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10 Questions with ... Guy Dark
July 19, 2005
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NAME:Guy DarkTITLE:PD/AfternoonsSTATION:WWWX (New Rock 96-9 The Fox)MARKET:Appleton-OshkoshCOMPANY:CumulusBORN:Fall River, Massachusetts 9/23/61RAISED:Westport, Massachusetts
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
WRIC/WXIN (College Radio at Rhode Island College in Providence, RI) 1981-1985. On-air gigs at WALE Fall River, WKBK Keene, NH, WKNE, Keene, NH, WHDQ Claremont, NH. First PD job was at KQWB Fargo, ND. Also did parttime at Rock 100.3, Minneapolis, PD at KRZQ Reno, parttime at KWOD, Sacramento, and now PD here at WWWX (since 12/01).
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job in commercial radio was as a Sunday morning board-op at WALE in Fall River. The host did his show in Portuguese. I cued up his records and hit his carts when he pointed at me. Growing up in Southern New England I had exposure to both Boston & Providence radio in the 70s. The Boston rock stations had many great talents -- Charles Laquidara, Mark Parenteau, Maxanne Sartori, Ken Shelton, Harvey Wharfield, Oedipus, Carter Alan, etc.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I knew I wanted to be in radio from a very young age. I was the kid who called stations for requests and prizes and walked around school with Circus, Creem, Rolling Stone, and Hit Parader. As soon as I figured out that someone could be paid to play music and talk, I realized that was my calling
3) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
Our station is unique in that we carry Wisconsin's best morning show -- Bob & Brian from Lazer 103 in Milwaukee. They bring in an older, more educated, and affluent audience than most Active Rock stations. They are totally "Wisconsin" and are very easy to work with. After 10:30 we kick into our "New Rock & 90s Alternative" format. We strive to be the mass appeal rock station for 18-34 year-olds.
4) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
Jed The Fish. He's laugh-out loud funny and says a lot in a few words. We carry his syndicated "Out Of Order" show..
5) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
It's much better! In late 2004 our format was lacking in marquee releases. Now we have NIN, Foo Fighters, System of A Down, and Audioslave in rotation along with the Disturbed full-length coming out soon
6) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air?
I referred to myself as "Guy Dork." Some would call it a Freudian slip!
7) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?
While at WHDQ we gave away modular homes two summers in a row, it's pretty huge in ANY market to give someone a house!
8) How do you position the station musically and why did you choose this direction?
We're an Active Rock station that leans a little alternative, especially at night. We play all the monster hits: Audioslave, SOAD, Staind, etc. and also have some alternative artists for spice in re-current and gold like Weezer, Coldplay, and Cake.
9) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
Music magazines, trade publications, Fuse, MTV2, and of course, All Access! I also love chatting with listeners at station events, on the request lines, and via email.
10) How do you interact with your sales staff?
I attend sales meetings once a month and have an excellent relationship with our Sales Manager. He is at all our weekly promotional meetings so sales, programming, and promotions are all on the same page. We also have an internal weekly newsletter to keep everyone in the cluster abreast of all our stations
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite TV show?
When I'm in a serious mood, "Law & Order SVU." When I want to laugh, it's "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?
Single-Dr. Hook's "The Cover Of The Rolling Stone." Album- Aerosmith's debut.
How often do you air-check your own shows?
Is it mandatory that you run tape everyday? Also, can you honestly critique yourself? It's mandatory for me! I never want to be complacent as a jock. On-air PD's have to lead by example.
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