10 Questions with ... Danny Wright

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KIOI/San Francisco CA - Board Op, Production, Promotions, Morning Monkey for Don Bleu show. 1997-1999
• KZQZ/San Francisco CA - Producer/Sidekick - The Woody Show - 1999-2001
• KDND/Sacramento CA - Weekend/Swing - 2001-2002
• KSXY/Santa Rosa CA - Mornings/APD - 2001-2004
• XHTO/El Paso, TX - Mornings/APD - 2004-2005
• KSXY/Santa Rosa CA - Afternoons/PD - 2005 to 2006
• KNGY San Francisco CA - Weekends And Nights - 2005 to 2006
• KMHX/Santa Rosa CA - Afternoons/PD - 2006 to Present

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

I got hired on the spot to be an intern at KIOI in San Francisco. Literally that afternoon I was loading the station van for a remote. I was there for two years and was lucky enough to learn from amazing people on the air and behind the scenes. I went from an Intern, to a phone screener, to a board-op, to production, and then got to run the board for the legendary Don Bleu!

2) Who were your early influences?

I grew up listening to Wild 107 and KMEL mostly in San Francisco, so Mancow, John London, The Doghouse where all inspirational to me.

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Totally! I still get a rush from doing a great break or calling a Grand-Prize Winner on the air and making their day.

4) What do you like best about your job? Least?

Being on the air, and being a part of something people depend on everyday to be entertained and informed. The beauty of doing radio in Santa Rosa is that we really are a part of this community. I love the community here. Plus, we are an hour from San Francisco!

Least? Honestly there isn't much to dislike, even on a bad day I try to remember that I get "paid" to do radio!

5) How would you describe the music and imaging on your station?

We have gone through a few changes in the last year with the sound of the station.

"Today's Mix 104.9" talks about current happenings, talks with current artists, and plays familiar songs from the "80's 90's and now," that still sound good today to the target demo. It's the mix of music they want to hear today in 2010, "Today's Mix...Mix 104.9."

6) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?

It is always changing... probably for the worse. Stations are getting tighter and labels have more pressure. "It's tough out there."

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

Satellite? Not to worried. The Internet on the other hand...there's the competition.

Everyone says being local is the way to be relevant. They are right! I feel lucky to work for Maverick Media. We are always looking to evolve with the times. We are constantly updating our web sites, social networking etc.

8) What do you enjoy most about music scheduling?

I really enjoy it. I am not as meticulous as some programmers I'm sure. Not to say I just press F10 and am done with it, but when I am scheduling I sit there as a listener and I try to think about how cool all these songs would sound after one another, and how kick ass that sweeper would sound in between! Yup I'm a geek!

9) What has been your station's biggest accomplishment?

I feel like we have many. Beyond any kind of ratings stories, we have big moments where we really connect with our listeners and community. For example we put on an annual acoustic holiday show we call "Chris-Mix." This is my baby. I am so proud, because we never have a budget for it, yet we book it and get money for a great charity! Our 5th Annual "Chris-Mix" is coming this year!

10) What is it about your station that you feel really makes it cut through?

The people! We don't have a large staff, but we are mighty! Passionate! Entertaining! Real People! I think that connects well.

1) What are your hobbies?

Well my wife and I have a side Voice Over/Imaging/Voice tracking business. Check us out at www.thewrightmediaservices.com. I'm also a huge 49ers fan!

2) What's the best hire you've ever made?

My midday gal Stacey K. I worked with her before, and when I got this gig she was the ONLY one I wanted for Middays, so I stole her away!

3) What techniques do you use to get a celebrity to open up in an interview?

I always start with applause. Even if there are only two of us in the studio, it usually makes them clap for themselves and makes them feel awkward. It's a good ice breaker to point it out to them.

4) How often do you listen to your station when you are away from the office?

I don't listen a ton at home, I have a 16 month old so she keeps us busy. But In the car I always turn it on first and listen for a bit, flip around and usually end up back for a while.

5) Most of us have known or even worked for a "colorful" owner/GM/air talent. Care to share a story? (The names can be changed to protect the innocent).

I was once told to cut out 100 songs out of the library. I then asked "Which ones?" She said, "Why are you being difficult? Just do it!"