10 Questions with ... Dylan

NAME:Dylan TITLE:Afternoon Drive/MD STATION:WKST (96.1 Kiss) MARKET:Pittsburgh OWNER:Clear Channel

Please outline your radio career so far:

April 1999-Sept. 2000 WEIR/Weirton, WV
July 2000-Sept. 2002 WOMP/Wheeling, WV
Sept 2002-March 2004 WVAQ/Morgantown, WV
March 2004-Feb. 2006 WNOU/Indianapolis, IN
Feb 2006-Present WKST/Pittsburgh, PA

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Well, a nice man named Joey Klepack hired me to be a board opp for Pittsburgh Pirate baseball. I remember thinking, "This is the greatest thing EVER. I get paid to come in, listen to baseball and talk on the radio after the game." With this first job, my love affair with radio began. (I also went through many bags of sunflower seeds that summer.)

2) What led you to a career in radio?

When it came time to graduate high school I realized I wasn't going to make it to the NBA or MLB; I needed a job and found RADIO!

3) What is your favorite part of the job?

I love music and people; radio allows me work with both. Let's not forget it's FUN too!!

4) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

Unless you really know me you would be surprised to find that I have a lot of Country music on my iPod. I grew up in a small hick town in Ohio, so I can relate to a lot of it. It is by far my favorite genre.

5) Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?

The Freak Show with Mikey and Big Bob - Words really can't describe what they do. Go to the site and see what I mean. www.961kiss.com/freakshow.

Shay Shay - She is on 10a-2p. Shay is voice-tracked out of Detroit and does an amazing job sounding like she is in Pittsburgh. If you're looking for a voice-tracked show, she is your girl. She is a Michigan Wolverines fan too; so I love that about her.

Dylan - I do 2p-6p.

Bonics - He is on 6p-10p. Bonics is a STAR! Not only does he do a great night show; he is like the mayor of Pittsburgh. Everywhere I go someone knows Bonics.

Scottro - He is on 10p-2a. FUTURE STAR! He is new blood and does an awesome job on the air!

Part-timers - We have a hard-working group of part timers. They are a huge part of the success we have at WKST.

6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

I am a big fan of Mike and Mike on ESPN radio. These guys seem real, just two guys hanging out talking sports. I would definitely have a beer with them. I'm also a fan of Colin Cowherd on ESPN. He's funny and tells it like it is.

7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

I have a daughter who is a little over a year and baby number two on the way. So I don't really have time for anything. I go to the gym daily and try to sneak in a round of golf when the wife's not looking. So I guess those are hobbies.

8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

My daughter has a lot of Dora stuff so mainly Dora's songs. I listen to Country at home too.

9) What advice you would give people new to the business?

Surround yourself with great people and great things will happen.

I have been lucky enough to be around great people: Cindy Taylor, Lacy Neff, Frank Bell and Chris Edge. Now I work with Alex Tear. The man has pictures with Bob Seger and Def Leppard in his office. THAT MAKES HIM AWESOME!

10) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool"?

I think there are a lot of talented people still on the air. If you are having trouble finding someone, look in your halls. There are a lot of people who have personality and just don't know it.

BONUS: What ring tone do you have on your cell?

I always have the Michigan Fight song! HAIL TO THE VICTORS! Go Blue!