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10 Questions with ... Bruce The Moose
November 16, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- KDEC/Decorah, IA - 1996
- WIZM/La Crosse, WI - 1997-1998
- WDBT/Jackson, MS (Mornings) 1999
- WBTT/Ft. Myers, FL - (MD/Nights) - 2001
- WINK FM/Ft. Myers, FL - (MD/Nights) - 2001
- WHTF/Tallahassee, FL - (Mornings) - 2004
- WGNX/Vero Beach, FL - (Mornings) - 2005
- WXKB/Ft. Myers, FL (MD/Nights) - 2006-2008
- KQNU/Sioux City, IA (PD/Mornings) - 2009 to present
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
Radio was something that I was wanted to do for a long time and was always told I had the voice for it. But circumstances were not right to pursue it. Then one day my now wife (and then girl friend) said I should follow my dream. Once I got into school and into the studio I was bitten by the radio bug and could not imagine doing anything else.
2) Who do you consider your radio mentors?
I was lucky to work with Rich Davis and Jimmy Steel. I enjoyed picking their brains and learning all I could.
3) What makes the Sioux City market and KQNU (New 102.3) unique?
"New 102.3" is unique to this market as we bring Sioux City the music they have been missing for a long time. We are competing against a Mainstream AC and a Rhythmic leaning Top 40 so we are able to fill a large hole in the market. We are combining current Rock, Pop and even Alternative so Sioux City can once again hear Rock leaning music and not just Hip Hop or Oldies.
4) How do you position the station musically?
"New Hits! New Energy!...New 102.3!"
5) What do you like best about working in this format?
It's new, fresh, different and basically a work in progress. I can tweak any number of directions, and Sioux City has been craving this music so the reaction has been great.
6) What research tools do you use to program your station?
I like to go out on the streets and ask listeners their favorite song, and what song we should be playing that we are not. I also use sales, requests, and callout. I compile all this data and I use it to decide my music moves. Charts are interesting to look at, but they're not a big factor in music decisions.
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 have a group of ladies in the building that fit our demo, and I play new music for them. I also watch the street for reaction to songs. About 60% of my decisions are based on research, 20% on sales, 10% gut, and about 10% chart.
8) What other stations and markets do you like to monitor?
I keep and I on WDVD/Detroit, KSTP/ Minneapolis and KQKQ/Omaha.
9) Besides your own, what format would you like to program and why?
Someday I would love to program a Country station. The passion from country fans is amazing.
10) What advice would you give people new to the business?
Stay hungry and willing to do anything. In the current economic climate a part-time gig can easily become a full-time gig. Most importantly, remember this is not Wal-Mart! If you can't make it to work there is someone out there that will!
Bonus Questions
1) What do you do in your spare time?
I don't find myself having a lot of spare time, but when I do I spend it with my three kids, I run, work on my man cave, or check out the competition. Yes I am listening to you!
2) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
The Kings of Leon. If you get a chance check 'em out. Caleb Followill has the best voice I have heard live in a long time! Amazing!
3) Favorite artist you have met?
Years ago I was backstage with Creed and Scott Stapp was playing trucks with my then one-year old son. No he wasn't drunk.
4) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?
When I was at WDBT, I said I was going to train a turkey to walk across the street for turkey day. It just happened to be the busiest street in the market, and PETA called the police on me. When I opened the van door to let the "turkey" out the cops had cuffs in hand. Once they saw my stunt guy in a Turkey Costume and "Checked the van for poultry" I was released.
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