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10 Questions with ... Nik Rivers
September 4, 2007
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NAME:Nik RiversTITLE:Program Director/AfternoonsSTATION:WZMR - 104.9 The EdgeMARKET:Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY (#63)COMPANY:Pamal/Albany BroadcastingBORN:Bridgeport, CTRAISED:Bridgeport, CT
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WHOB/Nashua, NH - nights,1996-1997; WAAF/Boston - promotions,1997-1998; WPXC/Cape Cod, MA - MD/nights, 1999-2001; WRLX (Planet Radio 92.1) West Palm Beach - afternoons, 2001-2002; WPBZ (103.1 The Buzz)/West Palm Beach - APD/MD/afternoons, 2002-2007; WZMR (104.9 The Edge)/Albany, NY - PD/afternoons, April 2007 - present.
1) What was your first job in radio?
Doing overnights at WHOB/Nashua, at the time it was a weird Alternative/AC/whatever they thought sounded good mix. The station was in a creepy old Mill building in NH. You had to take the freight elevator up to the studios. High-quality equipment, too. You used to have to stick a pen into the CD players to get them to work because the buttons were busted off. Good times!
Early influences?
Boston radio. WAAF, WFNX and WBCN at each others throats in the '90s. It was Rock radio at its best. The bands were huge, the stations and personalities were huge-er! Nik Carter, Opie & Anthony, O-Zone. The way the stations attacked and went after each other. It was great to listen to; it left a lasting impression on me.
2) What makes your station or market unique?
As far as the station, here at the Edge we take a different approach to Rock. As my OM Kevin Callahan puts it, the station is an experiment. If I were to compare it to something, I would say that we have a "Jack"-type of playlist, but It remains all Rock. Does that make sense? Put it this way: If it rocks, we play it. Led Zeppelin, Hendrix and Pink Floyd? Check. The White Stripes, Finger Eleven and 311? Yup. Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Soundgarden? Uh huh. Silverstein, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Used? We play 'em. Iron Maiden, Pantera, Guns n' Roses and the Crue? They are all welcome on the Edge playlist.
How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
As far as the market, Albany has to be one of the most competitive Rock markets that I have ever seen. We are flanked on side by one of the most Alternative stations in the country, on the other by an Active-leaning corporate "Alternative" station, and we have a heritage Classic Rocker, as well as a Mainstream Rocker in town. The pie is only so big -- and all five of us want the biggest piece. Having come from a market where my station was often the only game in town for new rock, it's a bit of a different situation to be in, but one where I thrive everyday knowing that I have a big challenge ahead of me.
3) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
If the Green Monkey walks alone at night, who holds the flashlight? Who holds the flashlight?
4) What format does not exist that should?
Christian Disco. It would Be Huge! SOLD OUT! Imagine, let Jebus take me to Funky Town!
Would it work?
Umm, yeah!!!
5) 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?
Today it was "The Best of Johnny Cash," Cake's "Fashion Nugget," Dropkick Murphys' "The Warriors Code," and at home, a kick-ass vinyl version of the White Stripes' "Icky Thump." (Thanks, Keith!) What do I enjoy about them? The Cash - what's not to enjoy? The DKM's - needed some drinkin' music. Cake - Had to hear "Italian Leather Sofa," and the Stripes -- the vinyl just sounds so damn good!
6) How do you keep tabs on the competition?
I listen, I watch, I Have my spies sneaking up on them, going to their events, doing things to their pillows when they aren't looking ...he he he (evil laugh).
When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?
Honestly, I really don't pay attention to if they do attack me. If they are taking the time to do so, then I must have done something to catch their attention and cause them to react. Thanks for listening, guys!
7) What led to your station's recent ratings increase?
Quite a few things. When I came to town a few months back, my OM was running the day-to-day operations of the Edge, as well as being the OM of five other stations. With the station being in its infant stages (we just turned one year old!), it needed someone to give it exclusive daily attention and TLC.
That's where I came in. To be able to go through the music, the clocks, the imagining, promotions and air staff, I was able to evaluate and make needed changes. There was a solid foundation in place, and with an official PD in place, the station got the attention it needed in this VERY competitive market. I feel that the sound of the station is now more focused; after an overhaul, the air staff has improved immensely and the ratings have made a huge jump. We doubled our 12+ numbers from last book, and made great strides in all key demos. Mornings continue to grow, middays are solid and afternoons jumped from 10th to #1 and nights from 14th to 3rd.
8) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
Placekicker. No Doubt. I mean, who wouldn't want a Donald Igwebuike, Ali Haji-Sheikh, or Stephen Gostowski on their staff? Placekicker ... that's The One!
9) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
Have to Say Kill Hannah, Alice In Chains, and Velvet Revolver. Kill Hannah is always solid; AIC was unreal. It was the first time I've seen them with the new singer. It's true: Close your eyes and it's like Layne Is up on stage with them. Velvet Revolver put on one hell of a show -- GnR and STP Tunes, a trip back to my youth! Amazing show; catch it if it comes near you!
10) As an air talent, how has industry consolidation helped or hurt you?
Oh, I've felt the hurt of the mighty CC's consolidation firsthand. Voicetracking, Flipping formats, trying to save a dollar and take away jobs from people who actually care about this industry. I've gotten the axe because of the consolidation. Large companies run by people thousands of miles from your city trying to tell you what's best for your station; yeah, that makes sense.
What effect has industry consolidation had on the way you program your station?
None whatsoever! It's great to be back working for a locally-owned company, that feels there is a need, and has a passion, for local programming. I am fortunate to have five live full-time jocks on staff, as well as local live weekends. Let the big companies continue to pipe in shows and talent from out of town to try to save a dollar. My jocks will be there to answer the phone when our listeners call.
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite TV show?
All time: The Simpsons. Currently: a toss-up between Family Guy and 24
What is your favorite TV Commercial?
The Bud Light Swear Jar - you have to see this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI3Y1auTFpU
Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without...
DUNKIN DONUTS COFFEE. Have a pound on the counter at home, and stop for one on the way. Will The Albany Dunkin Donuts rep call me; I need an endorsement deal!
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