10 Questions with ... Lu Valentino

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WJLQ/Pensacola/Mobile/BIloxi
• KUPD/Phoenix
• KMXP, then across the hall to KZZP/Phoenix
• Capstar Broadcasting.(Southern Star Communications)/Fort Lauderdale, FL.
• WMJQ/Buffalo
• WXXL/Orlando
• WYUU/Tampa
• WNFI/WFKS-Daytona Beach, FL (MTV, Local dance choreographer for Spring Break)

1) What led you to a career in radio?

I intimidated Harvard Law School.

2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

Top dogs always stick with the same formula that will keep them on top -- the same vision, the same concept, and they grow with their listeners. As a Top 40, WABB has done just that for decades, as have the local Country and Soft AC stations. In the five years I've been in this market, many have tried unsuccessfully to go up against each format. One in particular tried reinventing itself threetimes, to go against WABB. Even I got confused.

Bottom line; what makes 97.5 WABB stand out more than ANY station here, regardless of format: We have live jocks from 6a-mid (Including a LOCAL morning show); a fully staffed marketing and promotions department; a Program Director (Chris Michaels) who I drive crazy on a daily basis; consultant Randy Lane, GM, GSM, LSM, AEs, Sales Asst., interns, Music Director, Webmaster ... and a partridge in a pair tree. Old concept, but it works.

3) What is your favorite part of the job?

Writing/preparing for my show. I never rely on prep services; nine out of 10 times they're a few days behind. In addition; it's pointless to rely on someone else's punch lines that are flavorless. It's my chance for personality identity. My day starts a few hours before I go to bed. I research, make calls, write. Up at 4:45a, continue writing.

In addition to WABB, last month I launched "The Daily Download from Lu's Gossip Laptop." A daily one to two-minute comedic gossip/pop culture feature for morning shows ... ALL formats. My former morning partner on KZZP in Phoenix (he stole me from my own morning show across the hall at Mix 96.9 after hearing my gossip segments), Bruce Kelly, a legend in Top 40 radio, encouraged me to do it nationwide. Bruce is now doing mornings on Classic Hits MOJO104 in Fargo/Moorhead and is my first affiliate. I have a few more in Phoenix, Miami and California starting in April and May.

"MOJO (or insert your station's brand here) Goes To Hollywood" from the Hottest Gossip Laptop on the Planet is full of hot topics and exclusive interview sound bites. The reports are live or recorded daily -- depending on your show's preference -- and are totally interactive and customized to your personalities' show plot. Levity with brevity ... and a dose of attitude. E-mail me here LuVRadio@gmail.com to get a demo and full info.

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

I'm mellow at home. I'm still a firecracker. I don't think that will ever change. I have two adorable Yorkies that are my life. They're a privilege, a responsibility and I appreciate that. I have a lot more inner peace. And I'm a lot more patient, more confident. I've learned lack of confidence is what makes you want to change somebody else's mind. When you know you're okay, you don't need to convince anyone else in order to empower yourself.

5) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?

Dr. Drew

6) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?

Growing up a in very large Italian family in Northern NJ and being an adult teen on the West Coast, I was surrounded by every music genre imaginable, from the time I successfully navigated my Mom's birth canal. Joan Jett, The Pretenders and The Red Hot Chili Peppers were, and will always be, my escape. In the past 10 years, P!NK has joined that rooster. I'm a huge fan of songs more than having favorite acts at any time.

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

Oh yes ... taking long walks on the beach at sunset. Raising pure bred rabbits ... cross-stitching pasture scenes I sell on E-Bay... HOBBIES !?!?!?! Are you nuts/stoned or just have no clue? SLEEP IS MY HOBBY! And taking care of my two dogs. And an occasional one-nighter with random GQ models.

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

My non-competes.

9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

The size of my Italian nose.

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

Just study quantum physics: E=MC Hammer. Also, give Joel Denver hard cash bribes to give you the secret identity of all the stealth job openings.

For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see?"

MARDI GRAS! Despite "COPS" in New Orleans, you may NOT realize that MARI GRAS originated right here in MOBILE. WABB has always been an integral part in this citywide celebration.