10 Questions with ... Todd Haller

NAME:Todd Haller TITLE:MD/Morning Show Producer of the syndicated show 'Bob and Sheri' STATIONS:WLNK & Bob and Sheri MARKET:Charlotte, NC (Morning show is nationally syndicated) COMPANY:Lincoln Financial Media BORN:July 5, 1970 in Patchogue, NY RAISED:Phoenix, AZ

Please outline your radio career so far:

Too Long to remember...
Sunny 107.9 in Charlotte, NC - Overnight DJ
WEDJ/Charlotte NC - Late Nights
WCHZ/Augusta, GA.- APD/Morning Show Host
WCHZ/Kansas City, KS- APD/Morning Show Host
WLLC/Charleston, SC - PD/Afternoons
WLNK/Charlotte, NC - MD/Morning Show Producer

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

I was the overnight jock for Sunny in Charlotte, NC. One of my biggest influences was Dave Pratt on KUPD in Phoenix, AZ. I would tape his morning show and listen to them over and over. I think that was the beginning of my downfall. Ha!

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

If my father had his way I would've finished my last six credits in college and would've have pursued the my interest in teaching History.

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

Our station stands out from any other station in the market because we're a Talk based Hot AC. We focus more on lifestyle entertainment with great shows and fill in the blanks with hit music. No one else is doing it in the market, and those who have tried haven't had the success we have achieved.

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

Alternative.

5) 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?

We've stayed consistent on programming music since the new regulations have come down. Where we have had to make adjustments is with our shows. Our hosts now have to pull back a little more instead of walking that line like we would a few years ago. This has been a challenge in the beginning, but it's turned out to make the host even stronger because they've had to rely on their talent and creativity.

6) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?

I was hosting the Mardi Gras party at Fat Tuesday's in Augusta, GA and a riot broke out as we were tossing beads to the crowd. I was also on the bar singing Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Suck My Kiss" with the house band. I didn't get arrested, but I did get a time out in the back of a police car.

7) How much time do you spend surfing the net?

All morning while producing the show. We're constantly pulling material and hitting with updates.

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

Nickelback. Hate to say it but the boys totally get the rockstar thing. They know who they're playing to and they make no bones about it!

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

We just completed a charitable event with Bob and Sheri in conjunction with World Vision. We had over 650 children that were in dire need to get sponsored by our listeners. This was the biggest turnout World Vision has ever had during a radio-thon.

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

You always have to redefine yourself. When you feel it's getting stale then it is!

1) Favorite artist you have met?

Paul Stanley. I'm part of the Kiss Army!

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

When I first started out I was running the taped Christmas music. While we were in a stop set I began to cue the reel-to-reel (this item may be foreign to most people now) up while the pot was still on. So you could hear it going back and forth. The PD called to tell me what a great job I was doing but I might want to shut the pot off while I did that.

3) What do you like best about your job? Least?

The hours...and the hours!

4) What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?

"The Amazing Race." My friend is dying for us to audition to do it! I just think we would kill each other by the time we got the second challenge.