10 Questions with ... Sean Stewart

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

When you talk with Sean Stewart, you can sense his passion for radio. You can also tell how much he loves music. His career kicked off in May 2000 in his home state of New York, starting as MD/nights at WFPK/WPKF in Poughkeepsie. He would exit in November of 2007 to join Hudson Valley station WSPK/Poughkeepsie and WAJZ/Albany. A year later it was off to Chattanooga for a brief stay as MD/night host at WKXJ. That gig would eventually lead him to MD/night host at WDOD Hits 96. After 10 years, it was time for a change and a new challenge. The Rock format was calling! Sean is now the PD/morning show host for Rock 105 WRXR/Chattanooga, TN. Sean Stewart has called the station home since January of 2018.

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

Charlie Work! Faxing, cleaning, washing, board opping, panhandling ... Did a little bit of everything while waiting for my opportunity. As a kid growing up outside of NYC, K-ROCK was my jam and Howard Stern helped shape me as human.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is what I want to do for a living"?

My unhealthy obsession with it. Radio fascinated me on so many levels and I wanted to be a part of it. I just had to figure out how. I started to show up at random radio station events, talking with the talent trying to figure out what I needed to do get my foot in the door. Two community college semesters later, I landed my first internship. Never looked back. Eighteen years later, I'm still loving every minute of my career choice. Love this business.

3) How long have you been at WRXR (Rock 105) and what makes this station so unique?

Going on nine months. We are in the unique position of being a 20-year heritage station but also having the ability to hit the reset button. Entercom has giving us all the support, tools and reassures needed to breath fresh air back into Chattanooga's Rock station. We are manned with a full Live and Local air staff. All of whom have spent decades in the market, including our man Boner, who is back with station to give us even more credibility.

4) You have the dual role as PD and morning show host; how do you balance your time so all roles are effective?

I have ADD so the more things for me to do plays to my strengths. Also, technology helps with remote access, conference calls, e-mails, webinars allow you the flexibility to work remotely. That really helps.

5) Tell us about the Sean Stewart morning show. Do you do any special music and content benchmarks?

The only bench mark we have is "Fast Lane" We do it close to 9a and call attention to the fact your probably running late so, we play an aggressive style ragging tune to calm the nerves.

6) Congrats on recently getting Mediabase Rock reporting status. I'm sure your phone is ringing much more now. Let's talk about the music on Rock 105. How much new Rock are you playing as opposed to library music and do you run any new music features?

Thank you! Yes, lots of old friends and new ones have been reaching out. Thank you all for the support! As of now we have not developed any "new music shows" nor added any syndicated shows that highlight new rock. We have our solid core sound and like to surround it with some new rock that fits our mold.

7) What's your take on current Rock music and the Active Rock format as a whole?

The music at Rock is strange as the new stuff never really moves to a gold; it just goes away. Most rock stations emphasize Classic Rock songs more than current rock songs. New bands like Geta Van Fleet are great for the state of current rock; I just hope they don't fly away to Alt and/or Pop. Because Rock could use new some bands with a face.

8) Give me three of your favorite new Rock tracks or artists of 2018 and why?

• Greta Van Fleet - Love their throwback classic rock sound. Even though it's similar, it's different and that's good to hear.
• Ghost - "Rats" Diggin' the '80s rock Queensryche-type vibe. Plus the show is amazing, super-theatrical and fun.
• Twenty One Pilots - "Jumpsuit" Very nice of them to make a record for the format.

9) How much does Rock 105 use its website and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to help enhance the Rock 105 experience with its listeners?

Our digital platforms are very important to what we do. We engage continually with our audience on social media as it's an extension of our studio. Rock105.com is a huge source of news for us as Radio.com does an amazing job keeping it updated. Add us, browse us.

10) Finally, I understand you are a huge New York Yankees fan. Do you think they can overtake the Boston Red Sox in the AL East?

Yes, I will always think the Yankees can do anything better than the Red Sox. I will never ever concede anything to the Red Sox, ever! #YankeeUniverse