10 Questions with ... Jason Squires

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Been with KFRR since 2001, taking over middays and becoming PD in 2005 and doing both ever since.

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

First job was part-time at KKXX and KRAB in Bakersfield, CA - early influences included my father, Chris Squires, KRAB PD Danny Spanks and Dave Christopher, who's my former OM in San Luis Obispo

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

Having family in the business was obviously my major influence; being a fan of music and radio just steered me towards it. I always enjoyed being in a radio station and talking, so it was just a fit. It was interesting to me. If my father had done something else, the influence may have steered me towards something different

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

I think so, growing up around radio and always being someone who wanted to do more, and really dig into to every aspect of radio has really helped me adapt to the way our business keeps changing

4) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?

I think it's getting better, I've never had a problem with labels, but I've always been up front. As long as they understand what I do in my market, for my station, then I understand their job as well. Luckily, I have great relationships with most who I deal with, and I have known for awhile

5) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Radio no longer being an outlet for music, or new music and new bands. It's tough right now; radio really thrived in the '90s when were ahead of the curve or were the curve. It helped build each brand, regardless of format. Now that's just not there, or not being done on our parts

6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?

I really like Stryker at KROQ -- just always sounds on point, which helps the audience relate to him, whether he's talking up a song or speaking with artists ... very relatable and doesn't come off as phony.

7) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?

It's really good right now; each format appears to have HUGE artists dropping new music in this year, which has been really good. Some will disagree with that, but I believe it; it's just in the way we are presenting it

8) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?

Someone who Internet-savvy in all areas, from social media to everything else, I've learned a lot in the two to three years with online, but it would be great to have someone here who could do all that for me on a regular basis

9) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

Currently, have the PJ 20 soundtrack on a constant loop -- really great for hardcore fans of Pearl Jam, some demos, and live tracks make it nice package. Also currently listening to the new Blink 182, which I just got as I'm writing this ... a more mature Blink 182, if that makes sense.

10) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Engaging the listeners and the importance of live and local radio. Fresno is a just such an amazing market. With the stations and talent here, we're all fighting for our piece of the pie.