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10 Questions with ... Kain
May 9, 2006
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NAME:KainTITLES:NightsSTATIONS:KFRQ - Q 94.5MARKET:McAllen, TX - Brownsville,TX (Market 60)COMPANY:Entravision CommunicationsBORN:Aurora, CORAISED:Colorado Springs, CO
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KKMG - Colorado Springs, CO - summer 2000 - February 2003
WYUL - Malone, NY/Montreal, QC - February 2003 - March 2004
KRPX - Corpus Christi, TX - March 2004 - June 2005
KFRQ - McAllen, TX - June 2005 - Present1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first radio gig started when I was 15. Bugged the hell out of the KKMG PD Jason Hillery. Started out by filing production orders and working in promotions. Two weeks later the weekend overnight guy quit. In that two weeks I showed up daily even when not asked. Did whatever was asked without bitching. I was the first person he thought of. I also was the stunt boy for the afternoon guy Bad Boy Rob Ryan. I moved on to helping the morning show with stunts and hitting the streets as well. It definitely doesn't seem like all that was six years ago. I still have my first show on tape ... boy have I improved! Also when Jason left and the station had no PD I was lucky to have Max Dugan (now of The Arrow in Washington, D.C.) willing to air check me weekly and build up my talent.
2) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
Deep South Texas is definitely a kick ass market. Being white in an 80-85% Hispanic market is actually really cool (and Mexico is about 10 minutes away!). The listeners here are some of the coolest and most dedicated. I love meeting and connecting with all of them. I had a big smile on my face to know that I filled a niche that was missing in the market to nearly double the target demo numbers in one book. Corpus Christi was comparable, but McAllen is definitely different. I miss being at home in Colorado, but the warm weather keeps me from being homesick.
3) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
When satellite radio was first debuting, I was worried and wondering what would happen, as many did. But with their subscription numbers low compared to terrestrial radio, I'm not as worried as I was. When Howard went satellite I wondered what would happen. Not many of his listeners followed him. Who really wants to pay for something that is free? National contest or local contest? Requests or corporate playlists? Yes some people like their satellite radio ... but there are still some who listen to satellite radio that tell me they turn it off to listen to my show.
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
Five years from now I see myself continuing to take on more challenges. That is one of the best and most rewarding parts of this business. I love to take on new challenges and learn new things on and off the air. I am constantly air checking myself to grow on air and taking new opportunities as they present themselves off the air.
5) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
The one issue that I have with radio today is ratings. Of course ratings is how we gauge how the station is doing in the community and what lifestyles we are targeting, but I recently read an article about how specifically rock radio is suffering because 35% of our listeners are cell phone only households (myself included). This is disturbing because that 35% of the listener base can't have that diary to fill out. Every day more listeners are relying only on cell phones. Even though we are closer daily to some sort of resolution to this problem, that day should have been yesterday.
6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
Pretty much everyone I know who is on the air and I talk to on a regular basis. I got too good at networking in this industry. I'm friends with many jocks and programmers in this business. My instant messaging buddy list is full and my cell phone number hasn't changed in over two years because I didn't want to have to call everyone!
7) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
There are a lot of great rock stations here in Texas. I make a point to monitor markets when I get a rare opportunity to take some sort of vacation. I am a big fan of Rock 103.7 in Houston, The Edge in Dallas, The X in Austin and I can't forget KISS in San Antonio. There are a lot of great programmers and jocks in the Lone Star State.
8) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
Talk radio. You have to love late nights listening to Art Bell. I hope he is doing well. I could never see myself even going through partial retirement form radio.
The Art of Talk is one helluva book.
9) What format does not exist that should? Would it work?
I have always said if I could get someone to start up a station to do a Rock/Talk format. And I am saying here in public THIS IS MY IDEA. It is copyrighted and trademarked to me. YOU CAN'T HAVE IT. If I find out someone steals it I will be getting royalty money.
And yes it would work. Before I was in radio I LOVED talk radio. Long hours spent listening to Jay Marvin (formerly KHOW-AM in Denver ... now am drive in Boulder), Phil Hendrie, Tom Martino and LONG NIGHTS with Art Bell. These guys were my true influences and interests (feel free to drop me a line guys). I love talk radio! Throw in a couple rock tracks and some kick ass topics and you have yourself some numbers!
(Rock/Talk radio copyright and TM Kain ... Patents pending.)
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
1. Don't burn bridges.
2. Get rid of your big fat head.
3. Keep working on honing your talents and always look for good constructive criticism.
4. Your show is only as good as what you put into it (I prep for about three hours a day).
5. Always talk about what is going on in your life and use it as show prep.
6. You can always be replaced.
7. BE A TEAM PLAYER.Bonus Questions
What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?
I got busted for modeling lingerie on a busy street corner in front of the station one time. Apparently I looked too much like a woman in distress. The client was pissed. It was summer, it was hot, and apparently sweaty stunt boy stench doesn't come off in the wash too well.
What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
Definitely the two Jagermeister tour shows that came through with Disturbed and Staind. I love Jagermeister, and I love rock. They go hand in hand. Plus, I am the only cat with the Jagermeister logo tattooed on my body. I have to live up to those high expectations I have given myself and shots of cold Jager!
What is your favorite TV show?
South Park, Big Love on HBO rocks, Family Guy and I dig The History Channel and National Geographic channel.
Favorite artist you have met?
Dimebag Darrell Abbott. Rest In Peace my friend.
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