10 Questions – The Best Quotes Of 2020

This week, we look back at 2020 with the best answers to some of our best questions.

Billy Vidal
PD
KRBQ/San Francisco, CA

The beauty of playing "Old School"?

"It’s that unique feeling of nostalgia we are able give our listeners that brings real joy to me. I love hearing from our listeners about the first time they heard that song or what the experience was when they heard it. It’s beautiful!"

"Rolls" Royce Stevenson
APD/MD
KDGS/Wichita, KS

What artists are you expecting big things from in 2020?

"Expect Roddy Rich to blow up this year. I think Doja Cat, Tyla Yaweh and NLE Choppa will have huge years as well. With YouTube now being counted on the Billboard 200 so many artists are going to come up! Youngboy Never Broke Again has HUGE YouTube numbers so I can see him all over the Billboard 200 this year. He is going to have a monster 2020!"

Jessica Carroll
PD
KPAT (95.7 The Beat)/Santa Maria, CA

Who would be your dream celebrity "Follow" on social media?

"Chance the Rapper or Jhene Aiko"

Lauren "Lo" Sessions
MD
KINK-HD2 (WE 102.9)/Portland, OR

What's your favorite song on WE 102.9 right now?

"This is like trying to pick a favorite child. Top 3 for me currently in no particular order...Doja Cat - Juicy; Future & Drake - Life Is Good; Chris Brown - Heat"

Booker
Mornings
KUUU (U92)/Salt Lake City, UT

Radio has taken you across the country. What was your favorite market to live in?

"I spent quite a few years away from Salt Lake City and being back here this place has grown an insane amount in that time. I've always called SLC my second home for personal reasons. But I would probably say Boise was my favorite place to live in terms of "quality of life". The city literally has any and everything a person needs. Outdoor life is awesome for those who are adventurous, great city for food and a very vibrant nightlife. I've had several people ask me about Boise since I've left, I have and always will give that city high recommendations."

Mia Mance
PD
WXYY (G-100.1)/Savannah, GA

Who were some of your radio mentors?

"To this day and forever, Phil Becker. Always bank on what Phil says, feels, expresses, predicts and follows. Phil appreciated my heart for the community and I am blessed that he has ALWAYS pushed for me.

Janice Whittemore, any good thing you see that I have had a chance to be a part of, there is Janice. The way I think about the radio business, program, image, promote, coach, train, sell, work with clients and put listeners first starts with Janice Whittemore! This woman is on the beach and I would love to see a radio group let her lead them to victory!"

Tony Bracy
VP/Marketing & Promotion
SB Projects

How is your job at SB Projects (Scooter Braun) different from working at a major record label?

"Well, my Mondays and Tuesdays are a bit different! Actually, that’s not true. I thought they’d be but speaking with radio every day is in my blood. The biggest change is working on strategy from the very beginning stages of an artist's career, which was a piece of the business that always interested me."

Tommy Del Rio
CHR/AC Programmer
Stephens Media Group

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."

Jessica Vasquez
Promotions Dir.
KPAT (95.7 The Beat)/Santa Maria, CA

Life experience that best prepared you for being a promotions director?

"Being a weird kid. Promotions takes a lot of creativity, imagination, and thinking outside the box!"

Dee "Lil D" Porter
Middays
KBFB (97.9 The Beat)/Dallas, TX

As the country begins to lockdown with the Covid-19 pandemic, what would you like to accomplish during your lockdown period?

"(I'm hoping to clean my garage) I want to finish recording my audiobook. On October 10, 2019, I released my first book, "Route 2: My Choice to Struggle to Succeed," about my choice to remain homeless in Ohio so not to lose my part time job in Cleveland. Charlamagne Tha God wrote the foreword. It's been doing well and I'm super proud of that, but the audiobook was supposed to be done so long ago. Now that I have no excuse, it's time to finish recording it."

Wes Jordan
APD/afternoons
WZPW (Z92.3)/Peoria, IL

Your favorite lockdown activity?

"I got a PS4 for Christmas and I knew I wasn’t going to get a lot of time on it this spring and summer, but I’ll admit when I’m wrong. I also go for daily 4-mile walks to keep my mind and body healthy."

Don Megga
PD
KFAT/Anchorage, AK

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?"."

Tony V
Mornings
KQKS (KS1075)/Denver, CO

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

"I would be rockin’ the mic at a drive thru near you! When I was going to school while interning at KDKO, I was majoring in criminal justice, and thinking of law school. I was also good at selling myself, maybe I would do sales for radio! lol"

Babs
Middays
WLLD (WiLD 94.1)/Tampa, FL

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

"Naked and Afraid. Honestly, my ex "red neck" boyfriend has taught me survival skills, that could help me win! lol"

Rascal
Mornings
KNRJ (101.1 The Beat)/Phoenix, AZ

What do you think your strongest memory of this Covid-19 pandemic will be?

"How important it was for radio to become local again. I think some of us forget. I know I needed to be reminded of how much of an impact we have on our communities!"

Fabrizio Moreira
CEO
Secret Hit Music

You were very involved in politics in your native Ecuador. Are you still active in Ecuador's politics from New York?

