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10 Questions with ... Chris Zito
December 5, 2006
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NAME:Chris ZitoTITLE:Morning Show HostSTATIONS:104.5 XLOMARKET:Worcester, MaCOMPANY:CitadelBORN:June 22, Johnstown, Pa.RAISED:Johnstown
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
WZOU in Boston on the "JR in the Morning Show." I was the comic on the show. JR taught me how to do what I'm doing now.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I was doing stand-up, and I loved going in to do the spots on morning radio. All over the country, morning guys would be amazed at how awake and prepared I was. I loved it.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes. Except sooner. I missed a lot of fun before corporate radio!
4) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
Worcester is a REAL shadow market. Boston stations boom in here and we have a monster signal that's heard great in the city. I'm competing with those guys. I've only worked in Boston and Detroit before this and I thought working in such a small market would be very different. It would be, if not for our OM, Jaybeau Jones. He has the major market chops to help keep us sounding big! (and to keep AE's from strolling into the studio uninvited)
5) How often do you air-check your own shows? Is it mandatory that you run tape everyday? Also, can you honestly critique yourself?
I put a tape in on the way home once a week or so. I run tape everyday. Cause, well, you never know.
6) 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?
I got away with a lot more before Janet Jackson's boob popped out. It's hard to host a morning show when you're afraid to call the comedy sidekick a "dumb ass." That's a staple!!!
7) What gets you upset at work and how do you channel your anger?
When people don't concentrate in the studio. A fun vibe is important, but it's vital to stay in performance mode through the last break. When I see it I start asking questions about the next break or the next hour, just to get everybody sitting up again.
8) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
We did the 12 Days of Christmas, where people write in and nominate a family down on their luck over the holidays. We pick 12 families and deliver a tree, decorations, Christmas dinner, and presents. We did the deliveries ourselves and got to look these people in the eye and give them some hope. Good stuff.
9) How do you keep tabs on the competition? When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?
Right now, Thank God, we're number one. Never chase the guy behind you. I ignore him. When I first came to town I used to talk about "the sleepy show at the other end of the dial." They're an AC.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
People like to laugh in the morning. And if you piss them off and you actually apologize, they'll listen forever.
Bonus Questions
1) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Stay in school and get a real job!
2) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
John Edwards. He's the guy that got me into this. I'll never forgive him. I also like Stephanie Miller on Air America.
3) How did you get your present job?
An old friend called me and told me they were looking for a driver, and mentioned the guy running the place was real strong.
4) What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?
I was brand new at the station and the cluster had this big car giveaway. The entire air staff was at the dealership with about 100 finalists. My boss wanted to get me exposure so he had me host the thing. I didn't even know the names of most of the people I was working with yet. The worst moment was when I announced that one the finalists was a listener to our rocker, "101 The Fox!" The mid-day guy from the Fox yells out, "It's 100.1!" Ouch. It still stings four years later.
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