10 Questions with ... Jerry Kidd

NAME:Jerry Kidd TITLE:PD STATIONS:KSII (93.1 KISS-FM) MARKET:El Paso, TX COMPANY:Regent Broadcasting BORN:Binghamton, NY RAISED:Binghamton, NY

Please outline your radio career so far:

WGRG/Binghamton, NY - Board Op (sometime in the Early 90's)
WAAL/Binghamton, NY - Board Op/ Weekends (sometime in the 90's)
WBHT/Scranton, PA - Swing/ Weekends (sometime in the 90's)
WWHT/Syracuse, NY - Swing Weekends (sometime around the Millennium)
WMRV/Binghamton, NY - Nights (00-01)
WWYL/Binghamton, NY - Nights/ MD (01-02)
KNDE/Bryan/ College Station, TX - Afternoons/ APD/MD (02-04)
WHKF/Harrisburg, PA - Afternoons/ APD/MD (04-05)
KMCK-KBBQ/Fayetteville, AR - Afternoons/ PD (05-07)
KSII/El Paso, TX - Afternoons/ PD ('07 to present)

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

Annoying the Morning DJ's at WMRV in the early 90's. They finally let me intern when I was in high school which led to a job running NASCAR races on the AM! It's still fun to hear the name "Dick Trickle."

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

I was in high school when I had my first air shift. A really attractive girl started paying attention to me because of it. That was the end for me man! I was hooked on this thing...come to think of it, I saw her on MySpace recently. I think she works at some place called "The Desert Passion?" Wonder what that is?

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Yes. But I would bring boots. They are easier to clean the bull-sh$% off of!

4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I'm sure I would be in waist management (and not the "Tony Soprano" waist management).

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

"Que?" El Paso is 90% Hispanic. There's only like 7 English stations, all the rest are en Espanol. With two Rhythmic and no Mainstreams, we are the ONLY Pop outlet in the market.

7) Have you explored launching an HD Radio channel?

We are going HD in a few weeks. HD2? I want "HD1" first.

8) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?

(This answer is in no way associated with adds or increased airplay). None of these words will be given out to station employees...let me get my GM's signature on this....

9) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

Rhythmic AC. I think that format is here to stay.

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

"Atom Smasher" and "Billy the Kidd" at KISS in Dallas. Two of the bests Jock in the country. Also, that new night guy on MOViN' in Dallas is pretty good! :)

1) Who is your best friend in the business?

I have a few:

JJ (KADEN) at Movin' in Dallas- We went to High School together and some how we both ended up in this crazy biz.

Michael McCoy at WNCI Columbus- He has taught me more than he knows.

Mark Pollitt - He is by far one of the best managers/consultants I have ever met. (Cumulus doesn't know what they let get away).

Chris Baker at KKEG in Fayetteville - Just because his calls are "KKEG."

2) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?

I'd like to see more cow bell. Gotta have more cow bell!