10 Questions with ... Dave Shakes

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

First PD gig was KWNZ/Reno in 1984. In 28 months went from KSND/Eugene, OR to CBS' B96 in Chicago via WTIC/Hartford. Then to KMEL & KIOI in San Francisco. Alan Burns' VP of Consulting. Clients included the 1996 debut of All-Xmas at KESZ/Phoenix, Modern AC start ups with KMXB/Las Vegas and KZZO/Sacramento, and the Spanish CHR launch for KSSE/Los Angeles. I became a partner in Nor Cal group Results Radio LLC. I returned to CBS Radio in June 2012.

1. What initially got you into radio?

My college internship at the great 610 KFRC/San Francisco in summer of 1980. Les Garland had just departed and Gerry Cagle was arriving. The hallways were so exciting. And I learned quickly that I had a talent for radio and could excel in this and that I could play at work every day.

2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A symphony conductor, believe it or not I was a serious classical musician until I burned out about age 15. But with that training, I've always looked at the programming department as a band, and my role as leading the players to create something thrilling to hear.

3. You had been out of day-to-day programming for quite a while. What has changed the most about the PD job since you last programmed a station?

For me it's show biz as it has always been. Inform and Entertain. Connect and Reflect. There are always new tools, but it's basically about causing the attention of target listeners.

4. When you weren't programming and were focused on consulting and station management, did you miss being in the PD chair?

Not at all because those gigs are very creative and stimulating. But about 18 months ago I started daydreaming about programming and I realized I was ambitious to go at it again if there was the right opportunity.

5. Phoenix vs San Francisco and Chicago?

All vacation destinations. I'm very fortunate.

6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?

On 101.5 I am into anything featuring Flo Rida. For KOOL, I find that this group called Beatles continues to have a future.

7. Obviously, you have tremendous programming experience and wisdom to share with your staff. What are you learning from them?

It's very collaborative in our hallways. CBS Phoenix is loaded with talent and I am learning a ton from them.

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Be a dad and husband, exercise, go on some outdoor adventure, watch sports, read, see movies, walk around station hot zips, and spy on target listeners.

9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

That one where you have to live in the wilderness and catch your food with your bare hands. I never get time to watch it, but I like that idea of building shelter and living off the land.

10. Do you have a couple sentences of advice for young programmers as they look at advancing their careers in radio?

Work for a great market manager.

Beer and pizza or sushi and sake?

Yes, all that, Steak and cabernet, too.

What excites you the most about programming today?

The power of radio. Naysayers put forth that no one listens, but when we play hits they sell. When we air good spots the stores magically fill with shoppers. Radio is so powerful and that it continues to be very inspiring to me.