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10 Questions with ... Skip LaCombe
September 30, 2008
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NAME:Skip LaCombeTITLE:ProducerSTATION:610 The Sports Animal KNMLMARKET:AlbuquerqueCOMPANY:CitadelBORN:San DiegoRAISED:Albuquerque
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Got my first taste as an intern at KKPL, Modern Rocker in Albuquerque in 2001. Then transitioned to doing traffic reports for Metro Networks from '03-'04. From there, I landed a gig Producing the afternoon show at KAGM FM talk. The PD was let go shortly after the launch and I inherited APD duties '05-'06. Once the Talker bit the dust, I helped the company launch a AAA station in Santa Fe and held the APD/MD reins while programing the Air America affiliate. Now, back in Albuquerque producing "The Opening Drive With Jeff, Joe and Skip"
1. What made you decide to go into radio? Why radio?
I hate math. (True story)
In my freshman algebra class, the teacher had a poster on the wall, something to the effect of "when will we use this?" This poster had listed all facets of math, Algebra, Fractions, Geometry, etc. Then it listed 50 or so career paths. I looked at what career had the fewest "X's" and found my calling: "Radio DJ."
Plus, before even working in radio, I once went to Hooters during a live broadcast. I happened to be the high school mascot. As a lesson, if a 6'5" Ram ever makes an appearance at your remote, it's apparently standard to give them a job.
2. About what are you most passionate?
San Diego Chargers football, making good radio, and thinking of clever quotes for my MySpace.
3. What do you perceive people in Albuquerque want to hear in a local sports show? What teams do they care about; what local issues and personalities work as material for you? Is there interest in pro sports despite not being a major league pro market?
Sports is the ultimate comfort zone. That's what's great about it. Even a casual sports fan is going to know that USC is a college powerhouse, and bringing up this fact is acceptable in pretty much any situation. so finding the story inside the story is what makes people come back. In Albuquerque, people are passionate about The Lobos, be it for or against. It's kind of a melting pot when it comes to pro teams, with the big name teams always having an edge with the fans. Our show likes to have both UNM and NMSU coaches on; also, Fantasy Football people are huge on our air.
4. You worked at the market's attempt at local FM talk; why do you think it didn't take hold? What, if anything, did you learn from the experience?
There were, as there always are, a multitude of reasons for Talk FM's failure: We launched several months early, we had a poorly directed marketing plan, and from the 3rd month of its life through the 13th month of its life, we were without a (real) Program Director. Not to mention, we were taking on a heritage station that has been number one for... 20ish books? I was fortunate to learn a TON about the day to day operation of a radio station, promotions, imaging, some very valuable experience.
5. If you couldn't do radio, what would you want to do with your life? (What's your fantasy career?)
I would love to own a professional sports team. Maybe do a little TV, travel and make questionable judgement calls.... I pretty much wanna be Mark Cuban.
6. Who are your influences, inspirations, and/or mentors?
Jim Rome is king of Sports talk. I love the sound of well produced shows like Glenn Beck's. I wish I could do a sports update like Dan Davis. I'm inspired that Don Imus's career wasn't ruined by one blue comment. Doc Thompson (afternoons 1140 WRVA Richmond) has been my biggest radio mentor; he has always been there with a bit when I'm in need. Also, Scott Sherwood (PD, KABG Albuquerque) has helped get me where I am today.
7. Of what are you most proud?
My 2006 Albuquerque Mayoral Campaign. It all started as a quick bit on a Saturday paid program I produced. I announced my candidacy and took phone calls for an hour. This was the most calls that program had ever received.
We ended up playing it up a bit on the afternoon show the next Monday. The phones were busy for 2 hours, I fielded questions from listeners, and calls from people asking how they could volunteer. For the next week the station ran faux spots for my campaign. Then one Thursday I got a call that the first debate was going on in 30 minutes 2 blocks from the station; I drive over and proceeded to talk my way into the debate and placed second (according to local blogs).
About a week later, corporate got scared, I held a press conference announcing I was bowing out and I was throwing my support behind Eric Griego. Mr. Griego attended my press conference.
8. What do you do for fun?
I love to watch sports, football (Go Chargers!), baseball (Go Dodgers!), hockey (Go Avalanche!). I like to golf, and watch mindless reality shows, and read all kinds of books. I have also been known to enjoy sleeping in.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________.
...a Red Bull.
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
Best Advice: Something to the effect of "Every radio personality is self-conscious." You'll always be your toughest critic.
Worst Advice: something to the effect of "Make your listeners mad -- that'll make em a listener for life."
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