10 Questions with ... Carlota

NAME:Carlota TITLE:MD/Middays STATION:KOMP 92.3 MARKET:Las Vegas COMPANY:Lotus BORN:2/9/69 RAISED:Southern California

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KTIP Porterville, CA (1992) -- On-Air
KKDJ Fresno, CA (1992-1994) -- On-Air
KJFX Fresno, CA (1994-1995) -- On-Air
KFRR Fresno, CA (1995-1996) -- MD/On-Air
KRZR Fresno, CA (1996-1998) -- On-Air
KXTE Las Vegas, NV (1998-2002) -- On-Air
KOMP Las Vegas, NV (2003-Present) -MD/On-Air

1) What was your first job in radio?

KTIP in Porterville, which was an AC/Jazz station broadcasting out of a house in the "Incest is best" capital of California. I could dodge the cockroaches in the studio, but there was no insect spray for the Barry Manilow records. Early influences? Dusty Street and Doug the Slug (Sluggo) from KROQ. E Curtis Johnson at KRZR really gave me the freedom for the first time in my career to do my thing and not have to run from the bat-phone every time I opened the mic.

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

Yes. I don't know how to do anything other than talk shit.

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

I have no idea with PPM coming into play. Ask me in a year, maybe I'll know more...

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

WAAF -- They just seem to do it old school.

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

A liason between programming and sales that truly understands both sides, or a stripper to make things around here more interesting. What can I say? I enjoy the smell of cotton candy in an ashtray. ;-)

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

Best was radio wars in Fresno. Pissing off the "other" PD so much that he tried to cut our broadcast, which is illegal. of course. He cut the wrong radio station's power, got arrested and while being put in the back of the police car, I asked him to smile for the camera. I know ... it was awesome! The worst -- anything that sales throws at us that has absolutely no value to our listeners, but is all about making the client happy. Think jock at local convenience store, handing out coupons for 20 cents off a hot dog while it cartwheels.

7) What is your station's weakest daypart and what are you doing to turn it around?

Me. Firing me. Kidding. We addressed that situation already and now I don't believe we are weak at all. Great team on board here.

8) If you are voicetracking shifts or syndicating for stations outside of your market, how do you get familiar with that marketplace/community?

I use to work in that market, so I already know the good , bad and ugly.

9) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Be yourself. Period.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

No, I have been very lucky in my career. Very blessed. Although I do regret that one missed opportunity of having a threesome with Chris Cornell and Gwen Stefani....

What format does not exist that should? Would it work?

Carlota's own personal jukebox. I'd like to think it would ... but maybe not, huh?

Who would be your dream guest on the show?

Jimi Hendrix.

What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?

Eric Clapton "Slowhand."