10 Questions with ... Gabe Carrillo

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started doing promo and part time on air at Entercom Sacramento from 2009 to 2011, then a quick stop at WGMT in Lyndonville, VT before landing at WFIZ in Ithaca for nights, then a quick upping to PD/Mornings where I've been since August 2011.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Wide-eyed street teamer who volunteered for literally anything that allowed me to be at the station or at an event. Then I just bugged a couple of the jocks to hang out during their show and be amazed at how good they were at what they did.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I sort of fell into it. I answered a call for interns from an e-mail blast from what was then KWOD and then I went, way overdressed, to a group interview. Growing up I was constantly a thorn in most of my teachers' sides because of my talking. Turns out it was more than just being annoying, it ended up being a core quality of me. The talking, not the annoying part.

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

Ithaca is a fantastic market for radio. A market that is a blend of metro/college/rural and commuter. Radio thrives here because it is able to fully maximize itself on being a community utility for everything from weather events, news events and community events. All of the staff members are involved within our communities in some fashion, whether it's volunteering, mentoring or just being a champion for a great community organization. Listeners and advertisers alike truly believe in the power of radio within our market.

4) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?

Z95.5 is the only Top 40 in a market of over 30,000 college students. It has built a great following that crosses so many demographic lines and pulls together people from so many walks of life. Not every station has the opportunity to do that, whether it's because of market competition, signal size or just formatic appeal. I am very fortunate to be a part of a team that has successfully cracked that puzzle.

5) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

I think we all are to some extent. Currently, I not only program and do mornings for Z95.5, I also program our Classic Hits station, Rewind 107.7, as well as program three out of market stations for Saga. While that seems like a long roster to be working on, I actually relish both the challenge and opportunity. Saga has been vital in my growth as a programmer and I count myself fortunate given the current state of the industry's uncertainties.

6) What are you doing social media-wise?

Twitter and Snapchat. A lot of them. They are still the best loud speakers for both myself and my station. 2017 was a year that a LOT of people turned to social media, particularly those platforms, looking for not only content, but in some ways also looking for an escape. It's fantastic to connect with listeners outside of the radio and use that to bring them into the listening fold.

7) What are your favorite showprep sources?

Life continues to be the best prep source. I think radio thrives when it can successfully integrate genuine life into its content. Yes, there is always a time and place for the hot gos but let's be honest, a bad date or family challenge asking for listeners to help provide resolution will always do better (if done well!) than celeb couples or drama. The key is being genuine people who listeners feel they know and are connected to.

Also, Reddit. Cause 2017 is double extra.

8) Who handles your imaging, and what voices are you using?

I produce our imaging locally. The voice talent on Z95.5 is the outstanding James Steele (mystupiddemo.com) and on Rewind 107.7, I work with the talented Tina Perkins (perkprod@twcny.rr.com)

9) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

The key is to find campaigns and organizations that your staff can be champions for within the community. Things that are close to their hearts. Outside of that, be where your listeners are, mix with them, and mingle with them. It's not always going to be paid but I would rather go to a festival and just meet and selfie with people for the station assets then sit under a tent at a car remote. The visibility and bond is far better currency.

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

Work hard. Be Humble. Work hard. Pay attention. Work hard. Be gracious. Work hard. HAVE FUN! You may work in this industry for a day or a lifetime but you will meet incredible people and it truly is the opportunity to make a difference in your community.

What was your last non-industry job?

High school football coach.