"Yes, and I am planning to run for a public office position in the next 5 to 8 years. I have a lot of change and ideas on my mind, and want to bring those things to reality. I want to be a part of a force for good, and help make major changes in the music industry for the better. I love to help people, so it's only a natural next step in my evolution here in the States. "

Toshamakia
KQKS (KS1075)/Denver, CO

What has the Covid-19 pandemic taught you about yourself?

"The Covid pandemic has taught me to slow down, to get better with money and savings. It's taught me that anything can happen and that every day isn’t guaranteed. Although we all know that, seeing friends or loved one pass due to it was a game changer. I love being home when I can be but it taught me that its okay to do nothing (which is hard for me) My family and I are close already but it's helped to get us closer and tackle many things we never had the chance to. I was a positive person before Covid. I told myself I have to come out even better on the other side of this and I will."

DJ Eddie One
APD/afternoons
KLLI (Cali 93.9)/Los Angeles

What jumps out at you about what makes Cali 93.9 so special?

"We’re the new kids on the block making noise playing all the latest Latin hits. Cali 93.9 FM is a lifestyle station that represents all the Latinos in Southern Cali. If the track is hot we’re playing it right away with no politics involved."

Eric Torres
PD/Sr. Programmer Music Choice Rhythmic/Urban
Music Choice

What got you into radio/music?

"I have loved music since childhood. Music has always been a part of my family and to this day my family performs live Spanish music on the boardwalk in Coney Island. I've always loved radio. The majority of my childhood pictures are of me with a Walkman and headphones on. My oldest favorite radio memory was listening to the Hot 97 morning show Ed Lisa and Dre every day on the way to school and making sure I didn't miss the roll call, listening to DJ Skribble, who completely blew my mind, and I would record every Glenn Friscia live from the club mix. When WKTU came back in 1996, radio became an obsession. Their on-air talent and Saturday Night Dance Factory DJs was just incredible. Hollywood Hamilton, Goumba Johnny, Speedy, Vic Latino, and Lil Cee, just to name a few. I was blessed to be able to meet all them and for them to praise on my hard work was an amazing feeling."

Angel "Visa On The Radio" Jarquin
PD
KBOS (B95)/Fresno, CA

Have you developed new skills or hobbies during the pandemic?

"I’ve actually been reading a lot and I’m kind of proud of that! I finished a whole trilogy! Author Don Winslow has “The Cartel Series” with The Power of The Dog, The Cartel and The Border and I loved every page of those books. If you like the Netflix show Narcos you will love this series. Highly recommend."

R Dub!
Dir./Programming and Sunday Night Slow Jams creator/host
XHRM (Magic 92.5)/San Diego

You've recently published your second book. What did you learn about yourself, leadership and programming in writing, Go Syndicate Yourself (http://www.gosyndicateyourself.com)?

"After all the tedious work of writing, editing, publishing and marketing a book, my head was spinning. After I was able to take a breath, step back, and process it all, I took away a few things:

First, just how much the industry has changed over the past ten years. Second, how fortunate I am to still be part of this wonderful business (it was a lot of hard work, but there was definitely some luck involved), and third: the power of entrepreneurship in America. With the right idea and a relentless work ethic, it’s possible to do just about anything here in the US. After traveling to 149 countries around the world, I can say that not everyone in the world has this luxury. This is still the land of opportunity."

Ernie Martinez
National Dir./Digital Content and PD
Alpha Media/KTFM-HD2 (WE 103.3)/San Antonio

What has working and leading a team and a family during the pandemic taught you about yourself?

"Good question. I guess you could say that it's taught me to keep things in perspective and prioritize the right things in life. Health and family are things that I always took for granted, because I always worked a lot and had long commutes. Now, I am exercising regularly, if for anything to not sit in my office all day long and hang out with my kiddos a lot more. Both good things!"

Eric Rosado
PD
KUBE/Seattle, WA

The highlight of Eric's Covid-19 pandemic?

"This year has been about pivoting, adapting, facing adversity but I’m not sure there are many highlights; let’s see doing Afternoon Drive from my kitchen and being able to get a quick snack in during stopsets! I never ever thought I’d be saying that all of that."

Pio Ferro
SVP/Content & Operations
WQHT (Hot 97) and WBLS/New York, NY

Any pandemic food discoveries?

"My wife is a helluva cook! So, I have discovered 15 new pounds since March. She is going through recipes like a pro and there’s always something new to try. Ina Garten has a new book so I estimate at least another 5 lbs before 2020 is done."

DJ Buck
PD/mornings
WZMX (Hot 93.7)/Hartford, CT

Who inspires you, personally?

"My grandson, Caiden was born with Cerebral Palsy. To see him do what they say he would never be able to do inspires me. He’s my little DJ Caiden and he pushes me every day without even knowing it. I need to be here for him and my family."

Lori Giamela
VP/Rhythm Promotion
RCA Records

Who were some of your mentors in the business?

"I have been fortunate to work with some of the best in the business. From my first day in the industry with Joe Hecht and Greg Thompson to my Def Jam days with Rick Sackheim to the guys who brought me to RCA, John Strazza and Joe Riccitelli. It should be noted that I was also fortunate to work with some of the strongest women, Marthe Reynolds and Paula Tuggey, that taught me that I had every right to be in the room and have a seat at the table."

Jenny Boom Boom
Afternoons
WZMX (Hot 93.7)/Hartford, CT

Doing more takeout or cooking during the pandemic?

"More cooking! Everyone is helping, even the kids."