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10 Questions with ... Maynard
May 30, 2006
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NAME:MaynardTITLE:PDMARKET:SpokaneCOMPANY:KXLY BroadcastingBORN:October 4th, 1977 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaRAISED:Los Angeles
Please outline your radio career so far:
KQKQ (SWEET 98)/Omaha, NE [Now Q-98]
Waitt Radio Networks/Omaha, NE
KCTY/Omaha, NE - Afternoons 1999 -2003.
KDUK/Eugene, OR - MD/Nights - 2003
KKRZ/Portland, OR - APD/MD/Nights 2003-2005,
KEZE (WIRED 96.9) and KZZU (92.9 ZZU)Spokane, OR 2005-Present1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
It was my Mom! She must of thought I was having too much fun in life. She said I should go get a job in TV or at a radio station. I was on the night show with Joey Lager at Sweet 98. We had a hydraulic lift that raised us 10 feet in the air to the control board. He put me in front of the board, blasted the bass, and let me push some buttons. That's all it took; I caught it! I knew I didn't want to do anything else!!!
2) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
"CONNECTING" We all try and do it and very few do. Programmers are still programming to listeners of 20 years ago. What it took to win in the 90's just won't work today! Too many people are playing it safe. Look at great musical acts that have lasted for multiple decades; they change as we change! We must do the same! Cutting edge, innovative, out of the box thinkers, these need to be the bedrock for the next wave of programmers. We will make plenty of mistakes, but we must try if we intend on connecting with people to keep this medium on the forefront.
3) What has been the station's biggest accomplishment?
Flipping a #1 18-34 heritage Top 40 station, and in under six months we bounced back to #2 with women 18-49, #2 women 18-34, and #1 women 18-49 in morning drive. We have revitalized the signal and grabbed the upper demos as well!!
4) What led to your station's recent ratings increase?
I have the most unbelievable staff!!!! I always say it's not as much about the person developing the plan as much as it is the people chosen to execute the plan. Recently, I have been blessed with both!
5) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
Six months ago, The Fray would not have a shot going Top 10 at Top 40! Something is changing and I love it. This is a great time for stations trying to pull the Rhythmic audience. The music as a whole is not as strong. I believe that there are records being spun today that would not even be on the chart a year ago, but then again, there are Pop and Rock [records] on the chart that wouldn't be on the chart a year ago either.
6) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
I'm kinda feeling the new Star in L.A. The package sounds pretty good and I think that station is going to hit hard. I love KQKQ in Omaha. Nevin has done a phenomenal job of transitioning a heritage Top 40 into a Modern AC. Which is exactly what I'm trying to do here. Other than that, always loved KROQ growing up and still do!!!
7) Have you listened to Sirius or XM yet? How does it compare to what we're doing on the commercial side?
I had XM...the funny thing was I cancelled it because I got sick of hearing the same songs over and over again. Yet I program Top 40..HMMM????
8) How do you keep tabs on the competition? When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?
I really don't keep tabs or care. I rarely (if ever) listen to the competition. My company, staff, and I have created a vision...a plan! It's the competitors job to prove the plan faulty. So far they haven't done that. If they do we'll re-group and develop a different plan of attack. I am all about benefiting the listener, not getting caught up in the web of drama that some stations bring to the table.
9) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Pay attention! I pay attention everywhere! In the grocery store, driving with people, walking down the streets, I'm always studying the patterns of people.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
"What goes around...comes around!"
Bonus Questions
Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________.
Mediabase
How do you stay in tune with your audience?
I've got the whole city bugged!
What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?
In Portland, my night show did the "Streak of the Week." Every week we would take votes and streak one high school football game. Stunt Boy "Powda" got taken out by 3 security guards and the football team. When PD Brian Bridgman went to bail him out, his car got towed. BEST BIT, BEST AUDIO EVER!!!! Unfortunately the GM didn't think so! Half naked Stunt Boy getting arrested - $950 Getting car out of impound - $250, Community service - 90 hours...my demo tape - PRICELESS!!!
Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
Brotha Fred!!!! What up dog? Someone put this guy on PM Drive in a major market!!!! Please!
What do you enjoy most about music scheduling?
Hitting F2 ;)
Your radio or records dream gig?
I want to do A&R for a major label!!!
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