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10 Questions with ... Chris Kinard
June 10, 2008
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NAME:Chris KinardTITLE:Talk Show HostSTATION:WJFKMARKET:Washington, DCCOMPANY:CBSBORN:June, 10, 1979RAISED:Fairfax, VA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Intern and then production assistant at WJFK Jan '98-May '99, Producer of the Sports Junkies on WJFK and Westwood One from May '99-Oct. '02, Morning Show Producer at WHFS Oct. '02-Jan. '05, Executive Producer of the Junkies at WJFK Jan. '05-April '07, Program Director at WJFK April '07-current.
1. How did you get into radio? Why choose radio as a career?
I turned on the Don and Mike Show for the first time when I was in 5th grade, and immediately knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. I chose American University so I could stay in D.C. and do whatever I could to get an internship at WJFK.
2. About what are you most passionate these days?
Live, local, original radio. And expanding our content distribution reach via internet streaming and podcasting.
3. You've been with the Junkies a long way; what do you think is the reason they've been successful and have lasted this long? As a fan, producer, and boss, what in your opinion makes the Junkies work?
They've been friends since childhood. They are like brothers. No one can create or reproduce chemistry like that. They're funny, likable, have four distinct personalities, work hard, and have great instincts. They had the nerve to try, as complete novices and outsiders, to knock on doors and do whatever it took to get into this business. Once they got their shot they worked as hard as anyone to learn radio, market the show, and do whatever it took to succeed. It's an incredible underdog story when you really think about it.
4. You've moved up the ladder to PD -- what's changed for you with the new position? What are the best and worst things about the new responsibilities?
My day still starts at 4:30 a.m., but now it ends at 7:30 p.m. if I'm lucky. I just have to balance so many more things. As a producer, I wanted whatever I felt was best for the Junkies, and didn't care about much else. The best things are getting to work so closely with so many talented, creative, driven people, and having such great guidance and support from my GM, Michael Hughes. The worst thing is the deluge of emails all day long, and the paperwork.
5. You've moved Big O and Dukes to middays -- describe their show and what you see as their strengths for the station and lineup.
They are 2 guys who are just complete opposites. Big O is a metrosexual latin guy who would rather watch "The Hills" than the NFL, and Chad is a beer drinking, UFC watching, rough around the edges everyman. Their show is super-topical, fast paced, and hilarious. They show prep like no one else, and I can't even keep up with all of the great ideas they come up with every week. They are quickly becoming a tremendous hit with young men, more than doubling every male demo in their first book in middays. They got their start as street teamers with the Junkies at HFS, so they are a perfect fit to follow the Junkies in middays. Having three local shows all in a row, with no interruption, has brought a great energy to the entire building. All of the shows are hanging out, walking in on each other's shows, and creating a real party atmosphere.
6. Don Geronimo's exit from the station and radio earlier this year was a major moment in WJFK history. What was your initial reaction to the news, and now, after the change, what's your opinion on how the Mike O'Meara show is doing sans Don?
It was not unexpected, so everyone was prepared for it. Mike and his talented cast have done a great job hitting the ground running. The show is funny, topical, and accessible. And, while Don was a huge part of the old show, it's always been an ensemble cast. I think we've really been able to keep the continuity of the show intact by keeping the core of Mike, Buzz Burbank, Robb Spewak, and Joe Ardinger, while bringing back former Executive Producer Beth Ann McBride.
7. Of what are you most proud?
That Michael Hughes and Chris Oliviero trusted me enough to give me a shot at this job.
8. What do you do for fun?
Sleep. I should probably put something else... I love going to concerts and sporting events, and Madden 08.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ______________.
...Coke Zero.
10. What's the best advice you've ever got? The worst?
The best: Don't burn any bridges. The worst: You should get into TV...
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