10 Questions with ... Bob Buchmann

1) What was your first job in radio?

It was 1976, two years after an FCC visit closed my 100-watt pirate station in my parents' basement. Top 40 WRCN/Riverhead gave me the break. Didn't matter that they broadcast from the popcorn stand at an abandoned drive-in theatre on Long Island's East End; I was thrilled!

2) Was there a defining moment that led to your radio career when you realized this is what I want to do for a living?

I guess the catalyst for the pirate station start-up belongs to two New York superstars: WABC's Dan Ingram and WNBC's Don Imus. Ingram was amazing for his razor-sharp humor, all delivered in 10 seconds. His station was jingles on top of DJs on top of records, and I loved the way everything blended together. Imus was edgy and rebellious, paving the way for Howard Stern in later years. Imus made me laugh out loud by my radio every morning. He was on the cover of Life, and I was proud! Both personalities allowed my friends and I up to the studio as they broadcast. As high school kids, that blew us away. We interviewed them and their PDs, along with those of other New York stations. Even WXLO/NY GM Erica Farber granted us a visit and interview.

3) Before we talk about your morning show (The Bob and Coe Show), you had a stellar programming background for major Rock stations in New York and L.A. What are some of your proudest achievements from your radio programming career?

I'm most proud of hiring great people. As a programmer, once you have the station vision, great people must follow. Three of the four full-timers on WBAB/Long Island today were hired by me at that station in the early '80s: Roger Luce, John Parise and Keith "Fingers" Nutting. All still kicking ass.

At KLOS/Los Angeles, I brought in full-timers Gary Moore and Melissa Maxx, world-class talent who remain there today. (Speaking of huge talent, what a thrill it was to play coach and help Mark & Brian achieve their biggest Arbitron share ever: a 6.2 in Adults 25-54, good for #1.)

I am most proud of my nine years programming iHeartMedia's WAXQ/New York. We designed it to be a cross between what everyone grew up listening to (WPLJ in their rock days) and the newly defunct Rock station beloved by everyone (WNEW2). The company and the local management gave us the keys and as Tom Poleman said at the time, "We are empowered." Everyone we brought in on the content side is still in place at Q, including one of the two hires I am most proud of, Jim Kerr. He and Shelli Sonstein are terrific in mornings, followed by the N.Y. queen of the workplace, Maria Milito, Ken Dashow killing it in afternoons, and legend Carol Miller nights. Weekenders are legends, too: Marc Coppola, Ian O'Malley, Gerry Martire, Jonathan Clarke, Eddie Trunk and Ralph Tortora. Can’t forget Creative Services wizard Rick Gangi, still doing amazing work.

The other person at Q I'm most proud of hiring is current PD and iHeart Classic Rock Brand Manager Eric Wellman. He was my WBAB APD and my APD at Q, and he is a genius.

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Bob during Buchmann's programing run at KLOS/Los Angeles

4) After years of programming, when and how did you end up working with Coe Lewis on 101 KGB doing The Bob and Coe Show?

After nearly three years at KLOS, new owner Cumulus laid off 28 of us, starting with my boss, me second, Jim Ladd third ... it was ugly. Hard to comprehend how a company could "go bad" so quickly. Thankfully for its employees, Cumulus is a new company today.

Eight months later, while interviewing for a three-station PD job with Sirius/XM, I got a call from Shauna Moran, PD of iHeart's KGB and Rock 1053. Always direct, Shauna asked, "Would you be interested in mornings at KGB?" KGB is one of a handful of Rock stations that have remained in the format without interruption since the '70s. The train was on the fast track, and soon after she had me try out on-air with solo host, 27-year San Diego pro Coe Lewis. At the end of the four hours, Coe and I felt instant chemistry. Coe gave it the thumbs up, Shauna liked what she heard, and boom!

5) Can you give us some of the ratings highlights of the show since you started working together?

Our show is consistently top 5 in target demos, currently #4 in Men. And Shauna and the staff have the station as a whole performing well. One highlight of note came in 2014, when we went #1 12+ for the first time in 25 years.

6) Now let's talk about the show overall. If you were to describe The Bob and Coe Show to someone who's never listened ... what would you say?

It's a Classic Rock morning show starring the listeners. A lot of phones: games, opinions, feelings, pop culture thoughts, requests. A lot of rock mixed with back and forth from Coe and me. Coe is the embedded personality and the good soul; she heads two 501c3 non-profits! I steer the show and have to bring a little edge.

Coe Lewis and Bob Buchmann

7) Tell us some of the best and most memorable moments to date on The Bob & Coe Show?

When we first got together, on her birthday, I knew she was a Zeppelin freak, so I gave her Robert Plant's harmonica. She saw it as her one opportunity to swap spit with Plant; I saw it as something that now sits on her dresser right next to that other item she cherishes.

We'll do anything to bring us close and personal with our listeners, creating a bonding experience for them and us. Thank you bar-b-ques for first responders and military, Motley Crue look-a-like contests ... Then there was the girl who covered herself in Trans Siberian Orchestra body paint (and nothing more) to win front-row tickets and a meet-and-greet. All that stuff and more.

8) Is there anyone else on the show with you guys and if so, who are they and what are their roles?

Our Sports guy, Nick Hardwick (Chargers #61), delivers sports the way only an insider can ... what a refreshing perspective! Producer Anna Reynolds gathers prep and sound, and is on mic to lend the 25-year-old perspective. New to the show is Senior Producer Little Tommy Sablan (who is the only producer inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame!) Like Coe, he's been in the market nearly 30 years and contributes on-air and from the field.

9) Beyond the daily morning show, how active are you guys with social media and beyond including podcasting?

Totally ... it enhances the show between 6 and 10 and then extends the show post 10a. Social posts, online blogs and podcasts (especially of our many interviews). Each done many times per day, every day. We use station and personal assets to get the word out.

10) Finally, who is the funniest person on The Bob and Coe Show and why?

For many shows, making a personality or the team play "the funny role" is essential. Not for us: One minute it's me, the next it's Coe, then it's a listener from downtown, followed by Producer Anna. Up next, Conan telling a joke from last night, then Sports guy Nick Hardwick, and next our new Senior Producer Little Tommy. We like the show to be fun and/or funny, and we don't care who makes it that way. Funny looking? That would be me.