10 Questions with ... Geoff “G-Off” Owens

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I was fortunate to spend the bulk of my career in the same market. Started as an intern on the street team with KXJM in Portland. Worked my way up through Street Team Captain, On-Air overnights and weekends, Promotions Director, APD & MD (for KKRZ & KXJM) and then bumped to Program Director of KXJM in Portland and KUBE in Seattle in March 2017. Was in that role until I was part of the massive iHeartMedia layoffs in early January 2020. Was on the beach for 6 months exactly and started my current role at KDUK. Had the opportunity to touch and voice track for some great calls in addition to those too.

1. Is the staff back in the building at this point, or is there still some sort of combination of protocols in place?

We have a good amount of staff back in the building at least working shortened days. Some remote work still and protocols of mask wearing and sanitizing common areas are in place.

2. What did you learn about yourself as a programmer navigating through the pandemic?

While it was a terrible reason, it was great to remind ourselves of how local radio should be. Connected to the communities they served and relaying information and updates when they’re needed but also being that escape the listeners need at the same time.

3. How important for you as a programmer is it to crack the mic every day during your afternoon show?

Very important. While I am an on-air jock at heart and love being on the air whether live and local or voicetracked in other markets, I feel it’s important as a programmer to be a voice on the air and ”see” the station from the listener and your staff’s position.

4. Do you think that we’ve heard the Song Of Summer ’21 yet, and if so what is it?

I always think I nail the “song of the summer” every year… and tend to call it too early most of the time. So I’ll remain quiet for a bit. But love the way “You” by Regard sounds and Cardi B “Up” is everywhere too.

5. What social media platforms are working best for you and the staff these days?

Facebook is where we have the most interaction with the listener base but our Instagram game is stepping up too--utilizing the stories and IGTV features to further produce content.

6. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How were you able keep your station visible and involved in the community? How’s it looking these days for live events and station appearances?

KDUK has a long history with great community organizations and we’ve been able to maintain those and adjust to still be involved with the ever-changing pandemic. As things are starting to open up again and people are getting vaccinated, we’re starting to get some live shows announced and tickets in house. It’s important for us to relay the messaging so that those that are excited and those who are cautious still feel connected to the radio station.

7. How would you describe your first radio gig?

Seducing. I got a chance to be involved with numerous departments and fell in love with the business as a whole. Still some of the best years of my life were as a part-time employee and still have life long friends from those times.

8. What led you to a career in radio?

I took a Telecommunications class in high school which made me want to pursue a career in radio. I was able to be accepted into a local communications program for college and that got me in the door at my first station.

9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?

Grew up to my parents listening to KUPL in Portland and always remember listening to Rick Bubba Taylor. Also KKRZ and Tommy Austin (who actually ended up hiring me years later at what was thenClear Channel).

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

Oh man, too many to name them all. Radio is a great industry with people that love to bring up the next generation of radio people so I learned a lot from many. Mark Adams, Chris Patyk, Tim Herbster, Robert Dove, Justin Riley, Big Kid Bootz, Chris Shebel, Michael LaCrosse…and many more that I don’t have room to type.

With the Matthew Knight Arena at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a Post-COVID Welcome Back station show?

I would find a good local act to open the show, and bring in a couple up and coming super stars like The Kid Laroi, Lil Nas X and kill it with a couple HUGE acts--The Weeknd and BTS. And IF there’s room on the card, a throwback artist like Britney Spears.