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10 Questions with ... Borna Velic
January 8, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. It's getting healthier and stronger. There are many veteran artists still cranking out great new music along with new bands that have burst onto the scene. Look at what Ghost is doing, and how creative they are. Check out a Greta Van Fleet show and hear young people scream like I've only heard in watching old footage of the Beatles. Rock concerts are still selling well. People are still willing to spend their hard-earned money on a rock show. That's encouraging
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1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize that this is what you wanted to do for a career?
When I was a freshman in high school, my best friend's older brother flashed his FCC Broadcast License ... remember those? I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I took the class, passed the exam, and started broadcasting on WDGC, a 250-watt station shared by the two high schools in Downers Grove, IL. I haven't stopped since.
2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes, without a doubt. I achieved my dream job; how many people can honestly say that? Whenever frustrations arise, I always remember how much I wanted a radio career growing up. I never take it for granted.
3) Before you started rocking on WHQG (102.9 The Hog)/Milwaukee, you spent quite a few years as MD for WAPL-WZOR/Appleton/Green Bay, WI. What were some of the highlights of your tenure there?
I have so many fond memories of my time there. I started as the night jock on WAPL in 2002 and eventually rose through the ranks to become the MD for multiple stations in the building. Highlights include winning a couple of Marconi awards at WAPL, selling out the 'APL Christmas bash every year, implementing and executing strategic analysis on both stations and seeing success, and our tremendous charity work in the community. WAPL recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and WZOR is approaching its 20th. I am extremely proud to be an alumnus of both those stations. The greatest highlight, though, was working with some incredibly talented people during my 11 years there. I made friendships for life at Woodward Radio and I'm grateful for that.
4) Before we talk about your new PD stripes, how long have you been at The Hog and what makes this station so unique?
I just hit my five-year anniversary back in November. What makes our station stand out is a strong roster of personalities and a company that supports our talent. Bob & Brian have dominated mornings for decades. Our midday host, Mindy Novotny, is one of the best jocks in the country. I'm also part of a three-person afternoon show that does personality radio for the drive home. I'm fortunate to work for a company in Saga that believes in people doing great local radio and gives them the resources to succeed.
5) A big congrats on your new gig as PD for WHQG. How are things going for you and the station in this new role?
Thank you, it's been great so far. I'm blessed with a veteran staff that's been around for a while and knows what it takes to win. Personally, I'm still learning how to balance the macro and the micro. How to tackle the big picture while simultaneously paying attention to the daily elements that keep us sounding on point. Fortunately, I have people I can go to for advice when challenges arise. From our GM, Annmarie Topel, to our OM Bob Bellini, along with VP/Programming, Bob Lawrence.
6) How long have Bob & Brian done mornings on The Hog and how are they doing in the market?
They celebrated 30 years on the station a couple of years ago. Their track record of market dominance is mind-blowing. They've been the #1 morning show in Milwaukee for decades. It's truly remarkable. Now, the challenge is always maintaining that dominance when you've been at the top for so long. The market is changing; new competitors are coming at us, so we'll need to be focused in 2019.
7) You are also still doing afternoons on The Afternoon Program with Mitch & Mandy. Since Joe Calgaro's departure to WAAF, how is this new incarnation in afternoons working out?
When Joe left, we knew we wanted to keep the three-person dynamic on the afternoon show. After talking through some options, it turned out that the answer was right in our own building. Mandy joined our Energy Top 40 station a few years ago, so we were very familiar with her talent. Since we already knew her, we quickly developed chemistry on the air. She brings intelligence, a quick wit, and fresh ideas to the show. Plus, it's a good thing to have a female perspective to call out Mitch when he makes dumb 'guy' comments.
8) Now let's talk about the music on 102.9 The Hog. Years ago the station morphed from Mainstream Rock to Active. How Active with currents is the station musically?
I still consider us more Mainstream than Active Rock. Our gold library is the music foundation of the station, while mixing in some of the best new rock that sonically fits us. We rotate 15 currents along with some recurrents. Our structure still gives us an opportunity to take some risks on artists and songs we believe in.
9) What's your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?
It's getting healthier and stronger. There are many veteran artists still cranking out great new music along with new bands that have burst onto the scene. Look at what Ghost is doing, and how creative they are. Check out a Greta Van Fleet show and hear young people scream like I've only heard in watching old footage of the Beatles. Rock concerts are still selling well. People are still willing to spend their hard-earned money on a rock show. That's encouraging.
10) Finally, I understand you're originally from Chicago. What's it like being a Bears fan in Packer country?
Right now ... it's terrible (laughs). I answer this question not long after Cody Parkey double-doinked the Bears right out of the playoffs. I'll rightfully get some ridicule from my Packers friends, but that's what makes sports fandom so much fun. Hopefully, the Bears can continue their upward trend and I fully expect the Packers to bounce back with a new coach next season. Should make the rivalry a lot of fun in future seasons!
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