10 Questions with ... Jeff Bachmeier

NAME:Jeff Bachmeier TITLE:President - Club 977, Inc. STATION #1: Club 977 The 80s Channel STATION #2: Club 977 The Hitz Channel MARKET:Worldwide on the Internet Wireless cell. phone distribution Satellite distribution worldwide COMPANY:Club 977, Inc. BORN:11/11/1972 Minneapolis, MN RAISED:Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota)

Please outline your radio career so far:

89-92: WDAY/Fargo, ND
92-95: School
95-97: KSTP/Minneapolis, MN
97-98: WYKS/Gainesville, FL
98-01: WVYB/Daytona Beach, FL
01-04: Elektra Entertainment
04-Present: Club 977, Inc

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

A Mr. Microphone I received as a Christmas gift back when I was 10. I knew after getting that, I would someday program and work in radio. Probably the first time I cracked the microphone at an AM talk station and announced the weather, I thought that was the coolest thing ever.

2) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I probably would have become Professional Airline Pilot. I love flying my own airplane around the country now but to get paid for it would even be better especially since the price of AV gas is over 5 bucks a gallon some places.

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

Our stations are unique in the fact that we aren't on a regular terrestrial frequency and deliver our programming to a worldwide audience. Over 6-Million people tune-in per month to hear our programming on the Internet and thru cell phones and satellite.

4) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?

They really don't. Some stream their terrestrial signals online but that's not going to be enough and it's not even at a bit rate that sounds good. I've listened to terrestrial radio stations for hours and not once did they promote their website and the content it offers. I've got news for you. When that office worker is looking for something to pass the time in their cube, they aren't sitting near the transistor radio.

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

Terrestrial Radio now has lots of competition in the way music is delivered to the end user. Stations need find their "MO" and stick to it. Flipping to the format of the week isn't going to be profitable in the log run.

6) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

I will continue to successfully program Club 977, Inc and by that time we should own a large network of stations and formats. Our programming will be available on every computer, cell phone and satellite in the world.

7) Describe your weekly music meeting ... a) what is the process when you listen to new music? b) Approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play, and chart position when determining the status of a record?

I listen to new music all the time everyday. Many times, our listeners will send me a track to listen to. A lot of it is very good and we're willing to take a shot on new music from an unknown artist as long as it fits the format. We can do that with an Internet Radio Station. It's about 40% gut, 50% listener requests the song, 5% sales, 1% video play (who plays videos anymore?) and 4% chart.

8) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?

I'd like too see PD's, OM's and other management become accountable for bad ratings and decisions instead of firing air staff and changing formats. Almost all of the time the air staff is not to blame. I'd also like to see these same people quit hiding behind some music research company to keep their jobs.

9) How do you market your radio station?

We have marketing agreements in place with Microsoft, Apple's I-Tunes and a host of other websites who promote our websites and streams. We've also given away cash prizes to personal webmasters who promote us on their websites.

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

By listening to my audience and actually implementing the suggestions and requests they make. Listen to your audience, because they know and continue to set the music trend.

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

A good manager and leader is always learning! Never think you know everything because you don't.

What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?

Ying Yang Twins - Live Again
Nickelback - Photograph
Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc.

Who would be your dream guest on the show?

Pamela Anderson - Although I don't know how much Interviewing would be going on.

What is your favorite TV show?

Family Guy - Stewie was me 30 years ago