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10 Questions with ... Chad Blake
August 15, 2006
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NAME:Chad BlakeTITLE:Assistant OM/MD/NightsSTATIONS:Jones Radio Networks Hot AC format - NationwideMARKET:Denver, COCOMPANY:Jones Radio NetworksBORN:Carroll, IARAISED:Ottumwa, IA (hometown of comedian Tom Arnold)
Please outline your radio career so far:
KLEE/KOTM Ottumwa, IA
KSTZ Des Moines
KCCQ Des Moines
KMXV/KSRC Kansas City
WCVQ Clarksville, TN
WJLQ Pensacola
Jones Radio Networks Denver1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first radio job was working for a local radio station owner in Ottumwa, IA where I grew up. His name was Tom Palen. I used to pull newswire, file carts and cd's, pour his coffee. I did that for a while on his AM Country KLEE. When I turned 15 he put me on the air doing weekend work on his FM Top 40 KOTM. My early influences were guys I grew up listening to on the Top 40 out of Des Moines, Q102. Lee Martin, Phil Crowley, and Jonathan Drake.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I used to sit outside the giant Q102 boom box at the Iowa State Fair. I'd spend hours watching the jocks do shows from there. I just knew I wanted to do that. I used to set up a "fake radio station" in my parent's basement and pretend to be Phil Crowley. My mom would give me a weekly allowance to buy the latest cassette singles for my station!
3) How do you position the station musically and why did you choose this direction?
Well, our Hot AC format is carried NATIONALLY in roughly 100 markets. My boss, Jon Holiday and I look at our research weekly. We're never afraid to go early on a record from a CORE artist like a Kelly Clarkson, Rob Thomas, No Doubt, etc. But, we're not exactly breaking new artists or unfamiliar songs. When you're catering to as many stations as we do, you've got to be playing HITS. I think Jon Holiday and I have a great "gut instinct" when it comes to making those decisions with the Hot AC format.
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
I absolutely love Denver! My beloved Broncos are HERE! Seriously though, I'm not looking to leave anytime soon. I've got a great gig and a wonderful boss in Jon Holiday whom I have a great chemistry and work relationship with. I want to continue growing within JRN! This company just "beams" with talented people.
5) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
Hot AC is a strange animal right now. Scheduling it is more of a battle, too. You've got the crossover Rascal Flatts, and Keith Urban from the Country format. Then you're playing the Top 40 stuff from Shakira and Rhianna. All mixed in with the Hot AC staples like Rob Thomas and No Doubt. It can be a challenge at times for Jon and I to balance the format. This is where our "research" really plays a BIG KEY for us.
6) If you are voice tracking shifts or syndicating for stations outside of your market, how do you get familiar with that marketplace/community?
That's a really tough question. When you're catering to 100 markets, it's a daily challenge to interact with your audience, yet make it sound "local." I think you find "topics" or day-to-day things that you do in your life that everyone can relate to. Share those things with your audience.
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
I've got a few. Race Taylor at WPLJ, NY. Dylan Sprague WWWQ, Atlanta. JT The Brick, Fox Sports Radio in LA. Dave Michaels KVOO, Tulsa. Truckin' Tom Kent, TKO Radio Network.
8) In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?
This past year, I'd say "Our Last Night" by Better Than Ezra. Friggin' HIT!
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
I try to always treat people with respect and courtesy. Just like everyone, I will have my bad days! But, if I'm in the wrong I will always make an attempt to take responsibility for my actions or mistakes.
I've also learned that you're never too old to grow and learn in this business. I learn something new everyday that I go into work. Jon Zellner taught me a very wise lesson when I was working for him in Kansas City. He said, "The day you're able to listen to yourself on the air or look at the duties you have and see NOTHING WRONG is the day you truly do need to leave the business." We all have room for growth!
10) What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?
Honestly? Ok! I was doing a remote when I worked in Pensacola. We're at a club, and some drunk guy comes stumbling over to the table. I assumed he wanted a t-shirt, cd, bumper sticker, right? He says to me quote: "Man, I've been watching you a lot tonight." "Do YOU know who you look like?" "JOHN WAYNE GACY!" JOHN WAYNE GACY! Yes! The serial killer from Chicago! Geez.....
Bonus Questions
What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
I'd have to pick 3 shows! All 3 were at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Huey Lewis and the News/Chicago - Rob Thomas/Jewel - Michael McDonald/Steely Dan.
What do you do in your spare time?
I've been spending a ton of time at Dove Valley for Denver Bronco's training camp. During the NFL season I'll be at Invesco Field going to games or watching the away games at my buddy/JRN production guy's house, Mike Wilson!
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