10 Questions with ... The Hitman

NAME:The Hitman TITLE:MD/afternoons STATIONS:KHKZ MARKET:McAllen-Brownsville, TX COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:Abilene, TX RAISED:McAllen, TX

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

When I was 12 years old, I heard Bob Perry on KRGV (AM 1240)/McAllen and I never looked back! Bob Perry was a huge influence on me.

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

Our listeners are very different than the listeners up north because we also broadcast across the Mexican border. Matamoros Mexico just across the border has about a million people! We just do our best to cater to our listeners and we give them what they want.

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

Programmers are interested to catering to the listener and making them happy. On the other hand, management wants to see sales. If you can find the balance, then everyone is happy.

4) What are your thoughts on the recent People Meter controversy?

It's hard enough to get people to fill out a diary. What's going to get them to carry a beeper? There also seems to be a disconnect between the formats. Mainstream Top 40 and Rhythmic is popular with the diaries, and Country, AC and Rock is popular using the People Meter. The only way to get a precise reading is by going door to door and asking the questions. We won't hold our breath for that.

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

I think it's still good. It hasn't really changed much. As long as everyone fills out the paperwork and keeps their nose clean there shouldn't be any problems. And now, there are less record reps to cover each region. I feel bad for them because now they have twice the work load.

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

Research, research, and research. Just give the people what they want.

7) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?

Right now, it would be KHMX/Houston, TX. I love Sam Malone in the morning!

8) What impact will the firing of Talk show Host Imus have on radio and the media in general?

None, because he's back on the air now. Down here we're already very conservative about what we say on the air anyway.

9) How are you using new music technologies to work with the music you program on your station, in production, and in your personal life?

The only difference between now and yester-year is that we use less CDs. If I can find it on MP3 I can do anything with that file! If I can only find it on CD then I'll just have to listen to it in my car.

Software has made my life easier. I use Adobe Addition for editing and production.

Voice-tracking used to bother me, but not anymore. I know some people have lost their jobs due to voice-tracking. But now the work load has doubled for the people who are left. We get more done in less time. Hate saying that, but that's the truth. I will always prefer live radio, but now that we have more duties these days with more stations it has become necessary in some cases.

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

Hard work always pays off. Always give 200% or you won't get anywhere.

1) Tell us what music we would find on your I-Pod right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

Believe it or not, I don't own an iPod. If you have an iPod, then a jock is out of a job. But in my CD player, I have Cold, "Age Of The Spider," Disturbed "Believe," and a lot of comedy CDs like Gabrielle Iglesias, and Lisa Lampanelli.

2) What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?

I did a remote at a Verizon Wireless store with my daughtrer and my dog. It was hot and my daughter wet down the dog to cool him off . Then he jumped on my lap, so it looked like I pissed myself. I had to stand behind things all day to hide it.

3) Favorite artist you have met?

The nicest artist I've met is Emerson Hart. He was very genuine. I wish all artists were this courteous to radio. One time I escorted an artist around town (who will remain nameless), and he kept calling me "driver" from the back seat of the car. I was tempted to let him out and walk to the gig!

4) What do you do in your spare time?

Work, eat, and Sleep.