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10 Questions with ... Sean Lynch
June 6, 2006
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NAME:Sean LynchPOSITION:PDSTATION:KDDB and KQMQMARKET:HonoluluCOMPANY:VisionaryBORN:June 27RAISED:San Diego and Anchorage
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started in radio while I was in High School, phoning in reports after basketball games. I went on to become a teenage disc jockey, and then eventually moved into music director, and eventually program director. I've programmed stations in ANCHORAGE, AK, HONOLULU, SEATTLE, PORTLAND, OR. and SACRAMENTO. I've been on-air at KIIS/LA and WPLJ/NYC. Crossed over to the label side of the biz, and was one of the first seven employees at Interscope Records when they launched. I worked there for many years, and then segued to VP/Promotion positions at EMI and Priority. I started the Rhythm Department at JMA, and worked there for six years, representing over 30 stations. I started my own consulting company at the beginning of '05, and one of my first clients was KDDB and KQMQ. I joined the team here in Hawaii in January '06.
1. What stood out to you about the situation here that drove you to take this particular radio gig?
I had been consulting both stations, and when PD LEO BALDWIN was wooed away to program WRDWPHILADELPHI, I was asked if I would be interested in moving into a day-to-day programming role. Since KDDB had lost not only it's PD, but morning show, afternoon show and night show, I felt strongly that somebody had to get in there quick and stabilize the situation. I had gone to college here in HONOLULU, and worked in radio as well, so it was a good fit for me and VISIONARY.
2. Think back...what initially got you interested in Radio?
I was a radio junkie as a child, growing up in SAN DIEGO and listening to great radio from throughout Southern California. I was fascinated by everything about it...the music, the air personalities, the imaging...everything about it! So, when I got a chance to do it myself, I jumped in with both feet and never looked back!
3. What do you miss about record promotion?
The declining music economy, the consolidation of labels, the restrictions at radio, have all contributed to sucking a lot of the fun out of the business of promotion. That's probably what I miss the most. The fun we used to have breaking a song, an artist, a label!
4. Who's on your staff at KDDB?
Mornings are hosted by SAM THE MAN, who had been our afternoon star for the past five years. He was an original member of the BOMB Squad, had also been wooed away to WRDW in Philly, but missed HAWAII and came back about two months ago. His show is on fire! His sidekick, who has also been with him for years, is TAKA. TAKA is originally from JAPAN, attended college in HAWAII, where he hooked up with SAM. While his English is somewhat shaky, (which of course is the bit), he is hilarious, and brings a lot to the show.
Middays is hosted by DJ KOOL E, who is also music director. KOOL is one of the hottest club DJ's on the Island, and has been on the radio here for many years. When everyone bailed out of the station at the end of the year, he was the one air personality who remained. And thanks God, because he has been the glue that has held this station together.
Afternoons is YUNG JON Q, also one of the best known mixers on OAHU. JON is also our Imaging Director, and has the BOMB pumping!
5. What secret about SEAN LYNCH will surprise even those that know you?
I was a child actor, and appeared in national TV commercials for MCDONALDS, CHEVROLET and others.
6. What are you looking to hear as you hit "play" on an aircheck for a gig?
An entertaining human being. And of course, someone that can hit the post!
7. Who do you consider to be your radio mentor(s)?
GARY BRYAN, DAVE CROWL, TOM SCHURR, JIMMY STEAL, RICK CUMMINGS, JAY STEVENS, CHUCK FIELD, BILLY BRILL, GREG LAWLEY, ERIC POWERS, GERRY DEFRANCESCO, JOHNNY EDWARDS, CAT THOMAS, JACK SILVER, RICK DEES, DAN CLARK, ED KANOE, KIMO AKANE, and VISIONARY owner JOHN DETZ have all taught me a lot over the years. That's one of the cool things in this business...being mentored, and then being able to turn around and mentor the next generation of broadcasters.
8. This summer 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?
Uh, could I just try and get better at one of my neglected old hobbies, which includes golf. Since I'm back in HAWAII, I guess there's always the hula!
9. Top 40/Rhythmic is well represented in the HONOLULU. How is such a small area supporting three stations?
HONOLULU has always leaned very rhythmic, even before there was such a format. So there is a tremendous fan base for Hip Hop and R&B here.
10. If you were to leave the business today and do something totally unrelated, what would it be?
Probably some sort of charity work with kids or seniors. I love what (KIIS/LOS ANGELES MD) JULIE PILAT is doing in LA, and almost got involved with that charity before I relocated to HAWAII.
Bonus Questions
What's the biggest difference in your work day today from say...KROY/SACRAMENTO?
When I first came to KROY, it didn't take me long to realize that I had inherited the worst staff in the world. One on air personality confessed to me that English was not his first language...no kidding, I had already heard his show. Another was mildly retarded. And it went down hill from there. Here in HONOLULU I have ended up with a super-talented team that I love coming in to work with every day.
A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours?
Return all my phone calls and e-mails. Hit the gym. Watch all the episodes of LOST that I missed. Figure out that damn Sudoko thing.
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