-
10 Questions with ... Freddy Mac
March 10, 2020
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Sales Rep/Nights-WXLK/Roanoke (2/2015–1/2016) Morning Show Producer/Middays/Imaging Director-WXLK/Roanoke (1/2016–12/2016) Morning Co-Host/Imaging Director-WXLK/Roanoke (1/2017–12/2018) Middays/Promotions Director/Imaging Director- WXLK/Roanoke (12/2018–Present)
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
SO. MUCH. FUN! Admittedly, I was only voicetracking the night show at the time, but still… I was in love! It felt amazing to be barely out of college and on the radio where I had also interned. Nagging my PD (Kevin Scott), working overnight and early morning weekend shifts, and practicing A LOT, finally started to pay off.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
As a kid, I would record the radio onto a cassette tape from my boombox in my bedroom. I would pretend to be on the radio, repeating everything the jock said. Wherever there was a microphone, you could find me there. I have to admit, I was always the kid that was talking in class. So naturally, my mom said I would have a job where I could talk all day long and not get in trouble for it.
3. K92 has been playing the hits for 40 years now, with that MONSTER signal—what’s it like for you to do middays on such a storied station?
It is truly an honor to be a part of this station and this community! Sooo many legends have walked through these doors before me, and I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to carry the torch and continue to serve this community.
4. You’re also the station’s Promotion Director, what’s the most challenging part of that role?
Planning events that fit both, the needs of the station and the niche of the community. I’m so happy that we are able to get it done, but it can certainly be a challenge from time to time. As promotions people, we can be so passionate about our own ideas and things that we think will work, but we have to remain in tune with our community, and what they want. Not the other way around.
5. As the station’s Imaging Director, who do you work most closely with to craft the station’s sound and identity?
I work very closely with my Program Director and Music Director to make sure everything that goes over the airwaves is on brand.
6. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
We're everywhere we can be as often as we can be there. Remotes, charity events, school pep rallies, sporting events, parades, etc. Everywhere. Whenever there are weather issues, emergencies, etc., we're able to work with our sister stations to keep our listeners informed with local information. “Local” is how we roll. Aside from our syndicated night show- Pop Crush Nights with Kayla Thomas (Who, by the way, used to be our midday jock before she took that gig- so it’s almost like she’s still in the market) and OHP on the weekends, every personality on K92 is a local one. No jocks from the other side of the country, which is a huge advantage for us.
7. Which social media platforms are you finding best to engage your listeners on these days?
I try to use all socials to engage, but Instagram has been my main outlet. Instagram seems to be the most consistent, and they’re adding new features all the time. We’re also trying to build up the station’s Instagram account and engage with more listeners, as we have on Facebook and Twitter.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Hard work always pays off!!!
9. What was your favorite station when you were a kid? Jock?
I grew up in the Maryland/DC area so, a bunch of icons:
- WPGC 95.5/ Donnie Simpson Show, Big Tigger
- WKYS 93.9/Russ Parr Morning Show, Angie Ang, Ez Street
- WHUR 96.3/ Tom Joyner
- WIHT 99.5/ Kane Show
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
There are so many people that have been mentors from near and far. Some of these people don’t even realize how much they’ve influenced and inspired me- My current PD Kevin Scott, Brian Mo (WFRE 99.9), Roy Brown (WNKS 95.1), Bob Patrick (WXLK 92.3), Brian James (WERQ 92.3), Tim Shelton (WVBE/WVBB), Elizabethany (WIHT 99.5), Audrey Drake (KXTE), Kayla Thomas (WPST & PopCrush Nights).
Bonus Questions
What was the first, best and most recent concert that you have attended?
- First Concert- Drake: Nothing Was the Same Tour
- Best Concert- Coldplay (Go ahead and judge me!)
- Most Recent- Post Malone
-
-