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10 Questions with ... Bruce Da Moose
November 28, 2006
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NAME:Bruce Da MooseTITLE:MDSTATION:WXKBMARKET:Ft. Myers, FLOWNER:Beasley
Please outline your radio career so far:
(Some good decisions, some really bad)
WIZM/Lacrosse (luv ya, Sam)
WDBT/Jackson (R.I.P)
WBTT/Ft. Myers
WINK/Ft. Myers
WHTF/Tallahassee (mornings)
WXKB/Ft. Myers1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
It was a small market, where the PD pretty much let us learn from our own mistakes (and I made a lot of them).
2 What led you to a career in radio?
Grew up around Minneapolis, listening to Tommy B at KQRS, Hurricane Wayne at 93X, and Tony Fly! One day, I saw Kane at a volleyball event they were hosting and how much fun he and the crew were having. I thought hell yeah this is what I want to do. A few radio guys told me I had the "pipes," and though I had no clue what that meant, I gave it a shot anyway and fell in love with radio.
3 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
The market stretches 50 miles from the southern tip to the north. Being in the south, Country is dominant. We have three different country stations, one Rhythmic, and two Hot AC outlets, of which one covers the whole market, while the other covers the southern area. Our Hispanic population is exploding and we now have two Latino stations as well. Our main competitors are the Hot AC and the Rhythmic, so we just stay as balanced as we can all the while being creative and compelling.
4 What is your favorite part of the job?
Nothing makes me happier than when I am on the streets or I get an email asking me about a bit I did on the air! When a listener calls, they are taking time out of their day because of you. Knowing that what you do touches or affects someone else is the greatest reward! Even when they call to yell at you!
Or maybe my favorite part is the label lunches.
5 Could you give us a little insight into the WXKB on air staff?
This is the best group of guys and girls I have ever worked with when it comes to a commitment to winning. Everyone knows their role and they know it's a team effort.
Mornings are hosted by MJ & Dakota. MJ is our PD, Matt Johnson. He gives you the freedom and confidence to do what you want on the air - within reason. But you always know he has the hotline on speed dial! He and Dakota are very entertaining and anything but cliche.
Joe Winner hosts middays and is also promotions director. Joe is all about winning! He's not afraid to get out on the streets and get dirty. Our competitors know him well ... probably better than they want to, trust me!
Drew Steele does afternoons, and being from Ft. Myers longer then any of us, he's got his finger the pulse of the market (not to mention a few women, too).
Doing nights and MD duties, it's me, MJ's Bitch Boy!
Plus, I gotta mention our solid part time staff. Otherwise, they would all call in sick for a month!
6 Who is your favorite air personality (excluding those at your station) and why do you like them?
Kane - he is the most compelling jock I have ever heard.
7 What were your favorite stations to listen to when you were a kid?
KDWB, KQRS, WLOL.
8 What music do you listen to when you're not working?
I am learning to "get away" when I am not working. I am huge fan of Rock, and love Shinedown, Hinder, Creed, Motley Crue, Three Days Grace ... anything that has nothing to do with my show or the station. But then again, I currently have the new Akon CD in the car on 'repeat'!
9 What advice you would give people new to the business?
Be ready to do anything. Learn anything you can from your PD, production director, engineer, or other jocks. Make yourself as versatile and available as possible. If you're asked to something, do it! You never know who might notice the extra effort!
10 What is the current state of the radio 'talent pool'?
The talent pool currently is poor at best. With smaller markets using voice tracking or running stations with only two or three people, we're losing the chance to grow and groom future talent! Some PDs have become so entrenched in the corporate world that they are missing the part timers that could be the next Kane or Romeo if only they would take the time to work with them! Radio will only win in the long term if it is compelling, local and interactive, something liner jocks can't do!
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
Sanibel Island beaches at sunset! I would love to own a home there! That would be paradise. Or maybe downtown Ft. Myers at Sunset (if you like hookers)!
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