10 Questions with ... Elvis Duran

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Having grown up on various stations in my home state of Texas, Atlanta and Philadelphia, I started doing afternoons on Z100/New York in 1989 and moved to mornings in 1996.

1) Congratulations on adding your 25th market, and another top-10 market to boot. How does it feel to have reached such a milestone in less than a year?

It feels a little unreal, actually. For any station in ANY market to give us the opportunity to do our show is flattering and humbling. If I was reading about these events happening to someone else, I would be impressed. But we are all working so hard; we haven't really stopped to think about what an accomplishment this truly is. Its mind-boggling work, yet very satisfying.

2) With 12 members, your show has a larger staff than most stations ... and even some clusters. Have you requested your own zip code?

People give me hell about this all the time. We don't have 12 people with their own dedicated mics. We have a core of four people and many other people performing the necessary tasks to get the show produced and distributed. It just so happens all of them have a voice on the show as well, so people assume it's a cast of thousands. We're like that famous Duggar family ... you know, the family of 18 kids and growing. I love all the different opinions and abundant energy that a crowd produces.

3) Some of these folks have been with you for a long time. Who are the most senior members, and how have they contributed to the long-term success of the show?

John Bell has been with the show the longest, then Danielle and producers Skeery, Greg T and Scotty B. They've been here since the beginning 14 years ago. But, for almost as long, producer David Brody, then TJ, Loren and Garrett have been part of the mix. Carolina Bermudez joined us five years ago along with Froggy. The success comes from the fact that these are the most loyal, talented and smartest people in the business. They all have a deep desire to please the listeners ... and an uncanny ability to read my mind.

4) It's been over 20 years since you helped to launch Q102 in Philly. How's it feel to be back on that station?

What a trip to be back on in Philly. It's a difficult market to crack because the listeners there are very, very used to things being a certain way. You have to prove yourself ... and if they accept you, you're golden. It took some time but we're now doing very well there. Love Q102!

5) How challenging was it to evolve the show from a local New York show to a national show?

It really wasn't all that difficult. Back when we were only on Z100, our show began to take the shape of one that is quite universal in appeal and scope. We still are a local show, with local breaks sprinkled throughout each hour.

6) Do you plan to do personal appearances in any of your syndicated markets this year?

We already have! From Jingle Ball concerts in Miami and Philadelphia to the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, we're always looking for a reason to hop on a plane and hang out with our listeners and stations.

7) What's the coolest promotion you've done recently?

One that I loved was our Roller Coaster tour. Coordinated by our producer Josh, (based in Cleveland), we identified the best roller coaster experiences in America and flew our listeners all over the place to ride the rides and hang out in the parks. It was very "get out and see America"-themed. I'm looking forward to doing something like that again this coming summer. We do lots of other contesting ... cash, trips, etc.

8) Who has been the best guest on the show, and what made them great?

We have been very fortunate with guest quality ... maybe because we're very picky about who we invite onto the show. Lady GaGa was excellent. She grew up listening to our show, so she was familiar with all the players and opened up more than any other interview she had previously done.

9) You were the ultimate afternoon-drive guy for many years. Do you ever miss hittin' the old 5 o'clock whistle?

No ... I mean yes. Sort of. I miss the energy of those days in radio, BUT we would sound so dated and ancient if we tried to recreate that sound. I'm embarrassed to listen to those airchecks ... but I must say Z100 was the most incredible sounding radio station in that era.

10) What are your goals for continued growth of the show?

To keep the family together and happy. As long as I know what the team members' goals are, and I help them achieve their goals, then they will want to continue to be part of this incredible show. I remind them all the time: These are the days. We will always look back on this experience as the most amazing of our careers.

What's the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?

Never made one. (right)