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10 Questions with ... Athena
August 9, 2005
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NAME:AthenaPOSITION:Morning Show HostSTATION:KMHX (MIX 104.1)MARKET:Santa RosaCOMPANY:Results Radio
1) Whats was your first job in radio?? early influences?
Besides college radio, and a very small station in the Bronx, my first REAL radio job was on KZZP in Phoenix. I was doing anything possible to get on the air from weekends to overnights and promotions. BJ Shea at The Buzz in Seattle gave me my first break and had a huge influence on me. He took me under his wing, and we both went back to Rochester, NY. From there, the rest was history. My influences range from BJ, to Wease, to listening to Jamie White in LA. They all had a huge influence on me when I was on the air in Fresno. I worked with Charlee Simmons (my first true partner) who taught me to be very local, marry your market, and be out there in the community. It has changed me in many ways.
2) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?
I would love to be in LA or San Francisco, but because of the downsizing, JACK, BOB, etc not using jocks, I feel lucky to have a job. I think when you are let go because of a format change, or whatever I believe that some people make the mistake of waiting until something better happens, but when you do that it may take a year or more. Then you are out of the game. I disagree. Radio is the same everywhere from Las Vegas to Boise, Idaho.
3) What makes your station or market unique? How does it compare to other stations or markets where you worked at?
This station and market is VERY unique because we are competing with San Francisco. That makes it hard, and its all about wine and food. But it is looser than Napa. Santa Rosa has a lot of hard working, honest people that are part of the agricultural community. It reminds me of working in Fresno.
4) What is the one constant that has remained with you throughout your career?
I think I have stayed the same, meaning I will also get out there and be a part of the community no matter how successful and strong the ratings are. I always get out there. I am very real on the air. Whatever frustrates me, or whatever I am going through, I " air" it out on the air..
5) What is the closest you have ever been arrested for on air tactics?
Oh God, we recently did a "Wedding Crashers" stunt where I was doing the worm at a Sonona Country Wine Country wedding. This got me thrown out, and I almost arrested. I tried out for Limp Biskit at a Fresno guitar/ record store, when I did not even know how to play guitar. Fred Durst and the cops kicked me out. I've been waxed by the Fresno Rugby Club, and I almost got in trouble for stalking and flashing famous basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian
6) How do you react when the competition attacks you on the air?
One chick in a market in California would make fun of me all the time. When I asked her why? She told me that her PD made her. But when I got fired, the next morning she was singing "Ding Dong the witch is dead," and saying she "squished" me with her house. (We got fired around Halloween) Then I knew she was an idiot and an awful person. At the time, my PD told me to ignore her and to kill her with kindness. I still don't know if it was the right thing to do?
7) How do you interact with your sales staff?
I am friends with our sales staff. They are the ones who get you your money, endorsements, and remotes. They have always been very cool at every station I have been at, and I have used them in the past for ringers and guests.
8) Who is your dream guest?
Vince Vaughn. I love him! He's like 6'5, handsome, funny, successful, single, and I've heard he has big feet! My husband gave me permission to kiss him. If anyone knows how to get him, email me at hotradiochcik@hotmail.com!!
9) Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
I read everything from "chick lit" to literature books on my own. For show prep I read US weekly; People, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, and Cosmo. You name it...I read it! Everything is show prep in that aspect!! AND I try to see a movie a week, and watch a lot of TV. I am a pop culture freak and geek.
10) I can't make it through the day without _________?
My coffee, my runs with my golden retriever "Shelby," hugs from my husband, my PD Brandon Bettar, and of course ...talking on the radio!!!!!
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