10 Questions with ... Kelly Martinez

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KFTZ (Z 103)/Idaho Falls (Top 40) Morning show Co-Host -1998-1999
• KCVI (K-Bear 101) Idaho Falls (Active Rock) 7- Mid - 1999-2000
• KPKY (Kool Oldies) 94.9 Pocatello, ID - Morning Show Host - 2000-2005
• KLLP (Star 98.5)/Pocatello, ID - (Hot AC) PD/Morning show host - 2005-present

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I've been a big fan of every kind of music and the radio since I can remember. I've also been a big fan of sports since I was a kid so I thought being a sportscaster would be awesome to do someday. One down, one to go!

2) What are some of the challenges you face as a programmer in today's radio environment?

I try to find ways to get people to turn on my station instead of their iPod or XM. I also try to keep our station relevant and local. To be compelling enough to get them to tune in is a challenge everyday.

3) How do you position the station musically?

I program my station more like a Hot AC/Top 40. Star's positioning statement is "The 90's and Now," so I try to stay consistent with that. But I have found that a sprinkle of Old School Hip Hop/Dance in the right places works well with the tempo.

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

We are VERY community driven. We put on every big community event in our area and we love being community oriented and in touch with our listeners.

5) How are you using social media to market your radio station?

We try to use Facebook and Twitter to breadcrumb our listeners to our website and on-line VIP Club. We give them hints about contest times and such to better their chances of winning prizes and shwag.

6) Are you seeing more Rhythmic and Top 40 records take hold with today's Hot AC listeners?

In a way? It seems like it goes in phases between Top 40, Rhythmic, and Alternative artists with crossover hits as well.

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

Our last ratings period we did extremely well with only an 8,000 watt signal. We were Top 3 in most of our demos, and even number one in some others! We were very happy with the results!

8) What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?

The worst? One of the best pieces of advice came from an old football teammate of mine. After a big win we were all celebrating in the locker room and he was just casually putting his stuff in his locker and I asked him why he wasn't happy. He just looked at me with a smile and said "Kelly, never be satisfied. It makes you complacent and makes you lazy. Always strive for more. Enjoy it but don't get too comfortable with it." It has stuck with me ever since.

9) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

That would be the St. Jude Radio-thon we put on every year. I am privileged enough to go to Memphis and tour the hospital every year and meet some of the families there. They are my heros and the hospital holds a special place in my heart. Then we come back and put on a two day radio-thon and nothing I do is more rewarding.

10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?

I hate losing. Losing sucks. Show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser. =)

1) What are your hobbies?

I like spending time with my daughter, hitting the gym, listening to music, reading, and cooking.

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

Swearing on the air during one of my first nights at K-BEAR with the mic on. My mom heard it and gave me a call at the station. Yeah, that was awesome. At least it wasn't the FCC. =)

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

New Age Classical (insert joke here), Butt Rock, Old School Hip Hop, Classic Rock. I love music and workout a lot. I like to have music for every mood.

4) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?

I DJ weddings and stuff on the side so I have to be in touch with all kinds of music. Working for a Hot A/Top 40 station is perfect in staying in tune.

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

I will hopefully be working for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by then. Hopefully I'll be working with radio stations in some capacity to help raise money for the hospital and its cause.