10 Questions with ... Sparky

NAME:Sparky TITLES:APD/Promotion Director STATIONS:KIBZ (104-1 The Blaze) MARKET:Lincoln, NE #178 COMPANY:Three Eagles BORN:9-7-67 RAISED:Lincoln, NE

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

KFMQ. Sunday night 7p-midnight jock. My early influences were mostly the '80s bands that I listened to and the PD at the time, who is now our station's morning show co-host, Jon "The Animal" Terry.

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

I was in a really crappy punk rock band, and it was going nowhere fast, so since radio is the next best thing to being a rock star, I gave it a try, and 15 years later I'm still here.

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

I don't know, but I'm sure I'd hate every minute of it.

4) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?

To me there's no competition. With terrestrial radio we're able to connect with our audience on a personal level. If you're into satellite radio there's no connection, no contests, no commercials, and in many cases no personalities.

5) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

I'll be doing my show from my living room through my laptop.

6) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?