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10 Questions with ... Greg Belfrage
August 22, 2006
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NAME:Greg BelfrageTITLE:Program Director/morning hostSTATION:NewsTalk 1320 KELO AMMARKET:Sioux Falls, South DakotaCOMPANY:Backyard BroadcastingBORN:Sioux Falls, South Dakota (6/11/63)RAISED:Sioux Falls, South Dakota
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Began talk radio career in 1997 as Program Director/afternoon host on KWSN AM 1230. Reassigned as Program Director/afternoon host of KELO AM 1320 in 2000. Transitioned the station from oldies to newstalk. Promoted to KELO AM's morning show in May 2005. Received numerous news awards from South Dakota Associated Press, including Best Talk Show.
1. How did you get your start in radio?
My first part-time radio gig (1984) was spinning LP's of "American Country Countdown" on KKYA FM in Yankton, SD. Within a few months, I was reading news and playing music on the full-service AM. My first full-time job was as the night-time jock at FM102 in Vermillion, SD. I was on the air in Sioux Falls within six months. That was in 1986. I've been in the market ever since.
2. What are you passionate about?
My biggest passions are my faith, my family and my work. I have three children and a wonderful wife without whom my life would be meaningless. I must sheepishly admit to being a big fan of Batman. I have a fairly extensive collection of Caped Crusader toys, comics and memorabilia that spans four decades.
3. You're a native of Sioux Falls- what difference, if any, do you think being a true "local" makes in your radio show? What kinds of things would being a native give you that a host from elsewhere just wouldn't have?
Absolutely, it makes a difference! I understand the background and roots of the community. I've personally witnessed the changes (good and bad) that have occurred here. That background gives me an insight on local issues that serve me well on the air. Every talk show host understands the cumulative benefit of preparing for a show every day. The reading and conversations you have today may serve you again next month or next year. The same thing goes for longevity in the market. The knowledge and experiences I've accumulated during a lifetime in Sioux Falls could not be replicated by a newcomer.
4. If you hadn't gone into radio, what would you be doing today?
Probably typing a manifesto in some remote shack in South Dakota's Black Hills. Or designing websites. It's a toss up. However, I really can't imagine doing anything except radio. I left the industry for a few years and was miserable the entire time.
5. Your life went through many changes, including from Democrat to Republican- what prompted those changes, and how do you look back on the evolution of your political and social views?
It's easy to explain the change in my views. I quit feeling and started thinking. I quit complaining and started listening. It didn't take long for the Republican Party's message of personal responsibility and limited government to resonate with me.
My transformation from liberal to conservative gained the most ground during President Clinton's administration. The former president, while at a campaign stop in New York state, stated his opposition to proposed tax breaks. He said, "We could give it all back to you and hope you spend it right, but...". He went on to explain how the federal government could do better. I was deeply offended by those remarks. It caused me to examine all of my political beliefs.
6. Who are your influences?
My wife, Marta, undoubtedly has the greatest impact in my life. She is patient, loving and insightful. She's a sensational mother and my best friend.
Dad is still a tremendous influence on me, but he's far too humble to realize it. My grandmother also has a special place in my heart. She faced her death with the strongest faith I've ever seen. She's been gone about two years, but not a day goes by that I don't think about her.
7. Of what are you most proud?
Professionally, I'm extremely proud to be working at KELO AM. The station has set the standard in this market for decades. I grew up listening to KELO AM's morning show. Now I'm hosting it. That's a huge thrill.
I'm also proud to have guest-hosted the nationally syndicated Mike Gallagher show for a day. Mike asked his listeners to vote for their favorite local host. Top vote getters were allowed to host in Mike's absence. I lobbied hard and Mike took a big chance on me. It was an experience I'll never forget. Mike is a genuinely nice and extremely gracious guy.
Personally, I'm most proud of my kids. There's nothing more personally satisfying than seeing your children succeed.
8. What do you do for fun?
Play Battlefront 2 with my son. Read to my youngest daughter. Watching "SpongeBob Squarepants" with my kids is an experience not to be missed. We like dining out and shopping as a family, too.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.
....my Diet Coke in the studio!
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
The best advice came from Mike Gallagher. I received a particularly vicious email from a listener. Mike said, "Don't take it personally." Sounds stupid, but that stuff can get to you. He helped me put it back in perspective. The worst advice came from a General PD who had never hosted a talk show. He didn't want to hear my opinions on the air. He asked me to be a moderator, not a commentator. He had absolutely no idea of what it takes to make the phones ring...nor did he grasp the entertainment value of the medium.
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