10 Questions with ... DJ Buck

NAME:DJ Buck POSITION:PD STATION:WZMX (HOT 93-7) MARKET:HARTFORD COMPANY:CBS RADIO BORN:PROVIDENCE, RI RAISED:PROVIDENCE, RI

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My radio career started at RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE and WXIN in 1982 where I started their first hip hop show. After that I worked at various college stations that I had no business doing because I wasn't a student at these stations such as WDOM and WBRU. When they finally caught up to me and kicked me out, I started doing clubs heavy and I managed SKIPPY WHITE's record store in PROVIDENCE. JERRY MCKENNA, who was programming HOT 106 had heard about me and brought me in as a mix show dj. So I had to decide on club money or mix show money. I lost money and took the mix show money. From the mix show and the great response I was getting I was giving the afternoon slot and when JERRY left the building my boss, BONNIE GOMES let me run the show. I did that for a while when STEVE SALHANy offered me the gig in HARTFORD Hot 93-7.

1. What was your last non-industry job?

I was a post office temp.

2. What initially got you interested in Radio?

The emotion and passion that radio brings out of people. The feeling that comes with knowing that what you did on the air actually made someone feel good.

3. You've been in the PD chair at WZMX for a while now. What about the job still surprises you on a regular basis?

The way that the music is thrown at you out of nowhere and how we're expected to make room regardless of what's already on our playlist. What happened to developing a story behind an artist instead of forcing these songs on the air when they know that the artists are not ready yet.

4. What did you see as your biggest challenge when you accepted the job as PD at WZMX?

Going into a market that had no competition and was so use to winning and knowing that there would be another station coming into the market not long after I get there. The challenge was to keep HOT 93-7 one of the Hottest stations in CT no matter what.

5. What secret about DJ BUCK will surprise even those that know you well?

Man, I can't watch any tear jerker movies...Don't act like you sat thru Johnny Q with no reaction.

6. What are you looking to hear as you hit "play" on an aircheck for a gig?

I'm looking for the relationship between the jock and the lifestyle. It's not necessary but I some of the best jocks really live the lifestyle of the station they work for.

7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?

Growing up I would have to say SONNY JOE WHITE from BOSTON, JERRY MCKENNA, STEVE SALHANY and JAY STEVENS taught me a lot about the business of radio.

8. What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment is making out of the hood and being able to raise my kids in a better situation. I'm not rich by any means but I'm happy and my family is good I've accomplished being a good parent.

9. Hypothetical...you are throwing a huge party at the "Casa De Buck". Pick two artists to perform.

Wow! I would need PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC and GRANDMASTER FLASH AND THE FURIOUS FIVE. The chicks will come...

10. Your VP/GM tells you that you've got an additional $50,000 in the programming budget for 2008. Where might you spend it?

I would take it and do a few free concerts for the listeners. Kids don't always have money to see their favorite groups so why not let them in for free and give away some scholarships. When you show the community that you care you will always get love back.

BONUS. What song, in rotation now, always seems to make you want to smile when you hear it on the station?

RAY LAVENDER-My Girl Got A Girlfriend. You figure it out.