10 Questions with ... Ryan Patrick

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Forgive me as the dates get hazy ... Started in '93 at WGRF in Buffalo in promotions and on-air at my college station, WBNY (Buffalo State). Got the overnight gig at WEDG/Buffalo after graduation. Moved to Albany for afternoons at WXCR (Classic Rock). Got my first taste of programming at WXCR and WQBK (Alternative) as APD. Went international programming at Adult Alternative CKEY (NF, Canada) in '98. Crossed back over the border for round two at WEDG as MD and morning show producer. At the end of 2003, got the gig at KAZR Des Moines and haven't been asked to leave yet.

1) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?

I remember a time when we all heard satellite was going to be the end of all of us. It is now safe to say the boogeyman doesn't exist.

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

Hands down, another web person. Right now, our web guy is doing an amazing job juggling multiple stations. I'd love to get him help a) just so he doesn't snap; and b) there is so much opportunity to expand what we as an industry do online.

3)How much of your day is spent working with your station Web site?

A good chunk is trying to find ways to tie in what we do on-air to the web. We're always trying to increase traffic to the website. It is actually a two-part process. First, it is trying to come up with the content. We've had a good year in this department. Anything with the Rock Girl/ Rock Girl Search has been a home run. The morning show has done some great things with video. Plus we've got a steady stream of online contests, pictures and jock blogs. The second part -- and probably the most important -- is making sure people know about it both on the air, and thru online outlets (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace).

4) What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?

• Pearl Jam - Just Breathe
• Miles Davis & the Cool - Gaslight Anthem
• Spinnerette - Baptized by Fire

5) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?

What is the opposite of consolidation? Un-consolidation? Dis-consolidate?

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

The Rock Girl Search. We've done it for three years now and this was by far my favorite. It encompasses so many different platforms from TV, web, texting, and on the streets. Caller #9 is dead. This is how promotions need to be if we are going to be relevant as an industry.

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

Talk radio. Most people don't realize how difficult it is to fill a four-hour shift and be interesting as you do it.

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

Yeah, for the most part, it has been great. Fifteen years ago, I don't think I would have expected to have the career I have had. I've meant some talented people who I am proud to call my friends. I've been able to be a part of some amazing things.

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

The answer to question #9 was eliminated due to budget cuts.

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

Regrets? I've had a few, but then again ... too few to mention.

What is your favorite TV show?

Anything on FX ... Rescue Me, Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

What do you do with a song you don't like?

There's this thing called the volume knob ... and it is used accordingly.

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

Everybody talks about what we should do as an industry to stay relevant, but then nobody actually does it.