10 Questions with ... Kurt Owens

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I can't remember in that much detail! I've been in Omaha for the last 20 years and I've worked for Journal Broadcast Group for the last 15. I launched Star in '98 and have worked most of the last 15 years as PD for either Star 104.5 or our Classic Rock Station CD 105.9.

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I was in high school and I remember thinking wow that would be a really easy job. Play music and talk. I can do that! Just one of the many things I was wrong about back then.

2) Who do you consider your radio mentor(s)?

I've had the extreme good fortune to work with some of the brightest people in the business including Carl Gardner, Tracy Johnson, Tom Land, Bill and Fred Jacobs among others. I value everything I've managed to retain in my little mind while working with them. I am also really enjoying the collaborative atmosphere our Omaha radio programming team currently has with Director of Operations Mark Todd.

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

The knock on radio right now and for some time is that we're all cookie cutter stations, and while that does exist in many companies, we're very lucky that Journal doesn't operate that way. Star 104.5 is a station that is really unique and specific to Omaha and the situation we find here. You can't really compare it to any other Hot A/C station in the country.

4) Besides your own, what format would you like to program and why?

Country. I've never been a fan of the music, but I've always heard good things about the loyalty of the audience and the musicians. I think it could be fun.

5) How do you feel about the new royalty rate increases for Internet radio and proposed royalties for terrestrial radio?

Bad idea. I saw a poll earlier this year and unfortunately and most people (even teens) still hear new music first on the radio. I'd think that would be worth something when you're trying to sell music.

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

It's not a new concept, but we have to focus on our local communities to compete and stay relevant in our listener's lives. The balancing act we find ourselves in is doing it with reduced staffs and budgets. It can be done, but you really have to focus your efforts.

7) Your thoughts on Syndication and Voice-Tracking?

It's easy to get worked up about the changes in the industry, but you have to step back and look at the big picture. NO business is running itself the same way it did 20, 15 or even 10 years ago. Anybody checked the auto industry lately? Change is part of the gig. You have to accept, adapt and get used to it, or get out of the business.

8) Please describe the worst promotion you've ever been part of?

I can't remember what it was called, but it was a sticker promotion when I was at KHAT in Lincoln, NE. It relied on the sales department to sell in sponsors for prizes. We would go out in the "Scan Van" (really) and scan for stickers on cars. We'd pull them over and let them pick from seven envelopes all containing prizes. One of the sponsors was a dentist. Let me tell you, there's nothing that creates more excitement than giving away a dental cleaning!

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

Many years ago, Star 104.5 established a community partnership with our local Salvation Army to present "The Adopt A Family Radio-Thon" at Christmas. Last year was our 10th anniversary of matching our listeners to needy families in the metro area.

It's a unique program because when you adopt a family you personally deliver a holiday meal and Christmas presents directly to the family you adopt. We have individual listeners and special businesses that come back each year. Now they start calling to get their families in October. Last year our listeners helped around 2200 families have a better Christmas.

10) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Don't fear the sales people. Educate them, get them on your side and together you can make a lot of money. You're all on the same team.

1) How did you get your on-air name?

It was after a format change and I was told I had until the end of a song to come up with a new air name. I panicked and just added my wife's last name to my first name. She's my ex-wife now, but I'm stuck with it. The nice thing is I hear it really pisses off my ex mother-in-law to know I'm still using the name. So I got that going for me.

2) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?

Al Green, because he sings "Let's Stay Together" which is a special song for my wife and I. It was our wedding dance song. I took her to the show and got HUGE bonus points. I think I've already used them all up though.

3) What do you like to read?

I loved the HBO series "The Pacific." I'm currently reading the two books they based the series on, "With the Old Breed" and "Helmet for My Pillow." Reading what those soldiers went through really puts the small things into the proper prospective.

4) What has been the best performing record on the station so far this year?

Lady Antebellum "Need You Now."

5) What is the most popular giveaway item at your station?

Money! Cash is still king.