10 Questions with ... Mark Mitchell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started out as a board op in the early 80s and waded through promotions assistant, on air, mornings, PD, OM, and now my current assignment with El Dorado Broadcasters.

1. What got you into radio?

When I lived on Long Island in the 70s, I was obsessed with listening to the radio and WBLI, in particular. It wasn't for the music but for the way the station was put together. I'd "shush" my parents in the car when the DJ was talking or they would play a jingle or sweeper. When we moved to Phoenix, I discovered KZZP, KUPD and KUKQ. Also KNIX, which I've always thought of as a great radio station. I didn't really care what the format was. To me a great radio station was (and still is) a great radio station no matter what the format was. I wanted to be part of producing great radio stations. Those were the stations that I was drawn to and wanted to emulate when I got into radio.

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid? Being in radio.

Once in a while I thought about becoming a fireman. But really? Me? A fireman? No..it was radio.

3. What was the biggest change in the move from on air talent to Program Director?

My attitude towards PDs was the biggest change. When I was on the air it was pretty darn easy to be critical about the decisions being made by the PD. Whether it was the music choices they made or how our imaging sounded or what promo we happened to be doing that week. I was very young when I got my first PD gig so I was arrogant enough to think I could "do it better" than the last guy. What I found out was that I didn't really get it. I had no idea about interacting with management, Sales or managing employees. It was a wakeup call, for sure. Luckily, I had some good people in the business I could lean on for advice. Otherwise, I think I'd have been fired. Or murdered by the programming staff. I was horrible!

4. How did you end up going to college at Laurus College?

Working mainly in smaller markets, resources are usually non-existent. I was tired of being (frankly) bullshitted by IT people and engineers about getting stuff fixed. So I decided to go school for IT and get an education and certification. This way I didn't need to wait to get a sound card replaced or fix an on air issue. Plus, it's nice to be able to call Nexgen or Selector support and be able to understand what they are talking about.

5. What would probably surprise most people about your market?

The most surprising thing is how big we really are. I think that some people still see us as a "gas stop on the 15, right". Years and years ago, maybe. It's really not a small town anymore. People that come up from Los Angeles are usually surprised by how big it really is.

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

Barbie Dreams by Nicki Minaj.

7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

Would probably be a full-time CrossFit coach. I've never really thought about that before..

8. We know your radio job keeps you very busy but what do you like to do in spare time you have?

I like to run/workout when I can. My son and I play guitar/bass together a lot. On a rare Sunday I'll veg on an entire season of Curb Your Enthusiasm or the Sopranos. I spend a lot of time listening to music. All genres.

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

Live PD. But not as a suspect. Although it looks much more fun to be a suspect than a cop these days.

10. What might be your dream market to live and work in? Why?

There are some stations I'd love to program someday. KIIS in LA or KZZP in Phoenix. I've never really looked at markets. To me you go where the gig is. Despite the market or market size. If the gig is a fit, it's a fit.

Hypothetical question...If you were getting married in two months and you could have any group or singer perform at your reception, who would you choose?

Slipknot. Just kidding. If I'm choosing the entertainment I'd choose Stevie Ray Vaughn.

If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

Mexican. Definitely, Mexican.