10 Questions with ... Carlos Duran

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my career at RHY/KKSS (Nights, Middays and everything in between), Mornings at (RHY AC) KMMG, Nights at KLZK (RHY), Various (Rhy) KYLZ and now KOBQ/Top 40 (Formally KKOB-FM).

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

Exciting, the moment I walked in the door and I was able to take a glimpse behind the curtain to see Terry Young (TY the Fly Guy), and all the DJ’s I grew up listening to live and in 3D, cool and memorable experience.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

In my ‘gifted’ class in high school we had an opportunity to intern in careers we were interested in, I picked interning with a police officer (which was pretty insane, Albuquerque in the 90s) and interning at my favorite local radio station, and although I have tremendous respect for what police officers do daily, after the initial adrenaline shot, I felt when I heard my crackling pubescent voice on the radio, I never looked back. I caught the bug.

3. How did managing through the pandemic make you a better programmer?

I like to say, it was our ultimate ‘Stress Test’ moment, although I felt strongly about my team beyond the FM signal, with less people on the road and more of our listeners working from home, it was a true testament of the Q staff to take the reins of social media and consistently distribute our content across our social platforms.

4. How does your show “Carlos & Kiki in the morning” set the table for the rest of 93.3 The Q’s broadcast day?

Fun, real, & local, if our show passes that threshold, I know we are doing our part to start the day.

5. Who would be a “dream guest” to have plug in across from you on your show?

I think my co-host Kiki and I can both agree on this one, it would be The Rock, because he’s such an intelligent, and inspirational person plus he’s badass.

6. What social media platforms work best for you and the station these days?

Facebook is where our cume is hanging, but if you ask me where the most one on one engagement and we’re we are building genuine relationships with our listeners, it’s Instagram and Snapchat.

7. It’s been tough to be able to interact with your audience live and in person for the past year. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community during these times?

This is tough, I also oversee our stations Promotions/Marketing Dept. as Asst. OM, and this is 100 percent all hands-on deck, from our creative Promotions Dir. Mandi Vaquera to OM Kris Abrams all the way up to our GM Jeff Berry, we’ve done our best to stay local with our Mask Up New Mexico promotions to helping our local restaurants with a $50,000 dollar ‘Open for Business campaign’. That’s something another medium could never pull off; in the real stories we are telling and the frequency we are telling them.

8. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

I grew up here in Albuquerque, so it would have to be KKSS. (Jocks?) Chico Banana and DJ Lopez were some of my favorite jocks, they were the only DJ’s that looked like me--there weren't a lot of Hispanic DJ’s at the time and it really gave me the inspiration that I could possible one day be on the radio. Outside of Albuquerque. I loved KYLD, Wild 94.9 in the late 90’s early 2000’s, JV & Elvis The Doghouse. I just loved how you could drive into that city and hear the vibe, the people and the energy of San Francisco in the speakers, and it’s that feeling that I’ve always inspired to achieve in the station I program.

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

Growing up in radio I had some pretty amazing mentors including Terry Young (TY the Fly Guy), Tony Manero, Greg Martin and so many others that have took time to give me guidance throughout my career. People who have doubted me have influenced me the most--it’s the one thing in my career that has consistently carried me through to the next level.

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

Be honest and know your worth, surround yourself with creative people, and people that love to win. Always take time to mentor, and listen to the next generation of broadcasters.

The pandemic has lifted, and Tingley Coliseum is at your disposal and you’ve got an unlimited budget. Which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a 93.3 The Q listener bash?

Easy: Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Drake & Bruno Mars.