10 Questions with ... John Foxx

NAME:John Foxx TITLE:PD STATION:KKMG MARKET:Colorado Springs OWNER:Citadel Broadcasting

Please outline your radio career so far:

WSPK/Poughkeepsie, NY '99 - '01, weekend/swing.
WFLY/Albany, NY '01 - '06, nights, Music Director, Asst. Program Director, Program Director/afternoons.
KKMG/Colorado Springs, CO 1/07 - present, Program Director/afternoons

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

One of the best times of my life. I made no money, worked seven days a week mostly on overnights, and got passed up for all the full-time gigs, but I found a career I could dedicate all my focus to.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

Right place, right time... just being around the element. I worked at Subway for a while and one of my employees was a part-time guy at K104. I used to hang with him a lot and got to know the entire staff. I became good friends with the afternoon guy at the time and he would teach me the board on the weekends. One day I got a call 'cause they needed a board op, and that was it... I was on the air filling in on the overnight the next night and then I was hooked. It just kind of happened for me. I've been lucky every day of my life.

3) What is your favorite part of the job?

The payoff! I am so involved with every moving part, and so focused on the goal of whatever task I take on, that the days just tic away. When we can sit back and say, "Wow, great show, we made the news, we nailed that event, killed it in the ratings, got the buy, sold out that show," and a million other things we work towards every day ... that is what I love. It motivates me to work harder every day.

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

Michael Buble.

5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

The thing that sticks out the most is the fact that I am a huge NASCAR fan. Every time I tell someone that they bug out and start asking all these questions. People are fascinated with my fascination with NASCAR. Don't as me why...

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

K104/WSPK. I grew up in La Grangeville pretty much my whole life, which is a small city in Dutchess County, NY, and that was my station. Mark Boulger in the morning with Dawn Spicer. So funny...I used to call all the time when I heard the prize pig.

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

I love to be outdoors. Anything to do with the outdoors, from hiking to skiing or sitting on a patio sippin' on some Grey Goose, I'm in. I spend a lot time outside. I love soaking up the environment that's around me.

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

I listen to a lot of Michael Buble, Dave Matthews, Goo Goo Dolls and a bunch of stuff you'll see sittin' on the shelves in Starbucks.

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

It's a lifestyle; sometimes I really can't believe that this is my job. I just love the fact that I never have the attitude of "I have to do this." It's just what I do.

10) Where are the winters colder... Albany or Colorado Springs?

Definitely Albany... its just brick. Bone-chilling cold hits you as soon as you hit the air. The air is a lot dryer out here, so you don't feel it. Plus it snows one day and then it's 50 and sunny for a week...the best!

BONUS: Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?

Elvis. I was the biggest Elvis fan when I was kid. When I was like 12, I used to go to all these Elvis impersonation contests and compete. I have all the movies and all the music. I even have the white jumpsuit.