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10 Questions with ... Darrin Arriens
July 26, 2006
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NAME:Darrin ArriensTITLES:PDSTATIONS:WKLQ/WHTSMARKET:GRAND RAPIDS, MICOMPANY:Citadel BroadcastingBORN:Milwaukee, WIRAISED:Milwaukee, WI
1) Please outline your radio career so far:
WRIF/DETROIT
WKLQ/GRAND RAPIDS
WVIC/LANSING
WBYR-WFWI/FORT WAYNE
WIOT/TOLEDO
WXQR/GREENVILLE
WSOY-WCZQ/DECATUR
WKLQ-WHTS/GRAND RAPIDS2) Where was your first industry gig?
Got my start in My hometown of Milwaukee. Started at rocker WQFM. Moved over to Lazer 103 and stayed for 5 years. APD, PD, AND OM jobs followed at:
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes, through the 20 plus years I have been in the industry there have been a countless number of things that I would have never experienced in life.
4) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
Recent studies (and stock market reports) show that terrestrial radio is still the main audio source for people. 97% of people in America listen to radio at some time during a normal day. Some things could be done better in the industry, but I think the owners ahead of the curve are aware of that.
5) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Where has the minor leagues of radio gone? There is no longer a "farming system" of growing talent. The younger generation is either not getting the radio jobs or not getting the proper training to move up in the industry.
6) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
In rock, music is probably in a better positon than it has been in a long time. Finally, bands are starting to show some longevity again. There was a time not to long ago where you just couldn't find any bands with any tenure. Rock still needs to do a better job making it's leading bands "stars." There is still too much of a nameless, faceless feeling to the format.
7) What approach do you take after a soft book?
You have to analyze everything! Trends, landscape changes, promotions, marketing, music etc....Review you station week by week and figure out what went right and what didn't. Learn from the past and look to the future.
8) How do you interact with your sales staff?
One finger sign language (joking).
9) Over the years, we've had the "British Invasion," "Disco," "New Wave," "Rap & Hip Hop," "Boy Bands," and many other genres & sub genres of music take off. What do you think is the next emerging music trend?
If I knew, my business card would read : Darrin Arriens/Psychic for the masses.
10) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Always keep in mind that there is a business angle to everything you do.
Bonus Questions
Favorite artist you have met?
Stevie Ray Vaughn. I met him at Alpine Valley Music theatre. That was the night of the tragic Helicopter crash that took him from us.
In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?
Tony Carey-First day of Summer.
What do you do with a song you don't like?
BEER COASTER!!!!
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
Sorry I can't come to work today....I have a tee time....on my own golf course.
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