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10 Questions with ... Rene Roberts
November 4, 2008
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NAME:Rene RobertsPOSITION:OM/PDSTATION:KHTN & KUBBMARKET:Merced/Modesto, CACOMPANY:Buckley BroadcastingBORN:Fresno, CARAISED:Fresno, CA
1. What got you into radio initially?
It was something that kind of came naturally. I naturally don't like manual labor...so radio was perfect!
2. To date, what is the highlight of your radio career?
There are a lot of them. I have been very fortunate.
3. You have been PD at KHTN since 1999. Besides the personalities that have worked at the station, what aspect of the station has changed the most?
When I became PD, the station played cds, carts, and had a reel-to-reel for recording phone bits. Now everything is on the computer (emails, mp3s, prod editing software) which didn't make it better, just easier. But for some reason radio sounded better back when it was cds, carts, and reel-to-reels. I'm old skool.
4. What has the addition of Big Boy's Neighborhood meant to the station?
Two things jump out at me. Number 1- having a major market morning show that is unbeatable, when you think about it. The show runs smooth and Jason Ryan, who produces, does a GREAT job. Big Boy has raised the level of everyone's game at the station as well as in the market. I can tell when I listen around and hear the youngn's try to imitate his show style and what we're doing here. Number 2- it's affordable! In the radio climate that we are all in financially, this works for us.
5. Not only do you program KHTN but you program Buckley Country KUBB. How was the adjustment to programming on the Country side?
When I took the job as the KUBB PD it was a total challenge because Country music was so out of my realm. 7 years later, I have a great team and we still have great numbers and I can honestly say I love the format. The listeners are very loyal, the artist are without a doubt easy to work with and Country music as a whole has hits! I'm lucky to be a part of it.
6. Are you still tooling around on the motorcycle?
Yes, and it's almost paid off!
7. What's your biggest daily challenge in programming the two stations?
The biggest challenge is trying to spend quality time with my staff. We are all doing so much, it's hard to get more than a few minutes in just to "hang" and interact. Even if I don't have time, I try and make the time.
8. Not many people get the chance to work 10 years at the same station. What keeps you happy at KHTN?
I get to work for Buckley owner Rick Buckley, Buckley COO Joe Bilotta, West Coast VP Kathy Baker and VP/GM Mike McAdam and they all understand what I am trying to do here. They know I am on the same page as them and knowing they trust my decisions makes me happy. People always tell me how lucky I am to work for such a good company, and trust me, I don't take it for granted.
9. Where do you go to get away from it all?
Anywhere where there is no cell phone service!
10. If you were to leave Radio and music today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I've been doing this for 25 years now. I will always be involved in music. In the future I would like to be a director or producer, or use my camera skills to be a professional photographer and graphic designer.
Bonus Questions
How the hell did you become a Dallas Cowboys fan?
I was born into it. Most of my family is from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I wish I could get back there more often, but work keeps me busy. Say what you will about the Cowboys but they still are America's Team!
What songs on either station makes you smile whenever you hear it?
On KUBB, Everyday by Rascal Flatts...is awesome. On KHTN...whenever I hear Snoop or Dr. Dre..they will always be my faves. It's a West Coast thing.
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