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10 Questions with ... Don Megga
June 23, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
It all started in 1996 when I was presented with the idea of doing radio and eventually becoming a morning show side kick/voice actor on the legendary heritage radio station, Mobile, AL's 93 WBLX. I was convinced then hired by J.B. Lewis, groomed by APD Neicy Davis under the watchful eye of morning host and legendary mix DJ "Warm It Up" Chris Coleman, in my eyes, to be the NEXT FLY JOCK! Well, I was fly, but NOT that fly, at least not at the time. I moved from Mobile to Birmingham, AL landing a counterpart position on the "Home Team Morning Show" at 95.7 Jamz while managing a little-known comedy club named the "Cobblestone" which many of today's funniest urban comedians came thru.
My twin brother KJ, then in Alaska, called one day and suggested I move up and we team up. That was the best idea he's ever had. With his connections here, he helped me land the night jock position, on the 1st Hip Hop Radio station in ALASKA, 929 KFAT! Throughout my time here in Alaska, I have worked outside of the state on a few VERY notable radio platforms and shows. From Portland, OR's Jammin 95.5 "Play House Morning Show with PK" and the rest of the CRAZIEST morning crew I've had the pleasure of being a part of, to doing my own show with my twin brother in Memphis, TN on Power 99 with Keke Luv! This has been an amazing ride I must say as I'm now in my 24th year of radio and my 22nd year making the city DANCE here in Anchorage.
There are more reasons why I call Alaska home, but the most important is the family I have created as well as the city that has taken me in as its voice. We've made history and continue to make magic every day on "Don & KJ's PlayHouse Morning Show" so find us on facebook
1. What got you into radio?
I got into radio simply by chance...or maybe it was FATE.
2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
A dentist actually, Go figure.
3. What were some of your first impressions from your first time walking into a radio station?
Especially back in 1996, radio stations had a certain magic that emanated from the building. It was like the place was always humming. Now that I think about it that could've been a transmitter hum of some sort but whatever. It was like your favorite artists' "house" because that's where their music lived and spun every day, even if they never even step foot inside the walls. I also thought "So this is what a radio station smells like?!?" Til this day, I still have no clue why that popped in my brain?
4. When did it become clear to you that you wanted to be a PD?
After being groomed by the PDs I've worked with over the years, who were all instrumental in my radio programming development, I wanted to share the magical knowledge of creating and executing GREAT radio. The art of connecting with an audience/demographic is a very delicate trade to master, especially on a commercial level, and that can't be bought only taught.
5. What would probably surprise most people about living and working in Anchorage during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Well for one, Alaskans are used to being on "lockdown" or "hunkered-down" as we say here. Being in such a remote location and dealing with some of Earth's most inclement weather, we tend to shelter in place nine out of twelve months out of the year. In the summer, we fish, we hike, we camp, we hunt, we farm, we stock up and in the winter we survive. We ARE NOT A GUN-SHY STATE! Alaskans appreciate the right to bear arms in order to provide subsistence and to protect our homes. Alaska is built for this and when asked to isolate, it wasn't a "OMG...HOW?" it was "How long do you need us to?".
6. What has most surprised you?
The resilient spirit of community has taken over the entire state of Alaska especially for our essential workers. We NOW get why they are so important and Alaskans don't hesitate to give them the love they deserve for putting their neck on the line everyday so we can try to continue with some type of daily normalcy.
7. Your favorite lockdown activity?
Home projects! We've been trying to finish our home studio for a while, now the time we have helps get all that done and then some. I've always wanted to wake up and walk downstairs to broadcast from my basement/garage!
8. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
Real estate
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
A guest judge on the Voice!
10. American Idol, The Voice or America's Got Talent?
The Voice
Bonus Questions
If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?
Creole/Soul food
Low Budget Lockdown?
One movie: Star Wars-Return Of the Jedi
One TV Show: The Cosby Show
One CD: Dr. Dre "The Chronic" -
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