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10 Questions with ... Ben Holsen
March 11, 2008
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NAME:Ben HolsenLAST WITH:KS95/Minneapolis-St. PaulPHONE:(612) 201-9037EMAIL:benholsen@yahoo.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
Born to a DJ (Reid Holsen), I segued commercials on cart when I was 4 at KKLS in Sioux Falls. My first shift in '96; at 15 I was on Outlaw Country KTWB. Before graduating high school, in 1999, I was APD/MD at Active Rock KRRO. Began college at the University of Minnesota and started doing anything I could at family-owned Hubbard Broadcasting in early 2001. From then on, I grew up at KS95 doing evenings, afternoons and most recently on the morning show for the past four years.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
My family is wonderful. Having my father in the business helps enormously. I've worked with amazing people who continue to be supportive, such as former PDs of mine -- Dave Ryerson (KRRO) and Joe O'Brien (KSTP). Greg Thunder (KS95), Cheryl Kaye (KS95) and Larry Moon (KS95) have taught me a lot and given great advice. Cade (KRRO) is one of my best friends in the world and he's very generous. I work with Tom Kay of the Conclave once a week, and he's also been so kind.
2) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Absolutely. I don't think I'm going out on a whim here when I say our medium has had better days. There are some people doing it right. You are who I want to work for.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is my first time, so every day is breaking a new record.
4) Are you spending as much time listening to the radio as you used to?
I'll be honest: I haven't listened to as much commercial music radio. My dad and Tom Kay have me hooked on XM. Tom will play the most unusual channels, but when he's not looking, I switch to Lucy. I'm also addicted to Sports radio and I'm lucky to have one of the best here in KFAN. PA and Dubay are like crack.
5) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
At first it was awfully hard to let go and relax. Now, I enjoy going home where I have a godson and a new niece. Family dinners. My friends like that I don't have to go to bed so early, and my dog likes that I don't wake him at 3 to freeze out a potty and/or poo.
6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
In early 2000, right before the Spring book started, our PD at KRRO, John C. Price, passed away. Our young staff was heartbroken, but we pulled together and had the best ratings ever for KRRO! We were #1 in every key demo, with an astronomical Average Quarter Hour ranking. I'll never forget the day that book came out. At KS95, we won a Marconi, a Crystal, and had the best ratings in over a decade this year ... proud of that, too.
7) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I'm going to enjoy it more. I now know what it feels like to be on the outside. As a listener with absolutely no connection to behind the scenes, I have a slightly different taste in my mouth.
8) What do you miss most about the music/radio business?
Free tickets to my beloved Minnesota Vikings/Twins/Wolves and Wild. Do you realize how expensive those tickets are if you actually have to buy them? WOW!
9) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
My dream job would be a high-profile personality show in drive time. I want to make a difference.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
It is a really great and fun career, but not easy ... and it seems to be getting harder all the time, so get to know quality people and learn from them.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe to the On The Beach cookbook?
Grandma's grilled cheese ... ike a normal grilled cheese with grape jam on the top. I also find myself using every condiment offered as to get a better deal and gain needed sustenance. ;)
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