10 Questions with ... Mark "The Shark"

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 1983-1984 KROK/Shreveport, LA
• 1984-1988 KTAL/Shreveport, LA
• 1988-1989 Relativity/Combat Records-Midwest Promotion
• 1989-1996 WQFM/Milwaukee
• 1996-Present WTKX/Pensacola

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

TK101 is really a quality product and our staff knows that they're protecting a legacy as much as performing their daily duties. While this station has been in the format since 1978, we look forward and don't rely on heritage in every facet of what we do. We don't do the "since 1978" thing. People don't care. It's "what are you doing for me now".

At the same time, I've never been a part of a station that engenders the passion of the audience like this one does. This station is our listener's friend and you don't screw over friends.

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

I do a lot of the imaging for TK101, but even with the great digital tools we have to work with, each piece presents an individual challenge. Production skills are the intangible factor between average and great work and I'm always seeking ways to improve.

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

There's certainly more media competing for users' attention, so it's incumbent upon us to keep our product relevant and "must listen." It comes down to being a leader in music and content and making the listener feel as if they'll miss something by not including TK101 in their media mix.

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

As much as the tools of the trade and the way of doing business changes over time, the formula for success seems to essentially be the same. Music + Personality + Promotion. The stations that do these three key things best win. It may be done "version 2.0" now, but those seem to be the constant basics.

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

We work with a lot of different charities and participate with various community groups through the year, but we really enjoy our "Anything for the Kids" radiothon during the Christmas season, during which we sell requests and auction memorabilia as a benefit for the Children's Home Society. It's a fun day that generates big money for the organization, and everyone likes to listen for the sometimes really-out-of-character titles that end up on the air. For those 12 hours, we play "anything for the kids" and it shows the station and our personalities in a very different light.

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

Being a Pearl Jam fan who was kind of alienated by their last few albums, "Backspacer" is a great return to form for the band. Scooter from Cold's Killer and the Star album is interesting, and I just spent the weekend rocking out to the Dead By Sunrise album. Just a good straight-up rock record. 2009 has been a great year for music.

7) What approach do you take after a soft book?

It does no good to panic, but a hard look at what you're doing and why is certainly in order. Sometimes a down book can be a matter of bad diary placement, but these situations are often the impetus for a big freshening of the station, which can turn a negative into a positive.

8) 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?

You just find the time. We don't do "that was ... this is" radio and expect well-prepared content every time the mic is opened. There's a lot of help out there. We use Launch Radio and Premiere Prep as starting points. There's lots of good pop culture, artist info and audio to use there.

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

I've tracked out of market for stations in Panama City, FL and Tulsa and have worked with personalities tracking from out of market into our station. Communication with the station is key; the personality may not be in the market, but including that person in the discussion of promotions and events in the market is critical.

The best voicetrackers are those with a curiosity of where they track to, follow the market's media via the Internet and ask questions about the little things like street pronunciations and local quirks. And those receiving the tracks need to monitor them to prevent an embarrassing slip from airing. It really requires a lot of attention to detail to pull it off correctly.

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

Absolutely. I'd go nuts if I wasn't on the radio every day. This is a fun job.

Who would be your dream guest on the show?

I'd love to go toe-to-toe with President Obama. Maybe the most fascinating President of our lifetime, whether you support him or not.

What is your favorite TV show?

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

Favorite artist you have met?

Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters.