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10 Questions with ... Darian O'Toole
November 29, 2005
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NAME:Darian O'ToolePOSITION:Radio's Rebel RedheadSTATION:KIFR (106.9 Free FM)MARKET:San FranciscoCOMPANY:InfinityBORN:Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaRAISED:By wolves
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WMMR - Philadelphia, KBGG - San Francisco, WAXQ - NY, KSAN - San Francisco, Q104.3 Halifax, KIFR, San Francisco
1. How did you get your start in radio? Why radio?
It was actually an accident. I had always been a fan of radio but I was working as an actress in Canada when I stumbled upon a friend's radio show and felt that one of a kind freedom of being on the air for the first time. The mic is the great equalizer.
2. What are you passionate about?
EVERYTHING! I have no mid-range. I'm either at -3 or +13. Nothing in between. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
3. This is your third run at the San Francisco market- what's different this time, if anything?
The first time at KBGG, I was VERY young and part of a station that had a new unproven format. We (me and the other staff) were all from different walks of life but new to BIG and we bonded immediately as family and went on to take a 24th place station to number one in all demos within 3 years. Then I was effectively "traded" to NY but not for the right reasons and I hated it. I couldn't appreciate NY because I missed San Francisco so much. I returned to SF trying to recapture the magic of the first time but it simply didn't work. I can't blame that career slump on anyone other than me though. I don't have radio horror stories. This business has been nothing but accepting and fair to me. Some concepts are ill conceived. I've definitely seen my fair share of those.
This time, I am working for a company that has customized this time slot for me, people who believe in taking risks and aren't afraid. The new regime at Infinity has carefully assembled a handpicked, proven talent roster unique to each market and given us ridiculous autonomy. I am in the best city in the world working for people who trust me in a format I was meant to do with huge creative license. That's the difference. It's an honor and a privilege and I bring my A-game with zero attitude every damn day. I truly believe that the boys in NY are visionaries and we are all perched on the precipice of a make or break time in terrestrial radio. That's exciting. And I haven't been excited about radio in a great while. Free-FM is huge!
I used to be the Queen of "disgruntled" and "insubordinate". Now, I am unnervingly "gruntled". It's alarming but fabulous. I came to win and we will!
4. If you hadn't gone into radio, what would you be doing today?
Refining cold fusion and splitting the atom in my spare time. You know, the basics. That or counter help.
5. Of all the things you've done on the air, are there any bits you regret, or would do differently given the chance to go back? What's the bit that sticks out as the one you're most proud of?
I'm particularly proud of the legendary David Cassidy interview. He was being a pompous ass and comparing himself to Laurence Olivier. I pointed out that to the best of my recollection, Oliver had never pranced around in a chicken costume or traveled the country in a psychedelic school bus ala Keith Partridge. He was not amused. As for bits, I regret...none. No time in my world for regrets. Just learn and move on.
6. Who are your influences?
You can't be doing this kind of radio without a nod to Howard. Not the whiny curmudgeon that he is now, the Howard of glory days gone by. In terms of current talent, I am a huge O & A fan. I wish I could think of some women who inspire me, but the reality is there simply weren't any when I was coming up. I hope my career changes, or has changed, that for other women on the rise now. And there are some real stars out there with ovaries!
7. Best. Guest. Ever. Who was it for you and why? Who was the worst guest ever?
David Cassidy was my worst guest, the whole comparing himself to Laurence Olivier. He was also my best guest, cuz he stormed off in disgust (and tears) when I ripped him a new one, and I had a clip that I milked for years. He's no Bonaduce. That's all I gots to say! LOL.
8. What do you do for fun?
My show. Scaring small children is a close second.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.
...breaking into paroxysms of laughter.
10. What's the best advice you ever got? The worst?
Just be yourself. Make it personal and intimate. Let the listeners get to really know you.
The worst advice I ever got was "dumb it down." I threw a paperweight at the genius who told me that. Oops.
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