10 Questions with ... Danny Serrano

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my career in 2000 here in Tampa at a small station named WTMP (AM 1150/FM 96.1). I spent several years learning and working for free there. I then migrated to WLLD (WiLD 94.1 Tampa) where I filled in and did part-time on-air work for close to 7 years. Desperate to be more than a part time radio host, I moved to Biloxi, MS for my first full time gig to host a PM show on WZNF (95.3 The Gorilla). Soon after I became the Program Director and Morning Show host. My end goal was always to come back to Tampa to continue my radio career. That’s where you can find me now. Every weekday afternoon on HOT 101.5

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

It was hard and felt unfair, but it thickened my skin and made me smarter and more resilient.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

My love for radio started at 9 years old when my stepfather started taking me to work with him. He ran a little Spanish radio station here in Tampa for many years. So, a radio station was really my after-school program.

3. How does your past programming experience make you a better jock?

Knowing how to step back and look at a time slot so you’re able to plan is the biggest thing I carry over every day as a programmer and jock. Knowing what words to lead with at the start of each break in this PPM world is so essential. Being a programmer you’re able to see the data and hear what works and what doesn’t. You must start with the meat of your break to prevent a listener from tuning out.

4. What is your take on drive time and in-office listening in the current climate?

In our market the numbers have begun to climb back up. Close to 40% of our audience disappeared at the peak of the pandemic in 2020. We were on the way back up but then the holidays hit. Let’s face it. The traditional office listener may be a thing of the past with “work from home” being so popular. That’s why it’s more important now than ever before that we push “at home” listening on streaming services like smart speakers and radio station apps.

5. Who would be a “dream guest” to have on your show?

Jim Carrey…I’ve always loved his energy, movies and voices.

6. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you make sure that you are visible and involved in the community during the pandemic?

We know, folks are struggling. So, HOT 101.5 and our cluster of stations hosted two charitable events in the same week benefiting the Great Futures Start with Us campaign in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club. Donations totaled $1,213,036! Together, our cluster of stations ran more than 250 produced promos across the cluster and dedicated more than 100 hours of live programming promoting Boys & Girls Club and the campaign. We’re helping people right here in the Tampa Bay area.

7. Which social media platforms best help you to engage with your listeners these days?

Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

8. What was your favorite station as a kid growing up? Jock(s)?

The Power Pig! (WFLZ Tampa) Bubba the Love Sponge was so fire back then.

9. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

The APD from my first radio station named Big Money Ced (RIP) was a big influence in my life. He was a tough teacher but really had his heart in the right place. Alan Burns is another great teacher who took a chance on me and brought me to Gulfport/Biloxi radio. And of course, my current mentor Will Calder who has really taken me to the next level as a jock and programmer.

10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Smile into the microphone. Your smile becomes contagious when listeners hear you speak with a big smile.

When all this is done and behind us, which 3 artists would you pull together for a listener appreciation show for your listeners?

Jason Derulo, Bad Bunny and Post Malone