10 Questions with ... Frankie V.

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

While doing college radio at WHCL in Clinton, NY while at Hamilton College, I knew radio was what I wanted to do. After graduation I took a position as an Account Executive at Sports WEEI/Boston. While there I networked and made fake demos until Fun 107 in New Bedford, MA gave me my first weekend break! While doing weekends at Fun 107, I also began to do weekends at Star 93.7 in Boston as well as Kiss 95.7 in Hartford! After running my car into the ground, driving city to city, I got my first full-time break at WJBQ (Q97dot9) in Portland, ME as their evening jock. While at the Q, I began to also do weekends at KISS 108 in Boston. From there I took on nights at Kiss 95.7 in Hartford, then move on to my current position here in San Diego.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

I was working as an Account Executive, selling the Boston Red Sox radio network. I was 21, so free tickets to the Sox games meant my first radio gig was amazing.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

After one of my college radio shows, I went to the local tavern. While at the bar some random guy says, "Free shots for Frankie, his show was great tonight!" I had no clue who he was, but thought "If I can get free shots because of my career, I think radio should be what I choose to do."

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

San Diego has many stations trying to attract the same audience. It's very diverse and loaded with people (such as myself) who have moved here for the weather and lifestyle. Trying to connect with listeners in such a melting pot of a city keeps it exciting.

4) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

I always wear my Boston Red Sox hats the same now as in the past. HA! Of course I am wearing more hats, but everyone who wants to continue to succeed should wear as many hats as possible! I was recently promoted to MD at Channel 933 and it was an amazing feeling. My live show, tracked shows and MD duties keep me very busy, but it NEVER feels like work. I am very fortunate.

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

Connecting with the listeners! There is no better feeling than getting an e-mail from a listener who you don't know, telling you that you made their day better.

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

My younger brother is Mikey V, who is the Imaging Dir./night jock at WNOU in Indy. We are radio "punks" while my sister is a cop in Ft. Myers, FL. You'd be surprised that, if given the chance, she would love to arrest us both.

7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

The one dude I have always looked up to in this biz is Joey Brooks. He is currently doing afternoons at CHUM in Toronto. He has perfected the "seven-second break." Each break is quick, witty, and leaves an impression in your mind. People would say "doing seven-second breaks is so easy and boring." Sure, but consistently doing seven-second breaks that are NOT boring is NOT easy. He handles it!

8) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

Michael Jackson would have been a dream guest for sure. I can't even imagine how crazy it would be to say "comin' up in five minutes, we talk to Michael Jackson." I guarantee every radio dial in the city would be tuned in.

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

I grew up listening to Kiss 108. The station is awesome and in my hometown city of Boston! Matty in the Morning, Ed McMann, Dale Dorman, Artie The One Man Party ... I got to hear what huge radio sounded like without even knowing anything about this business.

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

That no matter what you are asked to do, do it with a smile! Every one of us is fortunate for the jobs that we have. My worst day is better than most people's best day. I keep that in mind whenever I am having a male PMS day.

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

My first airshift at Q97dot9, I left the shortcut on, which made the callers go live. A girl called in and gave me her number and said to call for a good time over the weekend. It aired live. I have still to this day not seen Tim Moore run as fast as he did into the studio. I was positive my full-time radio career was going to be done on my very first day! Thanks for not firing me, Tim!