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10 Questions with ... Joe Calgaro
October 7, 2008
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NAME:Joe CalgaroTITLE:PD/AfternoonsMARKET:Appleton/Oshkosh & Green Bay, WICOMPANY:Woodward CommunicationsBORN:Normal, ILRAISED:Peoria, IL
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Started out working weekends on an AM Country station. First day on the air, the jock before me was so anxious to get out of the studio, he "forgot" to show me how to tape the top-of-the-hour news feed. Rather than call my boss, I just ran the same news every hour for my entire show. Good thing it was a slow news day.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
I've always been passionate about music and performing. I used to listen to guys like John Landecker and Larry Lujack out of Chicago and thought what a way to make a living. Always wanted to be Johnny Fever ... not sure how I ended up as Andy Travis.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Absolutely. I'm closing in on my 20th year in the industry and I still love what I get to do every day. On a side note, I think it's up to us to reach out to the next generation of radio talent and show them with some enthusiasm what a great industry we work in.
4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry? I have no idea.
I never really wanted to do anything else. Might have tried a bit harder to get a professional music career off the ground. Either that or opened a record store.
5) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
I have had the privilege of working for two great heritage Rock stations, first for WWCT in Peoria, and for the past 10 years at WAPL. I have found both situations to be very similar -- Midwest markets, talented staffs, music I have a passion for, and both stations were 105.7. To quote my friend Keith Hastings, "It ain't brain surgery."
6) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
I have always been a big fan of KSHE in St. Louis. Similar to WAPL, it's a long-time heritage station with big personalities and a large-than-life presence in the market.
7) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Actions speak louder than words. Don't tell me ... show me ... and more than likely you will succeed.
8) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
We do some amazing stuff every year. Our annual Children's Hospital Radiothon is one of my favorites because we get to meet these incredible kids and families who benefit from the event. That being said, I'm not sure that anything will ever touch our 18-hour event for the Red Cross two days after 9/11. We raised over $200,000 in 18 hours. The outpouring of compassion and generosity from the community on that day is something I will never forget.
9) How do you interact with your sales staff?
I try to work side by side with our entire sales team. It starts with a strong relationship with our two Sales Managers. We all realize that we are ultimately working towards the same goals.
10) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Listen and observe as much as possible. It is amazing how much you can really learn with your mouth shut and eyes open. Believe it or not, there are people who have been doing these jobs a lot longer than you. They might just have a thing or two to pass along to you.
Bonus Questions
Who would be your dream guest on the show?
John Lennon
What is your favorite TV show?
Criminal Minds
Favorite artist you have met?
U2. I got to ask them why they include a certain album cut in almost every live set I've seen them do. I was hoping for some great philosophical answer. What I got was "Because we need a slow song in the set." Still one of my favorite all-time moments.
What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?
The Beatles 1962-1966
You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have 5 CDs with you. What are they?
Stevie Wonder - Inner Visions
U2 - The Unforgettable Fire
The Beatles - Abby Road
Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
Lenny Kravitz - Let Love RuleWhat do you do in your spare time?
Play the drums and sing in the band The H2O Melons.
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