10 Questions with ... Al Scott

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

Listening to the radio from an early age, like ... five years old, I always wanted to be on the air. But, it was my third job in radio that really clinched it. After working at an AM Sports/Talk station and then at an automated Top 40 AM/FM combo, I finally landed a gig at KZEL doing a real rock show from mid-6a. This was about '82. That station really was a great place to fine-tune my radio style. Of course, back then, the control room had two turntables, a microphone and its own bong. There were great people there, too. One of which was Dave Numme! After that, I never looked back.

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

We need to compete FEROCIOUSLY with every god-damn new form of entertainment out there. And the old ones, too! Terrestrial radio has one HUGE advantage -- IT'S FREE! There are a lot of choices out there, and radio needs to work hard to stay vital and compelling. If I could giveaway booze, that'd help too! ;)

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

This is the toughest question on here. The radio industry has done one very consistent thing since I started some 30 years ago ... and that's change. I do not posses any "scary cool" insight to what the next five years will be like in radio. I'm just gonna try to do my part and not screw it up. Radio will be here in one form or another. I just hope I keep getting invited to the party!

4) Describe your weekly music meeting ... a) what is the process when you listen to new music? b) approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play and chart position when determining the status of a record?

Our conference call meetings are with the format director out of the Cumulus Bunker in Atlanta. As PDs, it's our job to come to the meetings prepared. Know your market, know what's out there, what's gonna be out there, what sounds good, etc. One thing I really respect about Val Garris, our Format Director, is his positive attitude. We have our information we look at every week for new music and we all have input on our individual stations. He respects the input of all the PD's on the call ... he doesn't always agree, but it's never adversarial. Past that, it's all about listening to the music and making good decisions. We look at the playlist, see what's on there that can stay, what needs to go or move ... and then fill the holes with the best tunes we can find. I really feel our playlist at KNRQ is hard to beat. Sure we miss some stuff ... but who doesn't.

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

I miss working with Craig The Dogface Boy. He's in Sacramento now, but when he was at KUFO, I truly enjoyed listening to his show. His shows are just great radio, period! I still listen to his show when I can, thanks to streaming!

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

So far this year, my favorite concert has been the SILVERSUN PICKUPS opening for MUSE in Portland at the Rose Garden. The Pickups were awesome, even though their set was short! And MUSE just blew it up! A great band live with cool-ass stage show ... I wanna go again!

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

I gotta say it's my production. I just don't find enough time in my day to keep sharp with the tools! Sure, I can use 'em effectively ... but I find myself getting shown up by younger jocks here in the building. Friggin' punks! ;)

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

I always keep up on as many stations in the market as I can! Hard Drive Skimmers work well for that. If there is one thing I don't EVER do, is react when attacked on the air. I could care less what another station says about me, my staff, or my station on their airwaves.

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

LOVE THIS QUESTION! First 45 was "BAD BAD LEROY BROWN" by Jim Croce. First LP was Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon"... followed by Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever," My parents weren't thrilled with either of those.

10) What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

I miss being part of a full staff. Five or six full-time jocks, another four or five part-timers. That kind of "team spirit" thing really made for great radio. When you used to get all of your staff to come out to an event because it was the cool place to be ... that was AWESOME! I really think we still do great radio ... but it was a lot of fun with more guys on the field.

How do you stay in tune with your audience?

I sleep on as many of their couches as I can.

Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

One-hit wonders from the 1970s!