10 Questions with ... Dan Bözyk

NAME:Dan Bözyk TITLE:APD/MD STATIONS:KUFO MARKET:Portland, OR COMPANY:CBS Radio BORN:Williamsport, PA RAISED:Here & there

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KUFO (10/03 to present)
Alt WNFZ/Knoxville (PD, 8/99-4/03)
Alt WBUZ/Toledo (PD, 7/95-4/99)
Top 40 WZOQ/Lima, OH (mornings 8/94-7/95)
Top 40 WSKS/Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA (mornings/Prod. Dir. 10/93-6/94)
Rock WZXR/Williamsport, PA (music director/nights 8/91-10/93)
Oldies WKHL/Linden, PA (9/89-10/90)

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

First job was overnights at an Oldies station that occupied half of a duplex at the edge of a corn field. Most of my influences were from growing up listening to Denver radio ... Steven B & the Hawk at KBPI, Steve Cooper at KAZY, and Dennis Constantine at KBCO.

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

We still have the advantage of regular and direct contact and being able to relate to the places and events that make up our shared experience with our listeners. And it's still free. I'd say radio continues to compete rather favorably.

3) What can we be doing with our station websites to better our stations as a whole?

More on-demand content (bits, "unedited" interviews, podcasts), targeted e-mailing and ALWAYS adhering to the three-click rule.

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

It must be getting better, because we sure are writing a lot more letters to each other. That's a sign of a healthy relationship, isn't it?

5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?

Boner at WRXR in Chattanooga.

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

"Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd. Just simply one of the greatest bodies of music ever made. How an album about anxiety can be so relaxing is a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

7) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (Dead air, forget a mic was still on, etc.)

My first job ... I fell asleep at the tail end of an overnight that was preceded by a full day of classes and a seven-mile bike ride to work. Fortunately, the morning show/program director showed up to wake me. And I didn't get fired.

8) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?

Worst was "Be A Tool to See Tool." Watching a guy lose it after eating 94.3 live earthworms washed down with a two-liter of Jolt (his idea) was a disturbing experience.

9) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?

Our Bourbon Bowl (Tennessee vs. Kentucky football game) party in Knoxville at Blue Cat's Music Club ended with several of us (including members of Mancow's Morning Madhouse) having to sneak out the back door as the police were coming in the front. Apparently they take nudity pretty seriously.

10) What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?

Smashing Pumpkins/Tarantula, Clutch/Electric Worry, White Stripes/Icky Thump.

Favorite artist you have met?

Zakk Wylde was one of the most genuine and enthusiastic people I've ever met.

In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?

"Shadow On The Sun" by Audioslave springs to mind, probably not the greatest ever, but an amazing song.

What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?

Gene Simmons' solo release.

Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...

Coffee (quad grande with room, Americano).

What has been the best performing record on the station so far this year?

Tool/The Pot, Wolfmother/Joker