10 Questions with ... Gilbert Saldana

NAME:Gilbert Saldana POSITION:MD/Afternoon Drive/Imaging/Mix DJ STATION:KSTQ Hot 973 MARKET:Lubbock, TX COMPANY:Ramar Communications BORN:Lubbock RAISED:Lubbock

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I have been in radio here in Lubbock for about 8 yrs now. I have done different genres of music Tejano, Mexican Regional, and now Hip Hop. Been doing clubs here for about 14 years.

1. What was your last non-Industry job?

Aside from the clubs, I used to be a grill cook at a local restaurant.

2. Why Radio?

Well, I figured that since I was pretty popular around the club scene, maybe I could make a living in radio. I knew the music maybe a little more than some of the radio dj's from back then.

3. What's it like working Radio in a West Texas college town during football season?

Wow! There is so much passion here for high school football it is unbelievable...not to mention Texas Tech Red Raider football!

4. What's the highlight of your radio career to date?

This past spring when we did really well as far as we are concerned in Arbitron. Our competition is no longer in the Top 5 since we have been in the market, which has been our goal from day one.

5. What's the club vibe like in Lubbock?

Lubbock is a college town, so the club scene has its great days and then some days you are like, "Where is everyone?"

6. What is your most important responsibility as Music Director at KSTQ?

Research. I have to make sure that we are a balanced radio station that's playing the hits and nothing else.

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

Well some years back Bobby Ramos used to be the PD for a Clear Channel station here and we used to talk a lot about radio and how to cater towards certain ethnic groups. I remember a lot about what he accomplished in this market and I try to do the same as far as the music is concerned. Our old consultant, Jerry King was really smart also. I took what he would always tell me and gave it a more local feel as far as the programming goes.

8. A label rep is stopping by the station with an artist on a promotional tour. Where would you take them for dinner to get a real taste of life in Lubbock?

I really like some of the local BBQ restaurants.

9. What area of your "game" do you want to improve?

I feel like I am in and out a little too fast sometimes when I open the mic.

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

I would like to be the guy that oils down Vida Guerra before the photo shoots!

What's your dream market?

Dallas or San Antonio