10 Questions with ... Valerie 'Trixie' Anderton

NAME:Valerie 'Trixie' Anderton TITLE:MD/afternoons STATION:WNFZ MARKET:Knoxville COMPANY:South Central Radio Group BORN:Nashville RAISED:Nashville

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WKDF/Nashville, 94-98, WBUZ/Nashville, 99-02, WQZQ/Nashville, 99-02, WNFZ/Knoxville, 03-present

1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

I can't really remember a time when I wondered what I wanted to be when I "grew up." Somehow, I just always knew ... and now, I don't really have to grow up!

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

It'd be scary, but most definitely. You have to follow your passion. Even if it didn't work out or was a lot tougher than you thought, you'd be better having tried.

3) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Ooooooh, I don't know. As goofy as it sounds, I'd like to own a lil' "healthy" café. It's hard to go to dinner and eat right!

4) 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?

Everyone has to be so careful these days! You just never know who you'll offend ... never know who's listening. We all have to stay on our toes. I've gotten used to it. I don't mind as long as I stay employed!

5) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing -- for better or worse?

I don't really think it's better or worse, but maybe it depends on what side you ask. Seems like the process that we all have to go through to make promotions happen now is a little bit worse, with more red tape these days.

6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?

Joe Elvis at WNRQ/Nashville. I've always loved listening to Joe, he's just a fun guy!

7) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

AAA

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

Ha! Well, most would probably laugh at the "rock" chic with this answer, BUT it has to be Michael Buble! That show was incredible ... amazing music and a little comedy mixed in. Michael gets a little dirty, too! I loved it!

9) 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?

I love rock but since I'm around it all day, I like a little departure. I love the band Lucero; they're my favorite, sort of a punk/ rockin' country.

10) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on-air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)

I dropped an - bomb on my college station once ... oops!

Who would be your dream guest on the show?

Scott Weiland

Favorite artist you have met?

Chris Cornell, hands down!

You're stuck on a deserted island and you get to pick one artist to be stuck with you. Who would it be and don't limit it to our format?

Justin Timberlake -- nice to look at and a funny guy, too.