinda old, but I thought the one where the cable installer installs a couple's cable, and the wife thanks him and hugs him...and hugs him for an uncomfortably long time. The husband clears his throat, as if saying, "enough", and so she moves, and then the husband jumps in and thanks him and starts hugging him.