10 Questions with ... Danny Hill

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KVEC (AM 920) - 1998
• KSTT - 1999
• KSLY - 2000
• KWWV - 2001
• KALZ - 2002
• KUBB - 2005
• KJMQ/KRKH/KTOH/KITH/KPHI/KRYC/KLLY - 2010

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

I would be in Sales, That's what all DJ's are whether they know it or not. They are constantly selling the station and themselves. Radio is all about money. If you can't make it then, then you will be looking for another job soon. Yes, it's important to have fun. I have the most fun when I can afford to do the things I want.

2) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?

I have a list of my favorites that are great jocks who are funny and have a lot of talent: Danny Salas, The Rev, Doug Ray, Gnarly Charley, Dru Stone, DJ Sparxxx, Rick Roddam, Kramer, Athena, Koyote, Nigel, Sassy, Don & Mike, Charlie Simons, Skippy, Kaniala ahu ikika Puho, Doughboy, Brian Noe.

I'm sure there are some I'm forgetting but these people have influenced me greatly in my radio thinking. I love to be entertained and they are great entertainers.

3) What's been the biggest difference from being a jock to being a PD?

I have a lot more to worry about now. You go from "If I were in charge I would do this!" To "I'm in charge, I hope this works!" It's a constant guessing game. You know what has worked before, but no one can tell the future. It might not work again. So you have to be open to new ideas, and reinvent yourself often.

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

When I was in Hawaii I was the OM/PD of several formats. Hawaiian was a lot of fun! I also enjoyed Country, Top 40, and Rock. But if I had to pick I would have to say Top 40 was the most fun to program.

5) Do you have any music scheduling tricks you've learned that you wish to share?

Play the music they want to hear. There's no trick, it's just what you're supposed to do.

6) What do you do when you feel a song is not right for your station, but the initial reaction from the audience is very positive?

I remind myself that it's not about me, it's about the listener. I think we all lose sight of that. Programming a station is like DJ'ing a wedding. It may not be what you would choose, but then again it's not your wedding.

7) Most interesting hire you've ever made?

I hired an ex-convict who was in jail for nine years. He was the best worker I've ever had. He was a great person and a big heart. I really enjoyed my time working with him.

8) How do you interact with your sales staff?

I meet with them at least once a week and we come up with sales ideas. I enjoy going with them on sales calls. If I can help seal the deal then I will. I want them to sell and make as much money as possible. If they do good then I do good. There's no better job security than programming a station that makes a lot of money.

9) How do you stay in tune with your audience?

I do whatever it is they do. They like "Jersey Shore," and then I watch it. I'm like the annoying little brother that follows you everywhere. I dive into their lives so I can relate. It's the only way to understand them.

10) What do you consider the key to your success?

Never stop learning. Always listen, and never take it for granted.

1) What do you do in your spare time?

I play Madden Football, I watch The Raiders play, and I love my wife. (Not necessarily in that order).

2) What is your favorite TV show?

"2 1/2 men," "The Daily Show," "The Colbert Report," "The Office, and "Family Guy."

3) You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have 5 CDs with an unlimited supply of batteries. What are they?

I WAS on an island so this is easy:

1. Kepa Kruse - Coconut wireless
2. Dr Dre- Chronic
3. Counting Crows- best of album
4. Seether- Best of album
5. A burn copy of one of my mixes.

4) Do you have any good stalker stories? Misty requests? "Fatal Attractions?"

Yes, I followed a listener for two years trying to get her to pay attention to me. Then she called the police and I was arrested for trespassing! I'm no longer permitted to be near her. But I do watch her on Facebook... Oh... You meant someone that has stalked me? Ah... No.

5) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)

During my first week on the air in Hawaii I made the suggestion that since we had a landfill problem on the Island, we should dump the trash into the volcano so it would burn it all up and act as a natural incinerator. I was then informed by massive amounts of E-mails that the native "God Pele" who lives in the volcano would not like that. And if I made that suggestion again they would find me to "talk" about my suggestion.