10 Questions with ... Mateo

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Intern 103.5 WKTU, Weekend/Swing B98.5, Nights B98.5, Afternoons B98.5, Mornings B98.5.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Like playing for the Yankees! I was an intern for WKTU 103.5 in New York City. It's the biggest company in the biggest market and getting to meet and work with Paul Cubby Bryant, Wendy Wild, Hollywood Hamilton, Jagger and Bartel. It was really cool too because Z100, Power 105.1, Q104.3 and 106.7 Lite-FM were all right down the hall.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I kind of fell into radio, I had done a couple shows for our college station WMCX 88.9 at Monmouth University but never thought I'd be working in radio. The time came that I was a super senior (college was a great time) and I walked into class and Bartel was my professor. He asked if anybody needed an internship. I raised my hand, showed up at KTU the next day and the rest is history. I'm grateful for that opportunity every day.

3) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

Between two of the biggest markets in the country New York and Philly, bring the A game every day and keep it local to keep everybody engaged.

4) What are you doing social media-wise?

Instagram has to be the biggest social media platform now. People love pictures. Facebook is good too, and it's cool because the Facebook live videos stay on our B985 page.

5) What are your favorite showprep sources?

Real life! My co-host Lenny and I try to use as many real life situations as possible for our show to keep it relatable. We try to talk to as many people as possible. When our family, friends and co-workers tell us stories, if its good we're going to use it. We also use Pulse of Radio as a prep site and it's great.

6) What is your favorite part of the job?

Being creative. Our show prep is like a war room with myself, Lenny, and our radio angel Chris Ales figuring out new ideas and how people will react. Getting a huge reaction when we do it on the show is a great feeling.

7) What is the most challenging part of the job?

That 4:45am alarm.

8) What's the coolest promotion you've EVER been involved with?

Our station B98.5 does this every year, it's called the day of 1000 t-shirts. The entire staff gets up early on a Saturday and gives out t-shirts; it's incredible. We're usually out of shirts within a half hour of our start time.

9) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

92.3 K-Rock was my favorite. Loved the music and the fact that Stern was there was icing on the cake. When they went off air, 103.5, Z100 and Hot 97 were favorites too. I'd like to thank my parents for letting me control the radio as a kid. I know they didn't like all of that music!

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

HAVE FUN!! When I first started I was so nervous about screwing up I couldn't be myself on air. Once I finally calmed down and realized this job is easier when you're having fun instead of being nervous it's not really a job anymore.

For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?

Vacationing at the Jersey Shore? We're going to tell you to keep going west if you want to see the beach! Hahaha I'm just kidding. If you come here there is so much to see from Asbury Park, Belmar and Seaside to LBI and Atlantic City... it's a great place.