-
10 Questions with ... Tommy McFly
February 16, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Tommy McFlyTITLE:Double Secret Temporary Assignment as the 'Night Guy.'STATIONS:WRQX MiX 107.3MARKET:Washington DCCOMPANY:Citadel CommunicationsBORN:1986 Scranton, PARAISED:Northeast PA
Please outline your radio career so far:
2001-2006 - WGGY (Froggy 101) in Scranton PA. I started as 'Mr Froggy' and worked my way up to swing jock, Saturday Nights, Afternoons, Morning Show Co-Host.
2006 - Present - WRQX Washington DC - Executive Producer/Personality of The Jack Diamond Morning Show
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Life changing! I wanted to be a lawyer, until I saw my first rating book. It was doing Saturdays from 7p-midnight< and I was NUMBER ONE! From that moment on I was hooked.
2) Who were your early influences?
Mike Krinik, the guy crazy enough to put a 15 year old on the box, then make a 17 year old his afternoon guy, then an 18 year old a morning show talent/producer. Doc Medek & Jaymie Gordon really shaped my personality on the air. Dave Shakes, Jackson, Gene & Julie, Eileen Sullivan, the list goes on for days!
3) What do you like best about your job? Least?
I love hatching larger than life concepts for promotions or events, making things HOLLYWOOD! I least like PRODUCTIONS, it's the A.D.D. that makes getting all the cart numbers and dates correct nearly impossible.
4) What area of your "game" do you want to improve?
I want to become better story teller...to be able to be compelling without a caller or co-host.
5) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
My dad was a cop, Mom worked for the DA. I'd probably be headed to law-school. THANK GOD I dodged that bullet.
6) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
DC is like none other. It truly is a world city. Since I've been in town we've had a visit from the QUEEN, THE POPE, and an Inauguration. http://www.mix1073fm.com/article.asp?id=1095268 Nothing can prepare you for DC. And it's the smartest city in America with the highest PHDs per capita. So listeners BS-ometers are DEAD on! They don't fall for the usual tricks!
7) For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
"The Newseum." It's brand new, a museum dedicated to NEWS. Anyone reading AllAccess would LOVE it! And there's an amazing view of the Capitol Building from the 6th floor terrace.
8) Why would someone listen to your station instead of listening to music on their iPod?
An Ipod isn't going to compel or grab you. An iPod isn't going to make you think, or make you so pissed that you just have to pick up the phone. An iPod can't be a hero in the community, and an iPod doesn't have a prize wheel with T-Shirts. That's really why we're winning right? The XXL T-shirts.... Right?
9) What type of features do you run on the show?
Topics, "New @ 9" (new music), short celebrity interviews, it's supposed to feel like a mini morning show at night with more music.
10) What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
To stay true to your brand and be who you are on the air. Just because it worked for Kidd, or Elvis, or Ryan, or Jeff & Jer doesn't mean that it's a bit TOMMY should be doing.
Bonus Questions1) How did you get your on-air name?
My first PD, Krinik, named me. It was actually Marty McFLY to start, but that was just toooo hoakey.
2) We've seen the Imaging Director position develop in the last few years. What will be the next job/position developed?
ENTIRE web departments will form. Mark my words, that Internet thing...it's going to take off.
3) Besides your own, what format would you like to program and why?
Hot Country! I came from a country background. I have a ton of friends in the format and there are some damn creative people in country.
4) How do you prep yourself for your radio shift?
I live life. Doing nights is great because I can experience a whole day before doing my show. I also check in with Nineball DAILY!
Copyright © 2024 Mediabase. All rights reserved.