-
10 Questions with ... Don Davis
March 5, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I'm optimistic about the current state of the format. Is it the format darling it once was? Likely not, but what format hasn't experienced some change and transition? Tastes and listening habits change as we age, but unlike most other formats and musical genres, I'm confident there's a few kids in a garage somewhere in Arlington, TX, or in Detroit or Toledo, etc., playing some form of rock music that will carry the format and the overall appetite for rock music well into the future
-
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?
I always had a love of music and I suppose the defining moment was the realization that you could play music, talk on the radio, etc., and make a career out of it.
2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Absolutely. Despite the significant changes the medium has experienced over the decades since I've been lucky enough to be a part of radio, much remains the same and that is the connection between great brands and their audiences.
3) Can you give us a quick look at your career highlights with stations and positions up to now?
Started working at a gospel station KIRL/St. Charles, MO, in high school back in the '80s. After graduation, I spent a number of years touring Missouri doing on-air work and various other things at stations in Joplin, Springfield and Columbia, MO. I was then hired by the late, great Jim Steel to do overnights at WIOT back in 1990 and spent 12 years there eventually moving to afternoons and becoming PD. Spent about five years in Tucson, programming KHYT. In 2006 I left to program WFYV (ROCK 105) in Jacksonville, FL, and in 2008, came to Dallas to program KZPS and eventually was given responsibility over KEGL.
4) You're the PD for both Active Rock KEGL (97.1 The Eagle) and KZPS (Lone Star 92.5). How long have you been rocking with these stations and what makes each of them unique?
I've been the KZPS PD since arriving in 2008, I was made PD of KEGL a few years later. Both stations have a rich history in DFW and that rich heritage -- while at times a liability and asset -- helps both stations carve out a unique lane in the marketplace. While there are similarities in the audiences we cater to, each brand is unique musically and attitudinally by design to put us in the best position.
5) Let's start with KZPS. You have market legends Bo & Jim in mornings. What is the latest with those guys and give us a quick run through your KZPS personality lineup.
Yes, I'm very lucky to have such pros and true market legends start off the day. The guys were inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame last year and it's an honor to be a very small part of their large successes over the years. Debbie Alcocer, who's a market and Classic Rock vet, handles middays. Jeff K is likely one of the busiest guys in radio I know as Jeff --who has also been in the market for many years - holds down afternoon drive while balancing his work for the Dallas Stars and that little football team here in Dallas. Big Ted McKay -- the professor of Classic Rock -- handles nights.
6) How is the station positioned musically in the market and how much, if any, Rock artists do you share with KEGL?
As with most Classic Rock stations in 2019, we're always evolving as our audience continues to evolve and age. While there does exist a nominal amount of artist/title sharing with KEGL, KZPS is uniquely different musically and owns the Classic Rock lane in the marketplace.
7) Now let's talk about The Eagle. Market vet Cindy Scull rocks mornings. How is she doing in the market and who are the rest of your personalities on the Eagle?
Yes, Cindy has been a part of KEGL's DNA for some time. As a matter of fact, she's held down mornings longer than any other personality. Ayo, who migrated over from The Edge, handles middays. The Russ Martin Show holds down PMD in only the way that Russ and crew can. Klinger takes care of nights and Todd Frost "Frosty" takes care of overnights and serves as APD for both KZPS and KEGL; he's an invaluable asset to both brands.
8) Now let's talk about the music on KEGL. How Active with currents is the station musically?
KEGL continues to evolve, but particularly shifted musically following the departure of The Edge in 2016. KEGL, while staying true to its rock heritage, has embraced those Alternative titles that can coexist on a Rock station. We'll embrace currents a bit more aggressively at night, but new music discovery has always been an important station attribute.
9) What's your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?
I'm optimistic about the current state of the format. Is it the format darling it once was? Likely not, but what format hasn't experienced some change and transition? Tastes and listening habits change as we age, but unlike most other formats and musical genres, I'm confident there's a few kids in a garage somewhere in Arlington, TX, or in Detroit or Toledo, etc., playing some form of rock music that will carry the format and the overall appetite for rock music well into the future.
10) Finally, you recently announced The Eagle's BFD Concert on May 26th with Shinedown and a great lineup of Rock bands. How many years has the station been doing the BFD and what else can you tell us about this year's event?
BFD has been a part of KEGL since 1999 and although I hasn't been continuous 20 years, it's become a huge footprint for the station and a chance for Rockaholics to unite for a day of great, live rock music.
Since it falls on Memorial Day weekend, we're also proud and honored to pay our gratitude and respects to those men and women we've lost. And this year will be no exception as we're planning something extra special for BFD 2019!
-
-