10 Questions with ... Rick Hendrick

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

First job was at Live 101.9, which is now Y102 in Montgomery.

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

Radio found me. I was a nightclub jock working at a local club when Live 101.9 was there doing a live remote. The PD was there and was impressed by my voice; he asked me if I had ever done radio, which I hadn't. He asked me to come and try doing it part-time and I did and never left.

3) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Respiratory therapy, which is what I was trained for in the Air Force and continued to do after I got out of the military.

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

Middays ... no question. I am a one-man staff right now and having a midday jock to help out around the station would be beneficial to me.

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

Saving Abel at the grand opening of the new rock venue in town called Strange Days. Montgomery finally got a venue to handle bigger name acts ... and Saving Abel absolutely brought the house down that night!

6) 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 have an '80s CD in my car right now. I graduated in 1983 and the music around that time is an all-time favorite.

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

I listen to them quite often. My philosophy has always been to take care of your own and don't worry about what the other guy is doing. Any time spent reacting to the other guy is time you wasted not dealing with your own station.

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

Nights. Trying to incorporate more Active and Modern Rock to cater our younger listeners.

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?

An hour prior to going on the air, I go through our Dial Global Prep service as well as reading the newspaper.

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

One word ... communication. So many times bad things happen that could have been avoided by simple communication.

What approach do you take after a soft book?

Maintain the course. There's no need for "knee-jerk" reactions

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

Muse "Uprising," 30 Seconds to Mars "Kings & Queens," Sick Puppies "Odd One"

How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?

I do a lot of private DJ functions (wedding receptions, dances, etc...)

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

TK101 in Pensacola. I really love the style of music played on that station.

What's the best liner you've ever heard?

"We don't play Shakira ... but we'd do her!"