10 Questions with ... Tommy Del Rio

Over 20+ years as programmer, first shot was at KWWV/San Luis Obispo, then it was off to KSEQ and KIOO in Fresno. While there, also launched a Rhythmic AC on KKBB/Bakersfield. Headed next to XMOR/San Diego to launch a Rhythm station. After that it was up the road to Sacramento to program the then-KBMB. Back to Fresno to program KSEQ & KIOO once again, and launch a CHR on KYZZ/Monterey. Loving Monterey, I joined Mapleton Communications in 2013 to program Top 40 KCDU. Shortly after, I was elevated to VP/CHR Programming to manage 7 CHRs and our AC KWAV. We were acquired by SMG in 2019 and I’m still loving Monterey!

1. What got you into radio?

I loved listening to radio as a kid. Everything about it was exciting, from the music, the DJs, the contests, the imaging. Once I was brave enough to call radio stations to be a ‘guest DJ’ on the night-time countdown shows, I was hooked!

2. What do you think is the biggest way that KHTN has evolved in the last 5 years?

Musically, I have evolved KHTN to be a Rhythm station that also plays Top 40 hits. This has been an effective strategy over the last few years as the station has consistently been number one with Persons 25-54 and 18-49. I also have a great airstaff that has been with the station for many years; Big Boy’s Neighborhood has been on AM Drive for 15+ years, Timinem handles middays and has been here almost 20 years, Fredo does nights and has been a part of the station 15 years, and although JoJo Lopez jumped on PM Drive a few years ago, him and I have worked together in different capacities for over 20 years. They are all seasoned pros who do a fantastic job engaging the audience on a local level.

3. If you could have two more hours in a day but you could NOT work during those two hours, what do you think you'd do with them?

I would probably gamble. There is something therapeutic about sitting at a slot machine playing for a few hours, even though the odds are not usually in your favor. For me, it’s a nice mind cleanse. And, the occasional win doesn’t suck.

4. What would probably surprise most people about you as a programmer?

I actually like being on-air still. Although there is a ton of work we do behind the scenes as programmers to keep our brands moving forward, I still like cracking the mic and being a personality between songs. And, it also gives me an opportunity to practice what I preach during air-check sessions with my on-air staff.

5. What's your favorite song right now?

SZA / Justin Timberlake – The Other Side sounds great on the radio. It’s so infectious.

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

I’m a dog lover, so working at a shelter to help find good homes for dogs that were abandoned or relinquished would be ideal for me.

7. Who is your prediction for the next star to announce a Las Vegas residency?

I think Eminem could have a successful residency in Vegas. He has the catalog to fill a 90 minute show, when he hits a stage he electrifies, and he’s been in the game long enough to sell out shows to fans young and old.

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

Being a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune is on my bucket list. Right now, I’m just the armchair contestant who yells at the TV solving the puzzles.

9. If you could be tour/road manager for an artist, who would you want the artist to be?

Elton John! Aside from being a fan of his many hits, I think a gig as his tour manager would be a fun. Can you imagine all the stories he has to tell?

10. Biggest difference between programming one station and programming eight stations.

The biggest difference is time management. As the role of a PD continues to evolve, I can never lose sight of my vision and strategy for each brand that I program. When you are overseeing multiple markets, the level of success will be determined by your understanding of each of those markets. I have to work fast and work smart. And, I firmly believe that if you surround yourself with great people, you’ll set yourself up for great results!

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

I could eat Taco Bell every day for a month and be just fine. I’d get fat, but I would be fat and happy.