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10 Questions with ... Doug Ingold
February 10, 2015
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1. What made you want to get into the radio and music business? What was your first radio/music job and early mentors?
All I ever wanted to do was be on the radio. First radio gig was afternoon news announcer on WKYG-A/Parkersburg, WV. I walked into the station with no experience, filled out an application and before I could walk out the door, the PD grabbed me and took me back to the AP news wire, ripped off some copy and said "read this." After about 30 seconds he said "...you go on the air this afternoon at 3p!" I was so excited I didn't have time to be scared. I later found out a portion of the staff had just been let go that morning! Welcome to radio! My early broadcasting mentors were Bill O'Brian. Don Staats, Larry Bruce (who plucked me from KNAC to program KTYD/Santa Barbara), Andrew Reimer, Mike Shepard, Jeff Davis ... I could go on.
2. Can you give us a quick history of your radio background with stations and positions?
While attending Ohio University, I started my career on Rock station WIBZ/Parkersburg WV. I did the leap to San Diego in the mid-'80s and found myself part of a unique radio fraternity crossing the border into Tijuana. Z90FM was the first stop where Bill Hergonson was programming an Album Rock format. When the format changed to Pop, I moved to evenings on KSON alongside the great Nick Upton. During this time I commuted to Long Beach to do two weekend shifts on the iconic 105.5 KNAC. Later I landed at Sandusky's Y95 for middays and finally moved to Santa Barbara to program KTYD FM into the early '90s.
3. Can you give us a quick history of the labels you've worked for and positions?
Relativity Records National Rock Director (Lucy's Fur Coat and Our Lady Peace). ZOO Entertainment's National Alternative Director (Tool and Matthew Sweet). VP Promotion for V2 Records (Stereophonics, Moby & White Stripes) and lastly Roadrunner Records (Slipknot & Nickelback).
4. And now to complete the radio/music biz trifecta, give us a quick history of your background in radio syndication including companies and positions?
After leaving Roadrunner, I found my radio programming and production skills combined with the relationships built doing promotion and marketing for labels made for an easy transition to network radio. I landed a job managing the music and entertainment department at Westwood One. Six degrees of separation, during that time I handled Skratch N Sniff, Out of Order, Off the Record, Beatle Years and Beatles Brunch, which are now part of the roster of shows I handle at Compass Media.
5. Now let's talk about Compass Media Networks. How long have you been working for them and what are your primary responsibilities?
I started with Compass Media Networks in January 2014 and my primary focus is our Music & Entertainment Division under the leadership of Adam Wilbur and our CEO/Founder Peter Kosann. I work directly with affiliates to create a successful partnership that will allow our shows to flourish using the strengths of each station.
6. Let's talk about LOUDWIRE Nights with Full Metal Jackie and Tony LaBrie. Give us the scoop on this night-time show for Rock stations.
LOUDWIRE Nights is a unique show in the sense that it was born on the web. LOUDWIRE.com has become the go-to destination for all things Rock -- music, tours, news and lifestyle. A terrestrial radio show was a natural extension of the brand and LOUDWIRE Nights was launched. The key was to find hosts with familiarity within the format and credibility in the genre. Jackie and Tony were naturals for this show. They live and breath rock music, are always in the clubs and at the festivals and their chops as hosts are never in question. At the heart of the show is the music. At 7p your station doesn't suddenly sound like a strange departure from what affiliates do throughout the day. The show displays a healthy balance of currents to music from rock icons. Jackie's unique behind the scenes interviews with artists and tastemakers are a big part of the show.
7. And then there's the Free Beer & Hot Wings morning show. How many affiliates are running this show and give us some of this shows ratings success stories.
Free Beer & Hot Wings is a cornerstone program of Compass Media with 50+ affiliates. "Funny First" is rule #1. The hosts are friends and they bring their own POV to the show like a group of friends sitting around talking about stuff that matters to them and their families. They are very relatable, interesting and always fun. The formula works and the show dominates in a growing number of markets, including Grand Rapids, Albany, Nashville, Wilkes-Barre and Portland, ME. We measure success not just with consistent ratings, but in the local support the show inspires from listeners. A Free Beer & Hot Wings market visit is an event and their promotion calendar is always full.
8. What else should Rock stations be looking for from Compass Media Networks now and in the future?
Rock stations should be looking forward to a call from me in the near future. Ha! Seriously, Compass is a young entrepreneurial company. We move fast and pride ourselves on delivering a high level of customer service.
9. Since you have such a varied radio/music background, I'd love to get your thoughts on the Rock format as a whole. What's your take on the music and artists at the format today?
I just came from The Radio Contraband Rock Convention in Las Vegas, where Free Beer & Hot Wings won the Rock Award for Syndicated Morning Show of the Year. The format may be smaller than in years past, but it's certainly not any less loud! The artist management companies, tour coordinators and independent labels I speak with recognize the passionate fan base and from this I'm expecting that we'll see growth for the format.
10. Finally, I know you're a huge San Diego Chargers fan. Do you think they'll be staying in San Diego and when will they compete for another Super Bowl?
Ha! Can we talk about the Padres? Chargers belong in San Diego and a new stadium should be built next to PETCO Park. I hope that happens.
Bonus Questions
What do you like to do for fun and relaxation when you're not in "work" mode?
Fun for me is being with family. Ann is in the biz (KROQ/Loveline) and our schedules are very different. But you'll usually find us at a high school or travel baseball game with our son or an Equestrian event with our daughter.
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