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10 Questions with ... Frankie V
November 5, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started in sales at SPORTS RADIO WEEI in BOSTON. From there, I did weekends at WFHN (Fun 107)/New Bedford, MA and weekends at WQSX (Star 93.7)/Boston. I landed my first fulltime job hosting nights at WJBQ/Portland, ME. From there I did nights at WKSS (Kiss 95.7)/Hartford, CT. Then to nights at KHTS (Channel 933)/San Diego. In 2010, I was promoted to APD/MD/mornings at Channel 933. From there, I went to mornings at WJMN (Jam'n 94.5)/Boston. Now, I'm APD/MD/mornings at KSSX (Jam'n 95.7)/San Diego.
I also do shows on KIIS/Los Angeles, KPEZ/Austin, WXKS/Boston, KXJM/Portland, OR and night on iHeart's RCHR custom channel
1. What got you into radio?
I figured that since I couldn't sing or dance, being in a boy band wasn't going to work out so I chose the next best thing! Once I realized those dreams weren't going to work out, I began to focus on chasing my dreams of being a sports broadcaster! The big TV Sports Director in Boston, Steve Burton, was from my same neighborhood growing up. I would see him on TV and say, "That looks more fun than actually working for a living." I focused on chasing those dreams. After doing college radio I began to find the passion for the music side of the business and the rest is history! Every time someone told me I wouldn't make it in the business, I became more motivated to prove them wrong.
2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
I dreamed of being a pro baseball player, like most kids! Growing up in Boston, everyone dreamed of someday playing for the Red Sox and trying to hit a home run over the green monster!
3. What was the biggest change in the move from Boston to San Diego?
I'm not going to lie. It was a rollercoaster of a few years. After spending nearly ten years in San Diego as APD/MD/MORNINGS on Channel 933, I got the dream phone call to move back home to Boston to take on mornings at the station I grew up listening to, JAM'N 94.5. My dad had just passed away a week prior to the call and it was like he was guiding from above. I spent a year back in Boston hosting the morning show, working in the same building as my brother Mikey V (Nights APD/MD at KISS 108), helping mom get back on her feet and thinking, "I made it"! Then, like many of us at one point in our careers, got hit with a curve ball. My show was replaced by syndication and I was pulled off the air. After trying to decide my next move, I again felt like my dad was guiding from above and the phone call came to bring me back to San Diego. I didn't think twice, packed my bags, and moved back! It was the best decision I've made in my 20-year career. Currently I am the APD/MD at JAM'N 95.7 and host of the morning show. The biggest difference is the fact that this is a new station. I was there for the launch three years ago and have been there each step of the way. In Boston, I was on a heritage station which was built many years before I got there. Both have positives. Both have negatives. Both were amazing situations. I am enjoying watching this baby grow each week, each month, each year! Such a crazy but fun ride.
4. What have you grown to love about San Diego?
I've grown to love the obvious, the weather and lifestyle! But more so, I've grown to love the fact this city has grown to love me! San Diego truly enjoys their local radio. They have embraced me like their own and I've built the best networks, greatest friends, and most amazing memories I could ever ask for. I am beyond fortunate for the life I have built over the past 13 years (minus the one in Boston) here in San Diego.
5. What would probably surprise most people about life in San Diego?
That the average person here doesn't just sit at the beach and surf all day! I have only tried surfing once in 13 years and have probably only actually gone into the water here three times. Tourists love the beach. Locals love to stay away!
6. What's your favorite song on the Jam'n right now?
Tough to say as the music cycle has been great, but I am a fan of records we are able to own like "Drake - Money in the Grave" and "Chris Brown - No Guidance". I am a fan of the format, overall and excited to see what new music and artists will emerge in 2020.
7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
My back up plan was to coach football and teach. My mom is a teacher and I grew to admire how rewarding that career is.
8. What do you like to do with all of that spare time you have?
Spare time? I'm not sure what that means. The spare time is limited! I do, however, force time into my schedule daily to work out and most recently played on a championship adult beer league softball team. I've also began a side real estate business with my brother, Mikey V as well as started doing stand-up comedy! I have my first headlining gig in December!
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
I think I would fit in most on the Jersey Shore. However, I would prefer to just take Chris Harrison's job and host The Bachelor!
10. Why are Boston sports fans so much more intense than San Diego sports fans?
We grew up with sports in our blood in Boston! It is a homegrown city where EVERYONE is from Boston. San Diego is such a transplant city that it's tough to build that deep-rooted fan base. Plus, when your teams win championships at a rate that the Boston teams do...it's tough to not be intense!
Bonus Questions
If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?
I would each at a Chinese buffet every meal for a month. I'm pretty sure by the 30th day of the month my arteries would be clogged, but at least I would go out happy!
Your "go to" San Diego restaurant?
My go to restaurant is Barbusa in Little Italy! It reminds me of the East Coast Italian food I miss and crave. They treat me like family every time I'm there and bring back the old school Italian values that I grew up on. If you are ever in San Diego, I highly recommend stopping by!
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