10 Questions with ... Scott Ellis

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 2003-2007: KKLR (Clear 94)/KJEZ (Z95 the Bone)/ Poplar Bluff, MO-Mid-days on KJEZ and PM Drive on KKLR
• 2007-2008: KZRQ (Z106.7)/Springfield, Mo- Middays
• 2008-2018: KSPW (Power 96.5)/Springfield, MO- PD/PM Drive
• 2018 – Nov. 2019: KNOU (Now 96.3)/St. Louis, MO- PD/Mid Days
• Feb 2020 – Present KQRA (Q102)/Springfield, MO- PD

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

My first job was a part time gig, running the board for St. Louis Cardinals broadcasts on KWOC-AM, playing local spots and keeping them on time. After my first shift the PD said, “Well you didn’t suck at it,” so he kept asking me to do other things like record the weather, remotes or an on-air shift. So I did what he asked, all the while hoping to be told afterwards that I “didn’t suck.” So now I strive to make a whole career out of not sucking.

2. Was there a defining moment, which made you realize “this is what I’m going to do for a living?”

I don’t know if I had a defining moment, but I have always felt “I can’t believe they pay me to do this!” Radio has always been a passion for me and the fact that I can make a living doing it is honestly a big bonus.

3. What have been some of your most memorable/proudest moments in your radio career up to now?

We all have the ‘big ratings bump’ moment or the ‘win for the charity’ moment but the proudest moments for me are helping someone on my team achieve one of their goals. I like helping a young DJ transition into a morning show role or make that jump to a bigger market. Those are the most memorable for me.

4. Congrats on your new position as PD at KQRA. Before we dive into this, you have worked with OM and former Q 102 PD Valorie Knight for years. What is your working history with Valorie?

Val has been a mentor. When she came to Journal in Springfield, MO as OM, she steered me onto the right path by helping me find my voice as a personality and showed me how to be a great leader.

5. Now that you’re in the KQRA programming chair, with this new perspective, what makes KQRA unique?

KQRA is unique because it represents, not only rock music, but also the rock attitude of the Springfield and Southwest Missouri area. We want to do more than just play music for the community, we strive to be part of it, while also being part of the daily routines of our listeners and showcasing the lifestyle of the community through Social Media, live events and On-Air.

6. Before we talk about music, the syndicated Lex & Terry show is running in mornings. How has that show been doing in the market?

The Lex & Terry show has been a market leader in Springfield. They are consistently at the top for people 25-54 and they are the lynchpin of our signature Lex and Terry Sub-Par Golf Classic which is a huge hit for us every year!

7. I know that you are new to the Active Rock format but I know you have a passion for it. What’s your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?

Active Rock was stagnant for a long time with a similar sound and the same artists. Now I feel the format is in a transition phase with cool new artists and some fresh takes from veteran artists on their new music. I also think the format and the audience is starting to embrace streaming.

8. Coming into the Rock format from other formats, what do you think that Active Rock can do a better job at?

Promotionally, do what Rock is good at and break the rules. Someone very smart once said that if we aren’t getting complaint calls every once in a while, are we really doing our jobs?

Musically, we should be showcasing the music that mirrors our listeners’ lifestyles. Using streaming data and other metrics so we aren’t reliant on a national chart but mirroring the rock music that is impacting our local communities.

9. What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year so far and why?

It’s early in the year but right now I am digging.

Falling In Reverse- “Popular Monster”
Volbeart- “Die To Live”
Kaleo- “Break My Baby”

All three have a unique sound but also still rock.

10. Finally, what do you like to do for fun and relaxation when you’re NOT in “radio” mode?

It’s probably cliche to say this but first and foremost concerts, after that playing basketball, and I probably like to gamble a little too much. I know those probably don’t sound too relaxing but that’s what does it for me.