10 Questions with ... Michael Bennett

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Well, I haven't gone far! I never had to. I started right here at k104. I did promotions, production, engineering and then finally on-air! I did overnights for almost two years and then this past summer I got bumped up to night show host. It was great to work at all the different levels; it gave me a greater appreciation for radio.

1) What led you to a career in radio?

I had no choice. It was in my blood. I tried to fight it but it was like the plague. Just kidding, it was in the blood though my father (Mike Bennett), who does mornings on our sister station, WHUD. Growing up, I was surrounded by concerts and celebrities ... and I thought, man, I could get used to this! I watch him emcee an event and I am in awe on how he captures a room with his presence and humor. I feel so fortunate to learn from the best and my father truly is the best!

2) What is your favorite part of the job?

The interaction with the listeners. Meeting people is one thing, but to be able to interact with people night after night is so much fun. And radio has become way more than just interacting on the air; now it's texting, Skype, Facebook and Twitter. It's an ongoing relationship on and off the air.

3) What's the coolest promotion you've EVER been involved with?

Choose your Choos! What better way to target an 18-35-year-old female than letting them hop in a stretch limo with all of their friends, head to Manhattan to pick out a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, then go to a restaurant, then hit up the premiere of Sex and the City! I was forced to hang out with a bunch of excited women, drinking champagne all day. It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it!

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

Limp Bizkit! I got to see them live at Giants Stadium with Metallica and Linkin Park. I DID IT ALL FOR THE NOOKIE!!

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

I am very laid back and relaxed ... except when the New York Football Giants are on. I watch the games alone in fear no one would be my friend again. It's that bad.

6) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?

I am biased, but it's the best on-air staff in the history of the entire world. Woodman in the Morning ... Wood, Bill, and Annie start the day off -- and never have we had such great chemistry in the morning. They own the market.

Middays is Scotty Mac, who is also the Program Director. He is the kind of boss who you want to work 200% for everyday, and then grab a beer and nachos with him! You can't ask for more!

Afternoons is Sky Walker! Sky is a market veteran. He's been doing afternoons for over 10 years! That staying power is rare these days and it says a lot about his talent and character!

Nights is me ... it's tolerable.

And we have full time overnights! In a world where voicetracking is taking over, I am so happy to say we are live and local 24-7! Jeremiah holds it down! He has so much passion and drive!

And, of course, the weekend warriors -- Terry, Michelle, Erich and Ricky!

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

I like JJ from Z100. I really appreciate his brand of humor. He just seems like a cool guy.

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

Eminem. I have always been a fan. The way he has rebounded from a dark time in his life is inspiring to many. His talent in his genre is unmatched.

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

The fun factor! There are not too many jobs out there that people get excited to do. I feel lucky and blessed to be in radio. This past June I was on stage at our summer show in front of 10,000-plus people introducing acts like Ludacris, Train, Adam Lambert, and B.o.B ... does it get better than that!?!?

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

Be coachable! If you are open-minded to learn new things, you will grow as a person and a professional.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

When I was little I had my parents make me a police uniform -- and no, I didn't want to be a part of the Village People. I would actually dress up as a cop and go with my dad to the supermarket and write people tickets for having more than 10 items at the express checkout. As I got older, I realized that to be a cop, you have to take exams and, well, that's just not fun. So radio was...