10 Questions with ... Zigz

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WWRQ 1999 - 2002
• WNPL 2001 - 2001
• WBUZ 2002 - Present

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

Well it wasn't broadcasting school or years of sitting by a radio, pretending I was someone else ... It actually had to do with being bored of monotonous work, day in and day out. When I got into radio and saw how there are so many aspects to understand, and on top of that, that it's constantly evolving, I knew I would never get bored. Then as I got into writing, producing and programming, then settled into my air shift ... I realized I was actually able to make a living doing something I dig every day ... hooked.

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

Absolutely, I would still do it ... every job has its ups and down ... the good and the bad ... With radio, the ups and the good have always outweighed the latter ... if I didn't still love it ... I wouldn't do it now, plain and simple.

3) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

I work for a smaller radio group; I see the owner of the company on a regular basis. He stops into my office to say hello and ask how things are going; we laugh and joke in the hallway ... seriously, what owner does that? I have security in my gig ... and I have worked for some of the bigger guys ... security is a rarity. It may sound cliché', but the station I work for is a family, yeah, we all have our issues, but here as opposed to some other places, the environment is as comfortable as home.

4) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Localism ... I understand the appeal of syndication and mass marketing, but we are bombarded with that every which way we turn. It would be nice for radio to realize its roots ... to get back to being a part of the community. The problem is that it is moving away from it. I hate to see people lose their jobs, companies downsize, I feel bad ... but they are their own worst enemy. They are moving further and further from the roots of radio, and are dying because of it ... Wow, did I just go all hippy? The roots, maaaan... it's all about the roots/

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

Never take for granted what I do, because I am lucky to be doing it ... it goes back to the fact that I can make a career out of doing something I enjoy ... NEVER take it for granted

6) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air?

It was more of an uncomfortable moment rather than a mistake ... we had a police officer in studio talking about some anti-drug campaign and I made a joke about my Mt. Dew being liquid crack ... I thought it was funny ... my morning partner thought it was funny ... callers thought it was funny ... the Police Officer did NOT think it was funny and proceeded to chastise me on-air over it until we actually had to stop the interview midway through. He then stood around in the studio for another 20 minutes telling me how disrespectful I was ... very awkward moment from somebody who took their job way too seriously and did not know how to take a joke.

7) How do you keep tabs on the competition? When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?

To be honest, I may sample the competition here and there, but I don't like to work off reaction. I am more focused with doing things and creating things that will make them worry about us ... want to "keep tabs" on us. I work on setting a standard rather than following one. An old OM/PD back in the day once told me, yeah a "back in the day quote" ... couldn't get through it without one, but he said, "Let 'em scream all they want about you, it just means they're scared ... and when you don't acknowledge them, it just goes to show that you are not scared of them."

8) How do you interact with your sales staff?

Ah, the battle between programming and sales. I actually try and work with sales people as much as I can with different ideas to generate revenue. As much as we hate to admit it, when we are on air... when we are writing and producing promos and imaging, we are selling, too. We all are essentially doing the same job, just in different ways. I also make sure they are aware of what it takes to do what we do on the programming end. It helps them understand and not devalue the work we have to put into something to make it sound good.

9) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep and what sources do you use?

I'm ADD-DDDDD-DDDDD ... so it just works, hahaha. Seriously, it's all about time management... oooh, corporate phrase there ... but it's true. The people you work with play a big role in keeping everything tight as well. Not to mention ... interns are great. I use interns that actually do something other than get coffee. They get hands-on experience with real work; I get audio spliced so I can focus on writing a promo or producing imaging. Everyone gets what they need ... if I ever am too "big" to get my own drink ... someone please punch me!

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

Actually ... no, not really. I'm in my home town doing what I enjoy here at The Buzz; it's a rarity in what we do. I'm not saying I wouldn't ever work somewhere else, but I've turned down gigs that pay more to stay where I am. So maybe a missed opportunity to make more money, but I wouldn't change what is, just to make it be ... sometimes there are things that are worth more than the dollars on the paycheck.

How are you using new music technologies to work with the music you program on your station, in production, and in your personal life?

With the ability to set up and record just about anywhere, it's really cool to be able to create original content exclusive to the station. For example, we bring in artists to perform private acoustic shows for listeners and we record the performance. We then have original music from popular artists that are unique to The Buzz. We can do this just about anywhere now, grab the laptop and go ... with basically a mobile studio in tow, the possibilities continue to grow.

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'm really diggin' on a band called Band of Skull. It's unique ... different than what I hear on a daily basis. I was also able to catch them live recently at one of our shows; they are one of those bands that will blow you away with their talent.

Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

Good generic answer here, but none the less true.... I would want to improve everywhere, with everything. I believe if you are not moving, you're losing. This business is about evolving at the turn of every corner... if you think you have it all figured out and there is no room for improvement... then you really don't know what you are talking about.

Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

Even though they are a dying breed, I'm a fan of the Alternative formats. Through the late '80s and the '90s is when I really started to pay attention to music and get it ... there are a lot of great "Alternative" tracks -- both new and from those days that just seem to get lost in the shuffle .. so when you find a station that rocks 'em for you, you've got to appreciate it.

How do you stay in tune with your audience?

I get out on the streets with them. These people are my neighbors; they're my friends, no reason to be scared of getting in the fray with them. Actually, I always wondered why people are so afraid of who they are trying to appeal to ... seems counter-productive.