10 Questions with ... Big Bear

NAME:Big Bear POSITION:Director of Programming /Broadcast Operations STATION:KCAQ-KFYV-KKZZ-KOCP-KUNX-KVTA MARKET:Oxnard-Ventura, CA COMPANY:Gold Coast Broadcasting BORN:Fresno, CA RAISED:Fresno, CA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started out doing college radio while I was at Fresno State on THE MIGHTY 90.7 KFSR. While doing college radio, I began interning at KBOS/Fresno working with Tony Tecate. In 2000, I came to KCAQ to do the Love Pad (slow jams show). After grinding it out I had the opportunity to be APD/MD. Years later, after more hard work, I had the opportunity to be Program Director for KCAQ, and now after more years of hard work and navigating through it all, I am Director of Programming/ Broadcast Operations for Gold Coast Broadcasting and Program Director for KCAQ and KFYV

1. Why radio?

I've always loved radio and after I filled in for my first shift in college I was hooked.

2. To date, what is the highlight of your radio career?

I would have to say all of it. I always look at myself as a work in progress, so every day I look back on where I've been and continue to tweak my master plan and look at the goals I've set for myself moving forward I get excited because I truly love it, and get to learn and experience new things every day, so it's all a highlight.

3. Your job changed pretty radically when you became Dir./Programming and Broadcast Operations for the cluster. What stands out as the biggest single change?

It would definitely be communication. I have a great team, and there is no way I could do all of this by myself. So making sure that I am communicating with them so they have all the tools they need, and them communicating with me, if they have any questions about "the vision". I have been able to do that at KCAQ for years, but now I have to do it with the entire company.

4. Are you finding your new responsibilities particularly rewarding?

Definitely. Working with our team and having, people being able to work for different stations and formats but having the same hustle and everyone going hard (and smart). It's also rewarding to see people "get it" and truly understanding how their particular role helps and contributes to the overall greater good, and moves us forward collectively.

5. Not only have you taken on new job responsibilities but you're also a dad now. How has that affected your perspective on work/family balance?

Like I never could've imagined. It's focused me in ways that I didn't understand before we had our daughter. It's allowed me to sift through the BS very quickly so that I can get to the real issues and get things knocked out.

6. As busy as you are...what do you do to relax?

Spending time with the family would have to definitely be number one, but I also like to read a lot.

7. Your programming duties have become so extensive. Do you have time to really enjoy new music?

I still do, I just don't get to dig as much as I used to, but my crew is really good at that.

8. Who do you consider your mentor(s)?

There are way too many people to mention (in radio and not in radio). I'll just say that I am truly appreciative of those who I cross paths with who share knowledge, wisdom and experiences (good and bad) with me. It is truly priceless.

9. A few years ago, you lost your popular morning show to the new station across the street. KCAQ survived that and remains strong. How did your team at KCAQ do it?

Everyone who works with me understands "the vision". Not just on what to do day to day, but also where we are going in the long term and how we're going to get there. So when that happened there was a second for us to huddle and regroup, then everyone knew what they had to do and because of that we were able to execute. It's just like someone being subbed in during a basketball game.

10. Where do you go to get away from it all?

I can never truly get away from it all... but I like to travel when I can.

If you were to leave Radio and music today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

While I was in college I worked for the Juvenile Probation Department as a counselor. I really enjoyed that, I think there are a lot of good kids who get caught in bad situations and just need some direction.