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10 Questions with ... MoJoe Roberts
October 16, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 1/00-1/02 Nights/MD at County KQFC/Boise
- 1/02-5/06 Nights/APD/MD/Imaging at Country KATM/Modesto-Stockton
- 5/06-Now PD at Top 40/Mainstream KHOP/Modesto-Stockton
- 6/12-Now PD at Top 40/Rhythmic KWIN-KWNN/Modesto-Stockton
1. What initially got you into radio?
Honestly, I got into radio by accident. There was a Radio program at my High School, through the local college, that we could take in lieu of senior year English class. I was hooked instantly!
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I used to record radio stations to mimic the on air jocks and make little music promos with my cassette player. I think subconsciously, I always wanted to be a Program Director, I just didn't realize that was a real job.
3. What's been the biggest adjustment for you as you picked up programming duties for KWIN?
My biggest adjustment has been keeping the two brands unique. KWIN and KHOP have very different audiences. It is important for me to not only understand, but communicate the relative advantages for both brands to our team. For some time, the stations have very aggressive towards each other. Now we are working diligently to keep both brands in their respective lanes. Time management has also been a big adjustment!
4. Down the road, one of your daughters or son comes to you and says, "Dad...I want to go into radio." What will be your initial reaction?
Would I love for my kids to follow in my footsteps? Absolutely! But I would be just as proud of them for finding their own career paths and identities. My advice for them would be to follow their passions. Whether they love radio or some other trade, they have my full support. It's better they enjoy what they do, because then they will never really work a day in their life.
5. Is there a format that you haven't programmed in that you might like to work in?
My personal musical preference is the Alternative Rock. But as much as I would love to program that format, I wouldn't want to get burnt out of my favorite genre.
6. What's your favorite song on the stations right now?
On KWIN, I love Kanye West's latest singles "Mercy" and "Clique". That guy is a musical mad scientist. On KHOP, I'm a big fan of the texture on Alex Clare's "Too Close".
7. You program two Top 40 stations and do afternoons at one. Any secrets to your time management?
No real secret or trick. I have some routines in my week, music scheduling, imaging writing/producing, meeting with my jocks. But I also allow myself time to attend to the needs of each station, as well as other tasks... like filling out this "10 Questions" survey for All Access. (
I think the biggest lesson learned thus far, giving tasks my undivided focus. Live in the moment. It is a lesson that goes beyond the station. When I'm spending time with my kids, I make an effort not to be on my phone or e-mail. Same at work, when I'm in an air check session or writing imaging, I don't let distractions derail my thought process. The end result is much better!
8. What do you like to do in your 'spare' time?
I spend my spare time making memories with my young family. We are very lucky to live in such a centrally located area of California. It makes it easy for us to head to the beach, the snow or Disneyland for the weekend. I do enjoy snowboarding, going to shows and sporting events, but my kids are still a bit young for that type of fun.
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
I would LOVE to be on the panel of a singing competition show. I find it interesting that they only have fellow singers or label execs on these panels.
10. Do you have any radio mentors?
Absolutely! Richard Perry, Randy "Bubba" Black, Ed Hill, Lance Tidwell, Rich Summers and Scott Mahalick have had a direct influence on my programming career.
From afar, I've always admired the works of Michael Martin, Joel Burke, Kevin Weatherly, Dan Mason Jr, Mark Adams, John Ivey, Tim Rayne, Eric Powers, Mark Medina, Tom Poleman, Jimmy Steal and Tommy Chuck. I've yet to meet most of them, but they've all helped me grow as a programmer from a distance.
Bonus Questions
Beer and pizza or sushi and sake?
I'll say Beer and Pizza to directly answer the question, but I prefer a taco truck burrito and a Pepsi
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