10 Questions with ... Chris "Purple" Hayes

1) What was your first job in radio and early influences?

First was small hometown Top 40 KKDY; did overnights while going to college. Influences: Buddy of mine was working in radio when we were 15. Used to go up and hang out with him at night. Always thought looks like a very cool job. Then used to listen to old airchecks would get my hands on that FMQB used-to-send-out CD. Later when I moved to Joplin, Chuck Dunaway had a big impact on influencing me on love for radio and programming.

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

When Fanny Mae screwed me! Short answer, they said I defaulted on a student loan, but I didn't because I was in school at the time. Missed my window to transfer schools. So while I was trying to figure that out, I decided to take radio more serious -- and 27 years later, I'm still doing it!

3) How long have you been rocking on KXDG (Big Dog 97.9) and what makes this station so special?

The station and myself are celebrating 20 years! Hard to believe that it has been that long. Was hired by Chuck Dunaway when the station signed on. Started off as the afternoon guy, then just kept adding more roles until PD. Did a two-year stint on mornings before back to afternoons. Then four years ago, I jumped back into the morning role.

Second part of the question: You need to really just be in the market to feel and see. We have the most amazing listeners, I know it's cliché and what everyone says. The station being here 20 years and myself being lucky enough to be here the entire time, we have grown with them and their families. The parents listening and now their kids and I now see grandkids ... It's a trip. Prime example was when the tornado hit Joplin on May 22nd 2011 ... we went wall-to-wall on all stations for eight days 24/7 to connect people and just be there to help. Moments like that remind us how local radio is a key to communities. I am glad to working for a wonderful company that understands that and provides us with the tools to do this. We are their loyal and faithful companion and they are to us. One big pack!

4) You have the dual role as PD and morning host on KXDG. How do you balance your time so both roles are effective?

It at times can be tough. Everyone now wears many hats! Always looking for that magic solution to do it better. Really being a PD and morning guy, the job never ends. The key has to be love the job and what you do.

5) Do you do any special features during your morning show on KXDG?

At this point, I don't do a lot a features in the morning. Focus on a "Shut Up and Rock" morning show. Do more music, highlight local and current topics, try little humor just in and out with current stuff with a killer soundtrack!

6) Now let's talk about the music on Big Dog 97.9. How is KXDG positioned musically? Would you be considered a Mainstream or Active Rock station?

Slogan is "Everything That Rocks;" we currently spin about 27% current with '90s and millennial being majority of the gold. As far as being considered that is a question that will be answered different by about everyone asked. Seems today the definition of a Mainstream and Active Rock station is a blurry line. I will break out my Rock rebellious attitude and say don't label us, we are a ROCK station.

7) Is it safe to say that KJML (Rock 107.1) is your primary Rock competition in Joplin, MO? How do you fare against them in the ratings?

You can say that, in the fact that we share some of the same artists. It's kind of comparing apples and oranges. The real competition though is within our own group of stations when you break things down. As far as ratings go, we do very, very well and always have. Many stations over the 20 years have come and gone; we are still here and on top. That is, thanks to our amazing listeners. When you break things down, we are #1 Men 18-34, #1 Men 18-49 and tied #1 Men 25-54 with another station in our group. There is a very big gap in key demos between us.

8) What's your take on the Rock format as a whole as we enter 2017?

I know a lot has been talked about Rock being dead. Maybe the dynamics of the industry has changed but right now, I think the music and variety has been better than it has been in the last several years. The fact that we had albums dropping from Metallica, Green Day and Korn to bands like The Pretty Reckless and the sound of Highly Suspect. I just think the variety and quality has been getting better and I really like the direction the Rock format is moving. Very excited to see where it heads.

9) How aggressive is KXDG with your social media (Facebook, Twitter) presence in the market?

It's key. Social campaigns and interaction are just part of what we do now. I have an amazing stuff that helps with this. We are very aggressive socially, mainly with Facebook, our app and starting this year, more digitally with promotion, interaction with listeners and clients. I mentioned it before, but I work for an amazing owner who provides us with the tools to not only provide the best to our listeners, but to our clients as well.

10) Finally, your on-air name is Chris Purple Hayes. Besides the Jimi Hendrix "Purple Haze" reference, what's the story behind the name?

I had to sign paperwork not to disclose that portion of my life. Actually, I give credit to Dan Bickford, worked on-air for me and did weather for a local TV station. One day he called me Purple Hayes on the air and the next weekend, I was out at an event and people where calling me Purple Hayes. It stuck and the rest is history. At least that's the story I'm sticking to.