10 Questions with ... Robin Bertolucci

NAME:Robin Bertolucci TITLE:Program Director STATION:KFI COMPANY:Clear Channel MARKET:Los Angeles BORN:Illinois RAISED:California

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

1. How did you get your start in radio... and why radio?

It happened by accident. I got involved in the college radio station (KALX) when I was at school and did it as a hobby. Once I graduated and started looking for a job I continued with my radio hobby, even volunteering as an intern at the NPR station, KQED. Armed with a rhetoric degree and no idea what I was going to be when I grew up I finally came to the realization that everyone but me was being paid for their work. I ultimately applied for a job in the KGO newsroom as a desk assistant and they gave me a shot. I already loved the intimacy and immediacy of radio but with a paycheck, I was hooked!

2. About what are you most passionate these days?

Personally: My family

Professionally: The truth. Hearing smart people speak honestly about what they believe in. I passionately believe talk can be smart AND entertaining.

3. KFI is often cited for its overall personality and attitude -- how do you describe the essence of what makes KFI KFI?

KFI is truly "more stimulating talk radio". It's smart, it's edgy, it's irreverent on occasion, it's energetic and it's honest.

4. Managing talent is one of the trickier parts of the PD's job, and you've successfully managed some of the most prominent personalities in the business. How do you approach the job of managing your talent -- what are the keys to developing a strong managerial relationship with your talent? (In other words, how do you manage powerful personalities without making it an adversarial relationship?)

I have the honor of working with some of the most talented people in the business and that is one of the great challenges and joys of my job. I believe my role is to have a different vantage point, a different perspective, and to share that with them. The only thing I can offer them is my perspective and my honesty. I always try to tell it like it is, even if it's not always appreciated. We are a team and our roles are integrally interconnected. We all have a common goal of wanting to win and to be the best. My job is to be so completely supportive that I am always brutally honest. When I say something is great it has to be great and if it's not it's my job to say that too. The greatest honor I can pay to the people I work with is to respect them enough to always tell them the truth.

Frankly, the people I work with, whether it's John and Ken, Bill Handel, Bryan Suits, Kennedy, or our tremendous producers, push, teach and challenge me. They're so good at what they do sometimes the most valuable thing I can do is simply get on the bandwagon and help push.

5. When you're looking for new talent, what are you listening for? What jumps out at you from a good aircheck?

Greatness. That certain indefinable something that I can't possibly explain but I know it when I hear it.

6. Who are your radio influences -- who, directly or indirectly, has shaped your radio career?

My first boss, Bruce Kamen, who took a chance on me and showed me what I could do if I trusted my gut. He simultaneously pushed me and supported me. I learned so much from him about caring for the people I worked with and for creating energy.

I've learned so much from so many people I've had the pleasure of working with... John McConnell, Ken Beck, Jack Swanson, Mickey Luckoff. I'd have to say Lee Larsen is one of my mentors and really taught me a lot about being a PD and about how to trust myself and grow professionally by growing personally. And I'd have to credit my husband, Don Martin, who always makes me think and rethink everything and has taught me so much about sound and presentation. How's that for pillow talk?!

7. KFI is often provocative and controversial in ways that most GMs and PDs would be nervous about -- what would you advise a station wanting to emulate KFI's success but nervous about the prospect of complaint calls and pickets and nasty comments on the Internet? What's the upside to being provocative?

We're not provocative for the sake of being provocative. There is nothing worse than hearing a talk show host pull your chain just to get a reaction... that's transparent and sophomoric. When we're provocative it's usually because we're doing something truly shocking like speaking the truth. Ultimately, this doesn't work unless you back up your people. You can't encourage creative freedom and honesty and then leave them hangin' when it gets uncomfortable. You've got to be in it for the long haul. That means being in it together through thick and thin. There is nothing more righteous than being right, so as long as you're right you've got nothing to worry about. The really provocative part of KFI is hiring insanely talented people and encouraging and supporting them. It's not having an agenda, political or otherwise; it's not getting people mad just for the sake of getting a reaction... it's being forthright, righteous and honest and then supporting the people that put themselves on the line every day on the air.

8. Of what are you most proud?

My incredible, handsome and brilliant husband who I love completely, my amazing son who is the joy and laughter in my life, and my beautiful stepdaughter. Professionally, I am most proud of the brilliant team of people I work with who challenge and teach me daily.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.

...a family cuddle (3 people, 3 dogs). Caffeine.

10. What's the best advice you ever got?

Look both ways before crossing.

Never wear white shoes after Labor Day.

Don't talk to strangers.