10 Questions with ... Rich O'Brien

NAME:Rich O'Brien TITLE:Sr. VP/Programming & Affiliate Relations STATION:Superadio Network OWNER:Access.1 Communications.

Please outline your radio career so far:

1990-1993 -- Producer, Open House Party
1993-2002 -- VP, Radio Programs, Superadio Network
2002-Present -- SVP/Programming & Affiliate Relations, Access.1 Communications, Superadio LLC

1) What led you to a career in radio?

Short version of a long story: A good friend of mine worked at a local municipal airport in Norwood, MA. Late one Saturday afternoon, a guy lands his plane and says "I need to rent a car ASAP because I have a radio show to do." My friend explains that there are no cars available and offers to give him a ride. After he drops him off, the guy tells my friend to come back sometime with some friends to be a part of the studio audience. The guy was John Garabedian and the show was Open House Party. A bunch of us went back the next weekend and the rest is history. John offered me an internship and then hired me two weeks later.

2) Everyone LOVES Open House Party. How many stations does the show air on now?

Some 130 stations and counting. We debut this coming weekend on KDND/Sacramento and WXXL/Orlando!

3) What other cool shows does Superadio have for Top 40?

Romeo's Playhouse (weeknight show with Romeo from Kiss 108/Boston), Ace & TJ Morning Show (WNKS Charlotte and 12 others), Sunday Nite Slow Jams With RDub!, A*Town Sound Imaging, The Playhouse Morning Show with PK (from KXJM/Portland, 10 others) and Supermixx unhosted mix shows (Mainstream, Rhythm, 80's and Rock).

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

The people. I try and take something away from every market visit, meeting and phone call, regardless of market size.

5) Who are some of your favorite air personalities around the country, and why do you like them?

Kane from Hot 995/Washington and Sunday OHP. He is one of the most creative people on the radio right now. Kannon from Wired in Philadelphia is out of his mind. Cody Alan from the Wolf in Dallas is one of the best talents in any format.

6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

Tie between Kiss 108 and WBCN. Both stations had great jocks that you had to tune in for every day or you felt like you were missing out on something big.

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

Sports. Our five kids are involved in softball, gymnastics, volleyball and baseball so every weekend is busy. I also help coach our local American Legion Baseball team every summer.

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

Top 40, Country and a good amount of Sports Talk.

9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

Again, it is the people. I have been fortunate to learn from some of the best: Sid Small, Chesley Maddox-Dorsey and Jack Bryant at Access.1, and of course John Garabedian.

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

It's all about relationships. Get to know as many MDs, PDs and GMs as you can. You never know where your paths may cross again.

BONUS: What's the best sweeper/liner you've ever heard?

In 1993 we had an Hour ID that went something like this: "Welcome in to the Biggest Party on The Planet - Open House Party, where the joint is jumping. Hot people, major action. Liquor in the front, poker in the rear, Open House Party is ON!"

We lost a top 10-market affiliate over playing it once, too!