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10 Questions with ... John Whalen
January 5, 2009
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NAME:John WhalenTITLE:MD/Morning Show ProducerSTATIONS:KHMXMARKET:HoustonCOMPANY:Clear Channel "Ray-Dee-Oh"BORN:Houston, TX (and TBA on the when part)RAISED:in a house... (Houston)
Please outline your radio career so far:
I started at KHMX as a promo kid. I bounced around to a few other stations. Then I finally manipulated Keith Scott into being friends with me. Then I tricked him into trusting me as MD and the rest is history.
1) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
ABSOLUTLY NOT! Next question! (Kidding) For me, there is always something new that comes up in this crazy PPM (People Meter) era that Houston lives in. You seriously have to throw out everything you know about radio and come up with new ideas that work for the PPM.
2) Who were your early influences?
Captain Morgan, Jose Quervo, Jack Daniels...
3) How did you get your present job?
Keith lost a poker bet.
4) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
I ask my locals what's going on.
5) Describe a typical day in your position?
I wake up at 4 am. Then ask, "What the hell did I get myself into?" I get to the station and start my work for the morning show. After our morning show is done, I walk around aimlessly for about an hour before scheduling music.
6) Who is your best friend in the business?
Automation.
7) What do you like best about your job? Least?
The best part of my job is finding new ways to adapt radio, ideas, and events to the PPM. I'm a very creative person (regardless of what you've heard). The least favorite part of my job would be waking up at 4 am. I'm a night person that likes to stay out until 2 am. Can anyone give me any advice...please?!?!
8) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
I think its better. I'm having to turn down more crap for the station, than I was six months ago.
9) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
KTBZ (The Buzz). I'm a Rocker at heart, but it's also crazy because before The Buzz, I seriously listened to KHMX (Mix 96.5), and now I work for the station!
10) Your radio or records dream gig?
My Current Gig!
Bonus Questions
1) What do you do in your spare time?
Sleep or go to local dive bars.
2) What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Porn star. Seriously, I remember being eight and having a conversation with my mom on that.
3) What is your favorite TV commercial?
"The Tiddy Bear Commercial"...don't believe me Google it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw1g2yKxb0I
4) Favorite artist you have met?
Shaun from Seether, that guy is crazy!
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