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10 Questions with ... Rob Ryan
April 4, 2006
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NAME:Rob RyanPOSITION:Program Director / AfternoonsSTATION:WAJZ (Jamz 96.3)MARKET:Albany/Schenectady/TroyCOMPANY:Albany BroadcastingBORN:ColoradoRAISED:Colorado
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KKMG/Colorado Springs, CO
KFMD/Denver, CO
KKRZ Portland, OR
KVUU/Colorado Springs, CO
WXQL/Saginaw, MI
KLZR-KKYD/Lawrence-Topeka, KS
WAJZ/Albany, NY1. What do you remember most from your first shift on the air?
Well, listening back now, it's got to be how monotone I was! Good God! Who was that guy?
2. What got you interested in Radio?
I wanted to meet chicks. I didn't have the looks though, so that hasn't really worked out.
3. What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio?
I am all about seeking out and finding talent. I love surrounding myself with them and I want to work with them. There are a lot of talented people out there, yet PD's have little time and sometimes limited resources to recruit those individuals. It's a frustrating challenge sometimes.
4. What's the highlight of your radio career to date?
I love being in New York. I think it's beautiful on this end of the country, and I've been to some pretty cool cities along the way. It's a very competetive market locally as well as around the region. I have a great staff who I need and appreciate. And I am proud of our accomplishments so far.
5. What secret about ROB RYAN will surprise even those that know you?
I'm a huge Kenny Chesney fan. I'm secretly passionate about the format, just haven't worked it for a long time.
6. What are you looking to hear as you hit "play" on an aircheck for a gig?
I want to hear just a person who is themselves, fun and upbeat at the same time. I want a person who, off-air, has positive objectives in mind. Most importantly, I want someone who can be the S#%T on that cd/mp3, but possess humility at the end of the day. That's a struggle and a challenge for us all, so it shows me a lot when you possess this positive attribute.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
Ah, the plugs...God has a way of bringing people into your life who either help you or challenge you and your "ways", sometimes they do both. It's a struggle and it's not always easy to do, but I've learned that treating people how you want them to treat you works amazingly well! I try to be careful of those individuals with agendas, and unfortunately they are out there. Read the book "Anyway". I do as much as possible and it enlightens me every time, as I face my challenges. Thank you, to all of you who have helped me along the way. Life's tough, don't go it alone!
8. This spring is as good as any to take up a new hobby. If you have to take up a new one this weekend, what would it be?
I think just more time outdoors with my 2 year-old daughter, doing daddy/daughter stuff. That would be my new hobby. This job requires a lot of a person, but so does she! =)
9. You're new to the area. Do you network with other PDs in your region?
I try to, but I could be much better. I'm surrounded by a lot of professionals not only in this market but in the region. It's a blessing to be in such a great place to learn.
10. Your VP/GM tells you that you've got an additional $50,000 in the programming budget for the remainder of 2006.
I'd spread the wealth with my staff. We can always find creative ways to generate revenue, through sales and promotions. But, if we're not serving our people, then we're not doing it right. Shouts out to all my staff here at Jamz, I love you guys. Thanks for the experience so far.
Bonus Questions
A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours?
I'd spend more time with family. Balance between work and home is a challenging thing to maintain in this business, but I have learned that it's extremely important.
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