10 Questions with ... Gene Conte

NAME:Gene Conte TITLE:Program Director STATION:WIBX AM 950 (NewsRadio 950 WIBX) MARKET:Utica, NY COMPANY:Regent Communications BORN:2/19/60 RAISED:Utica, NY

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WIBX Program Director since December 2008. Co Host of WIBX's Sportswatch since February 2007; Former Program Director for Clear Channel's 4 station simulcast "Sports Stars Radio Network" WUTQ-Utica, WRNY-Rome, WADR-Remsen, WLFH, Little Falls. 2002-2006; CC Utica Production Director 1999-2002; Program Director WOWB/WOWZ Little Falls/ Utica NY 1992-1994; Morning show Co-host on WOUR 1986-1988 with Peter Hirsch

1. What made you decide to go into radio? Why radio?

I had 4 brothers and 3 sisters growing up. I was the third kid and had, I thought, the worst name of all of them, Eugene. Anyway, in a family that big you needed to get our parents' attention, so I became the family clown. And in a house with so many people you needed a little space, so I started listening to the radio. When my brothers and I played hockey on our little table game I would be the play-by-play guy, complete with sound effects from a cassette recorder. I just got

hooked. Of course, I had no one in my family or friends who could warn me about the low pay and long hours, but I was young and got a job at 17 at WRNY in Rome. Plus, going into radio, I could change my name, which my father disapproved of, as you might imagine. But as it turns out having been Carl Conte, Mike Miller (at WJPZ at Syracuse University 1978-1979), and Mark Weston (WOUR), I decided in 2001 to use my real name from now on, just adding "Mean" to the Gene.

2. About what are you most passionate?

Doing the best program possible and making my station sound as good as possible.

3. You've hosted the sports show for a long time in Utica; of all the topics you've covered and events you've experienced, which one was the most memorable?

As a Met fan, the last two years. But the most memorable was the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. When grown men are brought to tears at the death of a sports figure, it redefines the meaning of a fan and the passion that comes with a sport.

4. How does WIBX make itself an important voice in the local community? What local programming, promotions, and activities is the station doing to reinforce its leadership position?

We have a morning talk show, "First Look," where we tackle local politics, and give a voice to the community to talk about its organizations and fund raising events. We also have a show that is hosted by local politicians and community leaders where they can talk about what they want, take calls and book their own guests. My show, "Sportswatch," co-hosted by Fred Miller, concentrates on local sports and athletes as well as talking about national sports.

WIBX has been doing the American Heart Association Radiothon for 37 years, in honor of a former employee that died form heart disease.

We also offer live coverage of the largest 15K road race in the county, the Boilermaker. And right now we are covering the PGA event going at the Turning Stone Resort.

WIBX has the best coverage of Local Sports in the area. We mic up the ref during football, have sideline reporters, and interview coaches and players right on the field.

5. What's your philosophy regarding syndication -- what do you look for in a syndicated program, and what do the shows you air bring to the table?

Syndicated shows are the back bone of any News-Talk Station. We have the best out there: Rush, Laura, Bill O'Reilly. We can't fit them all in during the week, but we run Hannity on Sunday, and just added Glenn Beck Weekend for Saturday night. Plus Clark Howard and Bob Brinker's Money Talk have been weekend staples. They must inform first and entertain second.

6. Who are your influences, inspirations, and/or mentors?

It was 1973 or '74 when, on my small AM radio, I picked up WNDR in Syracuse, then one of many Top 40 stations that I listened to. The guy in the afternoon drive was the Flying Dutchman.

Now for the 1970's, this guy was the Howard Stern of his day -- the funniest guy I have ever heard in my life. The sound effects, his quick wit.... I was always upset in the winter when they went to low power and I could not pick up the station at my house. The last time I heard him was in 1976, when my family took a cross country train trip and in Denver, there he was. If he's still out there, I would love to talk to him. I hope I will someday be remembered as a mentor to a young up and comer.

7. Of what are you most proud?

Bouncing back from being fired! And I've been axed more times then I care to remember.

Most times after I left I had to be replaced by 2 to 3 people; it just means I was a great multi-tasker before it became cool. But I did my job, got the work done. And usually told a lot of people what I was actually thinking, thus the firing thing. But I'm much better now.

8. What do you do for fun?

Mow the lawn, paint, clean garages. oh, that's my girlfriend's to-do list. After that, I like watching a good old movie, and new ones like "Hellboy" or the new Batman movies -- hell, they have Morgan Freeman! He rules.

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

...at least 6 hours of solid sleep.

10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?

Best advice: Don't get married to young, which I ignored. (Thanks, Mom and Dad)

Worst advice: Buy Clear Channel stock, which I ignored too, thank God!