10 Questions with ... Adam Rivers

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 2005 - 2006: WKSS/Hartford weekend overnights
• 2006 – 2012: WILI-FM/Willimantic, APD/MD/Nights
• 2008: WZRT/Rutland, PD/Afternoons (remotely)
• 2007 – 2012: WMAS-FM/Springfield, MA, weekend/swing/jack of all trades
• 2012 – 2013: iHeartMedia Winchester, VA – PD of Top 40 WKSI, digital PD, and sports color commentary on WMRE
• 2013 – present: WKCI-FM/New Haven, CT (afternoons until 2020, now middays)
• 2015 – present: WKSS-FM/Hartford, CT (APD/MD until 2020, then APD/MD/Afternoons)

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

I was very lucky to have the opportunity to be on the air for the first time ever at Kiss 95.7 in Hartford, one of the stations (along with KC101) that I grew up listening to. Even though it was 3am on a Sunday, and I had some questionable fill song choices, it was a tremendous opportunity that exposed me to some really smart people on a great radio station.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I knew I would do something with media, but never knew what exactly it would be – as a kid I focused in on being an extreme weatherman like Jim Cantore, but I wasn't good at math and radio seemed like a natural fit for my personality.

3. You're closing in on 10 years at KC101. Some of our industry's brightest programmers (including at least 1 senior level iHeart corporate guru), have sat in the PD chair there. What's it like for you to have the reins in 2022 and beyond?

I am tremendously thankful and grateful. To be at a station with the heritage and history of KC101 changed my life in ways I could've never imagined were possible growing up. A few years ago, for the station's 40th anniversary, we had a 40th birthday party for the station that was attended by a large amount of former staff, including all but one from the original lineup in 1979. I always knew KC101 was special – but being in the same room with so many of those folks was a 'pinch me' moment.

4. What is it like for you to still be able to hit the studio every day and do your midday show?

It's a lot of fun. I honestly sit in the studio now all day, and it's made me have much more focus, and has helped me grow and become a better time manager. KC101 is a tremendously promotionally active station and we have a lot of interaction and fun each day. If I make one person at work's day better, that's a win.

5. Who would be a "dream guest" to have sit in with you on your show?

Honestly, Kanye. He might not be the most popular right now but just to try and get him to explain the wild things he's said in recent months and have a real chat about what's going through his head would be as compelling as it gets, as long as he didn't pull a Birdman on the Breakfast Club on me.

6. Like everyone else you're a multi-tasker, what else do you have going on for the company around the great state of Connecticut?

I also am the APD/MD of Kiss 95.7 in Hartford as well as afternoon talent. Getting to be on both stations I grew up listening to and having fun all day is awesome.

7. What did you learn about yourself as a programmer and performer during the early days of the pandemic?

We were constantly innovating. As awful as the pandemic was, it was a great time for innovation and creativity. We were doing anything we could to engage people early on in the pandemic – and that was where the concept of Feel Good Weekends came from – play songs that make you feel good and dig deep. The interaction we got was tremendous, and several other markets in and outside of the company adopted the concept at some point during the pandemic. We also did a ton of really fun promotions – "Take a Hike" since everyone was outside where we gave away hiking and camping gear the "Mercury Retrograde Survival Kit", "Sleigh The Holidays", "Basic Girl Summer" and more.

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

Work hard, and be a good person.

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

Kiss 95.7 and KC101. Honestly. Always listened to both as a kid. I grew up in Western MA so we couldn't hear Boston radio regularly, but I was always pumped to drive out toward Boston to listen to Kiss 108. Dale Dorman's style well into his 50s and 60s on top 40 was incredible. The Freak Show during the Q102/Philly era inspired me to want to be on the radio as a teenager.

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

Early on, I was lucky to learn a lot before I had even been on the radio from one of the all-time great PD/APD tandems, Rick Vaughn and Joey Brooks (who I am lucky to have as SVPP now). My PD in Willimantic at my first full-time job, Mike Merlin, should've fired me 100 times but didn't, and empowered me to develop. Zac Davis and Dave Symonds were great to work with during their time here in Connecticut, and JB Wilde has influenced my career the most. His understanding of programming, audiences, his drive to succeed and most of all, the way to interact with an audience are tremendous traits that I was very fortunate to learn from.

With the venue of your choice at your disposal, and an unlimited budget which 5-6 acts would you pull together for a station listener bash?