10 Questions with ... Steve King

NAME:Steve King TITLE:PD STATIONS:KDKB 93-3 MARKET:Phoenix, AZ COMPANY:Sandusky Radio BORN:Columbus, OH RAISED:in a barn in Dallas, TX, or at least that's what my mother would tell you

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

2/08 - present: 93-3 KDKB, Phoenix, AZ
3/04 - 2/08: OM, Clear Channel Bakersfield and Lancaster, CA and PD of KDFO-FM
1/04 - 3/04: PD, WXMM (100.5 MAX-FM), Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA
9/02 - 10/03: OM, KRQQ and KOHT, Tucson, AZ
7/01 - 9/02: PD, WXSR/WTLY/WBWT, Tallahassee, FL
9/99 - 7/01: Director Of Programming for Montgomery Broadcasting and PD, WBAM/WQKS, Montgomery, AL

And the list could go on, but I will refrain.

1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

I received my first radio at the age of seven and listened to 98 KZEW in Dallas constantly. I heard excitement coming out of the speakers every time I turned on the radio. Creative imaging, fun and intelligent jocks ... LaBella and Rody, Tempie Lindsey, Chas Mixon and Charley Jones spoke TO me and not AT me. They all had the same vision; they followed it and I felt it. Early on in my listening life, I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to be the ring leader.

2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Yes, but I would have better prepared myself with a stronger background in Marketing and IT. The college degree helped, no question.

3) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Association management, health care, or Chippendale's dancer

4) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

Rolling Stones, Def Leppard, Pantera, AC/DC, Butthole Surfers, Justin Timberlake, Shooter Jennings, Toby Keith, Timbaland, Whitesnake, Kanye West. All them are on my iPod and they all are in different sections for when I am out riding. Different sounds for my moods.

5) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

"I don't know everything."

6) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

KDFO, getting 15,000 people into Yokuts park for a free outdoor concert with Blue Oyster Cult in mid-August. (Lots of cowbell that night)

7) How are you using new music technologies to work with the music you program on your station, in production and in your personal life?

I am always listening to all formats of music and all sources I can find. However, I do find www.Newmusicserver.com to be a great resource. I also check out artist's websites on YouTube, MySpace, Facebook and iTunes, just to name a few. However, nothing will ever beat listening to what the car next to you has on. Even if it isn't your station or in your format, ask them to what they are listening, if you don't know.

8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

Yes, my life outside of radio. I give everything about me to the business and my stations and will continue to do so. Now it's time to balance work and outside work interests.

9) What approach do you take after a soft book?

I tear apart the station and reassemble it, on paper, like a puzzle and see if there are extra parts left over. If there are, maybe it's better to put them aside for a later date, or it may be time to replace a few broken items. It's like a person and you are the doctor giving a check-up. You are the doctor of your station, diagnose and repair. Rinse and repeat.

10) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Learn everything you can. Learn every format you can. Don't be too proud, stubborn or think for a second you are too good for anything. Remember you are always replaceable. Market yourself. Blow your own horn. Don't be afraid to do the hard thing, when it is the right thing. Tell the truth, even when it hurts. Above all, never forget this one line, as it could make you or break you at some point in your career: "OTHER DUTIES, AS ASSIGNED." (People have been fired for less.)

What do you do in your spare time?

Masturbate

How did you get your present job?

Actually, it found me. I had interviewed for this job a year-and-a-half ago, but it went to another PD. When he left, I was contacted, if I was still interested ... and of course I was.

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?

Best advice was from my father: "The older you get, the smarter your father will get."

Worst was from my father, when I had appendicitis: "Take a dump, you'll feel better."

How often do you aircheck and what is your approach?

Daily airchecks with daily jocks. I like a casual conversational approach of what went on. A lot of times we talk before; others we talk after; sometime both. Depends on the jock and the needs of the jock.

Who is your best friend in the business?

Michael Newman of Radio Strategies