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10 Questions with ... Rusty Humphries
June 8, 2010
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Did the WKRP thing for many years "town to town, up and down the dial." Worked at KJR, KPLZ, KUBE, KIIS-FM, WPLJ and MANY others ... Was Executive Director of TM Century Comedy Network and have been fortunate to have worked with the best... Rush Limbaugh, Mancow, Kidd Kraddick, Mark Masters and more.
1. You made quite a transition from producing parody songs at TM Century to being a host in your own right. Was that the plan for you all the way through? Did you always plan on doing your own show? How did you make that move?
TM Century... WOW, you're going back a long way. I think I sold my stake in the comedy network in 1992. I always wanted to be host but got into radio very young. I got very good at making others sound their best. After working with Mancow in Chicago, I had an opportunity to move into talk at WGL in Ft. Wayne. Talk has always been my favorite format, even when I was a kid. I used call Larry King when I was in Jr. High. After Ft. Wayne, moved to Reno, where I got my big break at KOH, and moved to syndication a few years later.
2. You've been all over the world broadcasting from some of the most dangerous situations possible. What one incident -- an interview, or something that may have happened off the air -- strikes you as the most memorable, and why?
I have been almost killed four times while broadcasting, twice with terrorists in Palestinian areas, once by a rocket in Gaza and once by an IED in Iraq. In Afghanistan, I traveled on roads that hadn't repaired since Alexander the Great. In Darfur, I met people who had been slaves the DAY before, where an empty plastic water bottle had the same status symbol as a new laptop computer here. I have been educated, frightened and humbled in my travels.
3. What would you say the mood of your listeners is right now, a year and a half since the economic collapse? Are people angry, resigned, optimistic?
I think angry would be a good description. Also concerned... we are witnessing the least experienced, most radical President in our history. He's taking us down a path that I believe is dangerous.
4. In that regard, what's your take on the tea party movement -- is it a good thing, and what has talk radio's role been in the movement? Is talk radio leading or reflecting its listeners' discontent?
I think the Tea Party movement is great. These are everyday folks who are reading, watching TV, listening to the radio. They are autodidactic and have chosen to stand up for what they believe in. There are no leaders, this is true grass roots. I'm very proud to be a part of it.
5. At this stage in your career, of what are you most proud?
I have over 250 radio stations who like my show enough to air it every night. I'm with the best syndication company in radio. I have two happy, healthy daughters. Things right now are pretty good.
6. What, and/or who, makes you laugh?
"How I Met Your Mother," "The Big Bang Theory" (TV show and theory itself)
Mancow Muller's big brother Mark Muller. He owns a car dealership in Butler, Mo. He had a sales campaign recently, "Buy a truck, get and AK-47." LOL I LOVE that!
7. What would surprise people most about you?
After my wife passed away two years ago, I have gotten off the couch and away from 24 hour show prep. I have become much more aware of my family, surroundings and myself. I run marathons, Suzanne Somers is one of my best friends and I can talk bio-identical hormones with the best of them.
8. Of all the people you've met in your radio career, whether they were interview subjects, co-workers, or rivals, who stands as the most impressive person you've met and why?
Without a doubt, Mark Masters. He is the most honest and smartest person I've ever met.
9. As a father, how optimistic or pessimistic about the future are you? What do you anticipate today's children will encounter 20 or 30 years from now, a better or worse world?
That depends on the hard choices we a nation choose to make. Our debt is unsustainable and the large government programs cannot continue. I am certainly concerned for my children.
10. What are most valuable lessons you've learned in your radio career?
Be honest with the audience. The sales staff, advertisers and commercials are your friends.
A six-pack of Coke a day is not a good idea.
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