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10 Questions with ... Liam McCluskey
July 8, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started in radio almost six years ago as an intern at B96 in Chicago, which led to becoming a board op and producing the night show with "Jerzy." I finally got the go-ahead from Erik Bradley and Todd Cavanah to do some Sunday overnight on air shifts! That led me to my job in Joplin, MO at Kissin 92.5, where I started with the midday show for about a year-and-a-half. Then the night guy Darron "Snacks" Harris left and I started doing nights for the last year. I'm so excited to be starting my new position at Kiss-FM/Peoria doing the night show from 6-10p. I'm also taking the position of the Promotion Dir. for the AMP Radio/Peoria cluster, which includes Kiss-FM, WCCT, ESPN Peoria, and Jack-FM.
1) What led you to a career in radio?
Jameson and Patron! I was in the nightclub industry in Chicago for many years, and also sold spring break/senior trips to Cancun and places like that. I started meeting all the on-air personalities from B96 and becoming friends with them. When the travel industry went to crap I had to figure something else out. I was working a club gig and Rich Wyatt (Richie Rich), who was the Promotion Director at the time, said, "Why don't you try radio?" A few months later I showed up for my first day as an intern and Erik Bradley said, "Learn the board. We need a board op!"
2) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Spoiled lol ... I started in Chicago at B96 and those studios are top of the line, plus in a market that size, if you are on-air, that's what you do. There aren't too many people doing a bunch of jobs!
3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
YES! My first full-time gig was at Kissin 92.5 in Joplin, MO, where I did a few extra things, but mainly on-air stuff. Now I am the Promotion Director for the four stations here in Peoria as well as being on-air nights!
4) What is your favorite part of the job?
I literally love being on-air ... I have so much fun while I'm doing my show! I love making people laugh and having fun with callers. It's what I look forward to every day when I wake up!
5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
I would have to say Jason Cage for his caller interaction and his bits. He cracks me up. Plus he has helped me out tremendously with my on-air show!
6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
B96 and WGCI were the two stations I listened to when I was growing up. I used to wonder how they stopped talking right when the song started ... ha ha
7) What are you doing social media-wise?
Obviously, Facebook (Liam on Kiss-FM) and Twitter, Instagram, and Soundcloud (all liamontheradio).
8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
I DJ at clubs so I listen to other DJ mixes all the time, but I listen to everything from Hip-Hop to Rock, and since I was living on the border of Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, some Country grew on me. But my favorite music which I get laughed at all the time for ... I love Motown music! Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass, Temptations, Curtis Mayfield. I can go on forever!
9) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Playing basketball. I played in college and play about three to five times a week when my knee is okay!
10) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
If it was anyone, it would be Michael Jordan for obvious reasons!
Bonus Questions
Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
Michael Jackson ... even though he was a little out there, he's one of my favorite artists of all time. I love his music and would really have liked to meet him!
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