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10 Questions with ... Mark Devine & "Neander" Paul Marshall
September 20, 2016
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1) What was your first job in radio?
Mark: Bulking carts and writing copy for bar night commercials at the now-defunct WMJQ in Rochester, NY. Nobody bulked carts like me!
NeanderPaul: I snagged records (!) CDs, carts (get off my lawn!), coffee, and did what it took to get a foot in the door at WZLX. Early influences? First and foremost, the staff of WBCN. My horrible career decisions are the result of one great radio station.
2) What led you to a career in radio and was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it?"
Mark: During a summer home from college I was talking to a buddy who had gotten on the radio at his college station. That sounded like fun to me, so when I went back to school that was a goal. Within a couple of semesters I was PD at my college station, WBSU in Brockport, NY, and got an internship at the previously mentioned WMJQ, which turned into a job.
NeanderPaul: I always go back to the "Walk-a-Thon" that was presented by the legendary WCOZ. I saw how the jock (who skipped out before the walk began. Let that be a lesson kids: Your listeners remember) got treated like a rock star.
3) Before we talk about your morning show, can you give us some of the highlights of your radio career to this point?
Mark: It's really just that my wife and I were able to raise our kids in one place. We've been in Phoenix since 1989. We were able to give our kids stability despite me being in an unstable industry and they're out on their own now.
NeanderPaul: Building a home with the guys from Sevendust, and a few hundred listeners for Sgt. Peter Damon, who was injured serving our country, was probably the one that meant the most. Some things are bigger than radio.
4) When and how did this new morning team come about and how are things going so far?
Mark: I told KSLX that to do mornings I needed two producers, three writers, a limo ride to work each morning and the theme from "2001" to play every time I entered the building. In response, they offered Paul. I said 'Okay.'
NeanderPaul: The company wanted a high-profile morning show to start off the day. We had three quick coffee meetings, and committed to doing this. The show is growing nicely. In the last quarterly, Hubbard has two of the top-3 morning shows 25-54. We're really humbled by how Phoenix has embraced us.
5) Mark, you spent 15 years as half of the top-ranked Tim and Mark morning show on KDKB. What have you learned about doing mornings working with Paul? Paul, what have you learned about doing mornings working with Mark?
Mark: It was actually 16, but who's counting? The main thing I've learned with Paul is that my way is not always the right way or the only way. I like the way the show has evolved both naturally and through careful planning.
NeanderPaul: The first thing, is how to share. I've been working on playing well with others. Thankfully, my playmate is every bit as immature as I am.
6) The Mark and Neanderpaul show is still relatively new to the market, what are some of the early highlights you can share with us about the show so far?
Mark: I left radio in 2005 and had another career. I did that to clear my head after 16 years of the pressure of running a successful show. When Paul and I started, I was just sort of 'happy to be back.' Now that we're up and running, my competitive fire is back and that's a highlight for me.
NeanderPaul: We've really taken it slow and steady. You don't get a chance to make a second impression. We've deliberately maintained a high song count. You *can* provide quality content, and still play music.
7) How active is the Mark and Neanderpaul show with its social media presence?
Mark: Paul's got this answer covered; Elaine is the Queen of our social media.
NeanderPaul: We have a "secret weapon" in our web-mistress, Elaine. She knows how to maximize every online move we could possibly make. When it comes to Facebook, Twitter, etc. she is an absolute super-genius. We regularly reach anywhere from a half million to several million people (stats available upon request) *every week.* We interact with our listeners every day. At *any* time they reach out. That's part of the gig. Whether you're on the air, or not, you must answer when they call. Or, they won't. It's not about us.
8) This week you guys are honoring the late Eagles great Glenn Frey with a statue in Winslow, AZ. Before we get into specifics, how did this idea originate?
Mark: We were just thinking of a way to honor Glenn Frey's everlasting impact on Arizona, so we figured a statue in tribute to him would be perfect. We just had to get the city of Winslow to agree.
NeanderPaul: To be clear, there's already a statue in Winslow that "stands on the corner." Over the years, people have said it resembles Jackson Browne (who co-wrote "Take It Easy") So, when Glenn passed, we thought there should be a second one installed as a tribute. We didn't plan for it to actually *be* Glenn. We just figured people would make the connection on their own.
9) Give us the details on what's going to take place this week in Winslow with the Glenn Frey statue unveiling?
Mark: The day itself will be simple. We'll do our show from 5-10a and then the statue will be installed between noon and 2. All the work of arranging this whole thing is pretty much done.
NeanderPaul: We'll do the show live from Winslow on the morning of the dedication to help kick off the town's annual "Standing On The Corner Festival." We'll stream video, and (barring any last-minute technical limitation) stream the ceremony live at around noon. Everyone's invited to join us live. Either in-person or online.
10) Finally, how did you two guys, along with the Standing On The Corner Foundation and the City of Winslow come up with the money to fund the statue?
Mark & NeanderPaul: It wasn't cheap. We handled about 66% of the costs. The City of Winslow & Standing On The Corner Foundation, who handle the park's administration and maintenance, combine to cover the balance.
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