10 Questions with ... Gino Devaney

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My career in broadcasting started back in 2008 during college where I was hired to produce the UMaine Sports broadcasts in Bangor, ME. After graduating in 2009 from the New England School of Communications, I worked for iHeartMedia in Portsmouth, NH for about 6 months as a Board Operator/Street Team Member. From there, I moved to Los Angeles, CA and worked for Salem Communications as a Board Operator and later became the Executive Morning Show Producer and Assistant Program Manager. I also worked for CBS Radio as a Board Operator for the World Famous KROQ. In 2014, I then moved back to New Hampshire to be Program Director and Morning Show Host for WVMJ/Magic 104 in North Conway, NH. Now in 2021, I have moved to Chattanooga, TN and I'm currently the Music & Imaging Director and Afternoon Personality.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

My first radio gig was producing the UMaine Sports broadcasts for Football, Baseball, and Hockey. I still credit this job for giving me my "speed" in editing.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I've always loved radio even as a little boy listening in the backseat, but it wasn't until I took a public speaking course in college where my professor asked about my career aspirations and suggested I looked into radio broadcasting. Once I did and learned it was something that I could do, the rest was history.

3. You’ve got your first summer under your belt in Chattanooga. What have some of the highlights of the gig been since you arrived in May?

So far my time here in Chattanooga has been amazing. I've already learned so much and have met so many great people. Interviewing up and coming popstar Nessa Barrett was an absolute highlight as well as executing many of the wonderful promotions that WDOD offers their listeners. I'm looking forward to learning more and getting to know the city even better.

4. You crack the mic every afternoon. What is it about being on the air that rocks your world?

Being on the air is a thrill like no other to me...that feeling of truly being in the moment and connecting with the audience is what it is all about. Whether it's breaking news, an entertainment story, or just song information, carrying that message is an honor and I honestly can't see myself doing anything else. There is no connection out there like there is from the radio and I truly love what I do each day.

5. If you could pick one guest to plug in across from you for an interview/guest DJ stint who would it be and why?

I thought long and hard about this answer because there are so many greats from across all media platforms that would be amazing interviewees. I ultimately landed on actor Bill Murray. In addition to radio I'm also a huge fan of movies and in particular Bill Murray's films. I believe Bill would be a great guest first off, because Bill does not do many interviews so it would be rare. Second, there is such "folklore" behind Bill it would be amazing to be able to dig in to that for a bit, and lastly, Bill has so many great movies to comment on that still reach across many generations and he'd be absolutely hilarious to interview.

6. How does The Kidd Kraddick Morning show set the table for the rest of the broadcast day?

I believe the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show sets the day up perfectly. It is arguably one of the best morning shows in the country right now--they do a phenomenal job about being on top of whatever is happening at the time and have created an amazing bond with their audience. What I love about The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show best is the sharing of their personal stories. The audience really cares about what is going on in their lives and they do a great job in creating that "family atmosphere" and that is where I believe radio connects best.

7. What do you think is The Song Of Summer 2021?

This is another tough one but if I had to pick, it'd be Olivia Rodrigo's "Good For U". BTS comes in at a close second with "Butter" and Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber in third with "Stay". But ultimately Olivia has made quite the impact this summer connecting not only with the younger audiences but reaching all generations. We have been playing Olivia pretty heavy and I don't see that dying down anytime soon.

8. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community? Have you been getting back out there yet?

Hits 96 is all about the community and even though the times we are living in have made it tough to be out there, I believe we have done a great job this summer staying in the know and being involved as much as possible. Whether that's doing a promotion with the local attractions or hooking up with the local sports teams to do a giveaway. Also for the fall we have kicked off a high school football promotion where our stations are broadcasting LIVE from each "big game" of the week and giving away prizes. We also keep an ear out there for our local non-profits and are always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. I hope we can get out there physically a lot more in the future and continue to be a brand of the community.

9. What were your favorite stations growing up as a kid? Jock(s)?

My list is long and wide but being a kid from Southern New Hampshire and living on the coast of Massachusetts, KISS 108 and Matty In The Morning was the show I grew up listening to. Matt Siegel is honestly one of the greatest to ever be on the mic and is a huge inspiration for doing what I do. As I got older I also listened to Greg and the Morning Buzz on Rock 101 and WHEB in New Hampshire. Greg Kretschmar is indeed the "Godfather" and he has also been a huge influence of mine. For honorable mentions, I would list John Lander, Adam 12, Romero & Pebbles, Toucher & Rich, Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony, Carson Daly and Ryan Seacrest as well.

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

Over the years there have been many and in many different ways. They have all helped mold my career, whether by offering me a job, advice, or both, and I am forever grateful. In no particular order thank you to Mark Nason, Ric Tyler, Jeff Pierce, Jon Shields, Sean McConnell, Bob Holiday, Brian Whitman, Greg Frizzell, Roy Prescott, Chris McNevich, Danny Howard, and Todd Haller... and to anyone else who has been part of the ride.

If you could put together a station show, with the venue of your choice and an unlimited budget at your disposal, which 3-5 acts would you enlist?

Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran.