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10 Questions with ... Johnny O
January 17, 2023
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. What gave you the impulse to start The Valley Most Wanted?
The housing market crash of 2008. I had a friend that was moved by iHeart from Houston to Los Angeles which is a dream for most radio guys. Until he was let go just 6 months into his job due to 'downsizing'. and I knew it was just a matter of time before it happened to me. Luckily, I dodged those 'budget cut' bullets like Keanu Reeves in the Matrix and got plenty of time to launch my first streaming app 'Johnny O Radio', but then added five more apps including 'Valleys Most Wanted' to serve the Rio Grande Valley.-
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
started radio in Lubbock, TX at 16 at KSEL, KLFB-A, and KTLK-A. I moved to Houston at 21 and worked at KYST-A, KMJQ, and KQQK-FM. Next was a move to Corpus Christi and worked at KZFM, KLHB, then it gets a lil fuzzy but somehow ended at KRIO/San Antonio. I moved again but this time way south to the Rio Grande Valley and worked at KKPS/McAllen, KBFM/McAllen, and now Streaming at Valley's Most Wanted.
1. Did you get into radio to be an entertainer?
ABSOLUTELY!! I saw a DJ working at a party and he had all the girls around him. He ALSO got paid CASH for playing records and I said to myself, "I HAVE TO DO THAT!" I hooked my Sound Design stereo to my dad's bass amp and VIOLA...I started deejaying...FOR FREE! I loved playing people's favorite songs so they could dance.
2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
A Fly Jock! Tom Joyner was my idol since I first heard that he was flying to Chicago to do an afternoon show after his morning show on KKDA/Dallas. This was the way before simulcasting or internet.
3. What have you been up to since leaving iHeartMedia/McAllen?
I've been working harder than ever! It was bad when i was at iHeart with having to wear many hats (PD, Morning Host, Promotions Director, Imaging, Production Director, Sales, etc) But now I do the same AND MORE since its my company now that I'm working for.
4. What gave you the impulse to start The Valley Most Wanted?
The housing market crash of 2008. I had a friend that was moved by iHeart from Houston to Los Angeles which is a dream for most radio guys. Until he was let go just 6 months into his job due to 'downsizing'. and I knew it was just a matter of time before it happened to me. Luckily, I dodged those 'budget cut' bullets like Keanu Reeves in the Matrix and got plenty of time to launch my first streaming app 'Johnny O Radio', but then added five more apps including 'Valleys Most Wanted' to serve the Rio Grande Valley.
5. How do you measure your success with The Valley Most Wanted?
Same as radio...with TSL. (Time Spent Listening) But, unlike radio, we're able to see how many people ACTUALLY are listening at any given time. We also use data from Google and Apple to see how many apps have been downloaded. But most importantly, we measure with our client's results. If our clients are getting a ROI that they're happy with, then that's all that matters.
6. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
Restaurant/Club business. Aside from loving to entertain audiences, I love to feed them. Tacos and Tortas on ME for everybody!
7. Got any hobbies? Pick up any new hobbies over the last year or two?
That DAMN STOCK MARKET...but UGHHH...it's been a tough year or two. I might have to reconsider.
8. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
Squid Game...I think I could make it to the end, especially in the Green Light Red Light game.
9. Describe who your Marvel superhero character would be?
Rocket, the racoon from Guardians of the Galaxy because of his selfless antics I relate to. That and his his party attitude.
10. Who were/are some of your radio mentors?
Mugsy and Diana Castillo from when I first started radio. Bob Perry and Tony Coles who also are radio geniuses.
Bonus Questions
If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?
Tortas all the way. With fajita, of course.
On a scale of 1-5; 1 being "not really" and 5 being "most definitely", rank your interest in getting back into terrestrial radio?
Never say never but I would give it a 2. I've done terrestrial radio for 33 years but so much has changed. It's not the same 'Fun' it used to be. However, my crew and I are having loads of fun now on our platform and it continues to grow daily. Plus, the response we're getting from our audience gives me a great vision of what's to come in the near future. Now more than ever I see what everyone's been dreading that Streaming is the way of the future. FM Radio is still a Monster...but unless it re-evaluates its position, just like the dinosaurs, it will also become extinct.
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