10 Questions with ... Abbey Still

NAME:Abbey Still TITLE:MD STATIONS:KFNK, KFNK HD2 MARKET:Seattle COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:Seattle RAISED:Seattle suburbs

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Well, this is my first real job in radio! I started at the local college station KGRG as music director, then moved to KFNK for promotions. I eventually had the opportunity to take over the music department, so I took it and didn't look back. I learn something new every day here, and when I wake up in the morning I'm always excited to come into work.

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

I was working at KGRG doing overnights (this sounds familiar, doesn't it?) and I had a moment during a break where everything went perfectly- it sounded amazing, and was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Then I realized that I got really excited over running a board, and thought "wow, I must be nuts. I can never work anywhere else."

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

Absolutely. I've never had so much fun at a job before.

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

A lot of people still don't have satellite radios in their cars, and who wants to pay for radio when you can get it for free? I think our stations will survive because they are locally oriented. If terrestrial radio is going down, it will be because there is an excess of nationally programmed content. Not saying that national programming is bad... but, as with anything, moderation is key.

4) What can we be doing with our station web sites to better our stations as a whole?

It's all about personality. If you can use your website to connect on a personal level with your audience, then the more likely they'll be to stick around and be loyal to your station.

5) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Our HD channels! We need to make these the best that they can be because they're what everyone is going to be talking about. If every station can find compelling, unique content for their HD channels, they're going to be more likely to keep their audience, or even attract a new audience. Also, PPMs from Arbitron. I just can't wait to see what these do to change the ratings. When you walk into a grocery store and there's a station on, you don't necessarily know what it is, and you're not always going to remember to write it down. But the PPM knows what you're hearing, and will record it. I think they're going to make for a more accurate ratings book each quarter.

6) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?

I'd like to see radio companies take better care of their staff. When someone gives you forty years of their life, you don't fire them the day before they can take retirement. I understand that jobs in this business are hard to come by, but there is a difference between firing somebody because your station is flipping formats and firing somebody because it will make you more money. That's downright evil, and it's going to scare all of our talent right out of the business in favor of more stable opportunities.

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

Definitely DJ No-Name at KNDD. I had the opportunity to intern with him in my first year of college and it was an absolute blast. I was shocked when they replaced him with Adam Carolla in the morning, but the Seattle market is ecstatic to have him back on middays. He's one of the funniest guys in the business that I've met to date.

8) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

Alternative. I just love what's been out lately- the new bravery, the new queens of the stone age, the kooks... It's all amazing! I would love to program an alternative station.

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

I'm a big fan of the new White Stripes record; Icky Thump is a great song that seems to be crossing into all of the rock sub genres, and with great success. Another artist I'm really into right now is called In This Moment. I got to see them live, and their passion and enthusiasm for what they do just emanated from the stage. "Beautiful Tragedy" is one of those songs I think I'm always going to love. Finally, the new Modest Mouse record just knocked me off my feet. I've been a fan for years, they're local to Seattle, and it's nothing like what they've ever done before. They continue to grow and change, and (so far) it's always been for the better.

10) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?

I listen to music constantly. In the car, I'm switching stations back and forth between everything in our market, and at home I've got the alternative and rock music choice channels on. I like to use a lot of intuition with programming, but I've also learned to balance that with what's on the charts. Usually when you hear a top ten song, you know it's going to be top ten right off the bat.

What is your favorite TV show?

South Park

Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?

Jimmy Eat World; They're my favorite band, hands down. I actually met them when I was sixteen, but I'd definitely like the opportunity to make a better impression than I did then...

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

The Spice Girls- Spice World

You're stuck on a deserted island and you get to pick one artist to be stuck with you. Who would it be and don't limit it to our format?

Um... Justin Timberlake. Duh.

You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have 5 CDs with you. What are they?

Weezer- The Blue Album
Jimmy Eat World- Clarity
Modest Mouse- The Lonesome Crowded West
Alkaline Trio- Goddamnit
Head Automatica- Decadence

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

Music!!

Your radio or records dream gig?

Music Director- KROQ

What stations do you have on your car radio pre-set buttons?

KNDD, KISW, KFNK, KUBE, KQMV, KGRG, KBKS, KJAQ