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10 Questions with ... Casey B
June 8, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Almost 25 years in the radio business. 18 years with iHeartMedia. 8 years at the helm as PD, and 6 years as the morning show host at 101.3 KGOT.
1. Is the staff back in the building at this point, or is there still some sort of combination of protocols in place?
All on-air folks have been back in the building since last summer. Sales has been working from home the entire time and have become more productive. Our area President has opened up the office for the Sales team to come back in if they want.
2. What did you learn about yourself as a programmer navigating through the pandemic?
That we can pretty much do our shows from anywhere. Last summer, being short staffed due to layoffs, we managed to cover all shifts and production in house and on the road. I had family vacations planned, but still needed to program the station. Basically, brought the station with me in the RV. We were broadcasting all over the state and having some fun with being socially distanced miles apart.
3. How does your morning show with Malie D set the tone for the rest of the station’s broadcast day?
We start by staying positive. Through stories we find, life moments we share, to just feeling those good vibes. Especially with the year we all had, we had to stay positive.
4. Do you think that we’ve heard the Song Of Summer ’21 yet, and if so what is it?
No. So much music was delayed. Thinking it’s coming soon though.
5. What social media platforms are working best for you and the staff these days?
TikTok. Everyone from my 13 year old daughter to my mother-in-law is on TikTok. I haven’t been that great at creating content as much as I enjoying getting lost watching the 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?
State and city are open for business now. Last year we threw a virtual prom and graduation. Stayed more connected face-to-face by going live on Facebook and Instagram. Plus, and many features on our show supporting local business. Tourism was hit hard in Alaska. So, we encouraged everyone to be a tourist locally to help keep some of these great businesses afloat.
7. How would you describe your first radio gig?
Pushing buttons in a legit bomb shelter for Seattle Mariners baseball.
8. What led you to a career in radio?
Being the class clown in school. I wasn’t afraid to get up in front of people and try and make them laugh.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
I’m living out my dream as a kid right now. Growing up in Alaska, we didn’t have much access to these big name stations like the Z100s or KISS stations. I grew up listening to Scott & Stu Morning Zoo on 101.3 KGOT. Ended up becoming part of their show when I first started. Eventually became their Program Director, then took over their show when they moved over to our sister station in the building. Full circle. Crazy.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Scott & Stu for sure had the most impact because they gave me the opportunity to spread my wings as a jock and programmer
Bonus Questions
With the Sullivan Arena at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a Post-COVID Welcome Back station show?
Unlimited budget? Blow up the Sullivan Arena!!! It has the worst acoustics in the world and for the past year they have used it for a homeless shelter during COVID. Start fresh with a new building that could hold at least 8,000 people. Now that we have a new state of the art concert venue, and not just a block of concrete, I want to throw a legit JINGLE BALL. Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, BTS, Imagine Dragons, Jonas Bros, and Santa with real reindeer coming in from the North Pole. Very cliché, I know, but this is my dang fantasy, right?
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