10 Questions with ... Polychronopolis

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KEGE, WGVX/WGVY and WGVZ/Minneapolis, MN
• KAZR/Des Moines, IA
• Waitt Radio Networks/Vail, CO/Omaha
• NRG Media - KQKQ/Omaha

1) How did the name "Polychronopolous" come about?

It's from an Adam Sandler song, "Steve Polychronopolous". "Paul" wasn't really cuttin' it on the air and I was a huge Sandler fan at the time. It just sort of stuck.

2) Who do you consider your radio mentors?

I've had several mentors. Weasel (the KXXR morning show one) was my first. He broke me in. He showed me the ropes. You know...how to get women naked in the studio. How to drink professionally...It all began with him. I've learned a lot from a variety of people and I still continue to learn. My current PD Nevin Dane teaches me a lot everyday. And I'm definitely not just sayin' that 'cuz he's the boss. He actually knows some stuff!

3) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I kind of fell into radio. I never even thought about it. I stumbled into an internship in the ABC building in Minneapolis. I guess it was during that time that I started getting interested in radio.

4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I was going to school for automotive technology when I stumbled into radio, but I really couldn't see myself being happy doing that. I'm really not sure. I've gotten into photography in the last year or so perhaps I could do something with photography.

5) What makes your station or market unique?

Our station's uniqueness is probably my favorite thing about it. I think we can really say we're unlike any other station in the country which is largely a credit to the vision of our PD Nevin. I think the music mix is unique, but everything from the music to the imaging and jocks are very specific to Omaha.

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

Local content. Being local, engaging, and entertaining the listener are more important than ever. We need to connect with them in any way possible.

7) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?

I'd have to say Remy Maxwell. I worked with him in Minneapolis when I was getting my start. He was this larger life personality when I was just a newbie doing weekends and overnights, yet he always treated me with respect. He talked faster on the air than anyone I've ever heard. Yet you always understood what he was saying. He was off the wall, yet you could relate to him. I learned a lot from him.

8) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air?

I was working an overnight shift (thank God) at the beginning of my career. I don't remember what I was talking about, but I was very passionate and animated with whatever it was and I dropped an "F bomb." Right after I said it I froze. After a second or two of dead air, I hit spots and just laughed. What else could I do? The next two or three minutes were spent staring at the hotline. (Sorry Johnny Rock!)

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

This is funny. Movie passes. It's the most ridiculous thing, maybe ever. Ha Ha! We've done fly-aways, we've done tickets to great shows etc. Yet people go absolutely bananas for $16 dollars in movie passes!

10) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

I honestly would be happy to still be at KQKQ in five years, but I'd love to dabble in some online projects along with that. I still love and believe in good local terrestrial radio.

1) What do you do in your spare time?

I spend time with my wife and my two pups. I also love photography. I love shooting lightning, ball games and Rock shows. I still have a ton to learn, but it's fun. We hit a lot of movies and I play some PS3 from time to time.

2) Tell us what music we would find on your MP3 player right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

Like any good iPod, mine is all over the place. I have multiple playlists. The Pearl Jam playlist. Beach Boys. Pink Floyd. Cold War Kids. Nickelback. Elliott Smith. Grace Potter. Eminem. Our Lady Peace and a friend's band in progress called Citizen Media (had to plug that). Mainly I've been listening to Cold War Kids. I'm really stoked about the new album in January and I didn't have ALL their stuff, so I went back and got it all. I just love the quirkiness of it. The songwriting is amazing. So, I'm digging in full on.

3) What is your favorite TV show?

Right now my favorite TV show would have to be "The Office." It used to be "24." I still think "24" was the greatest show ever made. I really like "Entourage" as well. What do those three shows have in common? They're all gone, or leaving. So my television holy trinity is goin' away. Makes me sad.