10 Questions with ... Don Kelley

NAME:Don Kelley TITLE:APD/MD/Afternoons STATIONS:WAQX MARKET:Syracuse COMPANY:Citadel Broadcasting Company BORN:Catholic RAISED:Catholic

Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)

KTSR Bryan-College Station, TX, 93-96
KXCS Bryan-College Station, TX, 96-01
KTZO Albuquerque, NM, 01-05
WAQX Syracuse, NY, 05-present

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

At this point, I am not sure. It seems to me that if you do your job as described by those employing you, then you should not have to worry about being fired. Nonetheless, I have been let go twice after doing better than expected. Not sure I'll continue if I get popped again. Then again, I've been doing this for 13 years and I get to wear t-shirts and shorts to work and meet rock stars so who knows.

2) How have the recent FCC regulations impacted the way you program your music and the station's dialogue on the air?

What are your feelings about these recent changes? Music isn't a problem what with all the wacky edits and everything. We do get a lot more memo's reminding us what we can and can't say on the air. Overall I don't think the FCC is overstepping themselves with regard to speech over the airwaves. There are a few no talent jackasses who feel the need to do everything in their power to shock with no substance. And before you say, "just turn the station," realize how stupid that is and run headfirst into a wall.

3) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

In a sad state. Or as our engineer Dave just said as he peered over my shoulder, "muddling along as usual." Did you think it would be this bad five years ago? Tools needed for success will continue to dwindle for some: i.e. money for - research, significant contesting, advertising etc. I think large market jocks and shows will see more syndication. Jockless stations will continue to find the airwaves. Medium market jocks will carry their own client lists. Smaller markets will be VT and jocks carry client lists as well. If you are good in the smaller market and like where you are, then you will program and the only other tasks you have to do will be promotions director, music director and on-air talent. Of course don't expect to crack 20K a year. That includes your talent fees. Pathetic don't you think? Either that or the higher ups will realize the actual need to be local and we may see overnights as a manned day-part again. Get up it wasn't that funny.

4) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?

AOL classical. We don't have a good classical station here and I like to listen to that when eating dinner. Not only that, but it drowns out the smacking noises that my daughter and I make so my fiancéeacute; can enjoy her meal..

5) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?

A masseuse with multiple talents. And because you said "no questions asked" I don't feel I need to elaborate.

6) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?

Seether. Hands down. Nothing fancy, their presence and sound was just fantastic

7) 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?

There will always be Celtic Folk around. Love the new Gorillaz, Seether, Foo Fighters, Mudvayne and Paul Anka's "Rock Swing." Not that I think it's good, I promised myself that I would listen to the whole thing and after 3(?) months I'm on track seven "It's a Sin". I think I'm doing well! May be another month before I get through track eight "Jump" though.

8) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

The microphone has to be turned on to broadcast.

9) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?

Every promotion that we did at one unnamed station that involved putting registration boxes at sponsors' businesses because a real sell would have been actual work. Concert ticket promotion ... registration boxes. NFL, MLB, NBA ... registration boxes. "We like your idea, but we couldn't find a sponsor or sell remotes so we are taking half the tickets from you and are going to have people register at ..." Nightmare!

10) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

Radio M.A.S.H. Make A Smile Happen. This was a cool thing we did at KXCS/Bryan/College Station, TX. We worked with the National Guard and asked the public to drop off new toys and money to help those in the community who couldn't afford to celebrate Christmas. 100 hour broadcast in a parking lot from tents the National Guard put up. Included was a silent auction. Huge success and even though we had people picking up presents in new vehicles and nice jewelry, it didn't take away from what we accomplished. It just confirmed my faith that some people suck.

Favorite artist you have met?

Kid Rock. I can honestly say I have never met an artist that I thought was an asshole. Kid Rock stands out because he was such a good sport after Michael Stevens and I played a bit of a prank on him. Thank you Michael. You are missed!

In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?

What was the song Scott Stapp put out a while back? Kidding! "Angel's Son" by (Sevendust) Lajon Witherspoon. Brilliant!

What do you plan to do different this year, regarding work, family, or both?

With regards to work, I'll do the same. I always do more than asked. In a good way. I'll try holding on to my new gig for a while and travel the northeast as much as I can and just enjoy life. Get married either Feb or July.

Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?

Our morning tandem of Beaner and Ken are absolutely wonderful. A non-morning show solo guy is Forrest who recently took a job at KDVV in Topeka, Kansas. What an original thinker! Amazing. There are a lot of programmers with no ear for talent for Forrest to be out of work as long as he was. You know who you are and remember my name if I lose this gig! ;)