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10 Questions with ... Tommy Del Rio
August 15, 2006
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NAME:Tommy Del RioPOSITION:OM/PDSTATION:KSEQMARKET:Fresno, CACOMPANY:Buckley RadioBORN:San Jose, CARAISED:San Jose, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KDON and KRQC/SALINAS-MONTEREY, KWWV/SAN LUIS OBISPO, OM/PD for BUCKLEY BROADCASTING (KSEQ/FRESNO, KKBB/BAKERSFIELD and KIOO/VISALIA), OM/PD for XMOR/SAN DIEGO, PD for KBMB/SACRAMENTO, now OM/PD KSEQ/FRESNO and KIOO/VISALIA
1. What's your favorite aspect of being a PD?
I am very competitive person, and I love to win! Being able to make crucial decisions on my radio stations, day to day, and having the luxury to take risks to try something new has to be my favorite aspect.
2. Think back to your first days as a PD...what sticks out in your mind about those days?
I can be a perfectionist. I used to sweat the small stuff, call the hotline to scold jocks, and over think radio too much. I've learned through that experience, about 6-7 years ago, how to prioritize the things that really matter day to day.
3. What's your biggest challenge with your return to KSEQ?
When I left in 2004, KSEQ was Top 3 18-34 and 12+. It took quite a dip within a few years. Since my return, there are more signals fighting for the 18-34 demo. The biggest challenge was getting the music back on track, and recreating a vibe for the audience, so they can enjoy the station. As the underdog, you always got the be one step ahead...even if your heritage competition sounds sleepy and lackluster.
4. Ever miss being on the air?
Of course! That's why I do my "Once, every 3 months, midday shift."
5. You've worked up and down the state of California. What do you see in common in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, San Diego and Sacramento?
In each market, I have put together and worked with great staffs. Teamwork is essential in achieving success at the end of the day. If you don't have everyone getting along in the hallways, then it's a recipe for failure.
6. Hypothetical...you've been given an unlimited budget to hire a morning show. Who do you hire?
I have always admired the Doghouse. I would love to see them resurface back on the West Coast.
7. What is the most common thing that holds back an air personality from advancing in the business?
Worrying about how much they are going to get paid to advance rather than having the true passion to advance. When someone interviews for mornings, it's frustrating to hear "How much does it pay?" as one of his/her first questions, rather than selling me on how great of a job they are going to in AM drive and how much effort they will put into it to help generate ratings in the day part.
I get that we all want to make a lot of money doing this, but you got to have the passion AND patience to be successful. Then, it will pay off!
8. Ever think about leaving California?
Only to go on vacation. I was born in Cali and I'm a West Coast guy! I thought about Las Vegas a few years back, BUT I love to gamble too much. I would have been fired for being at the casino all day.
9. What's the perfect meal for Tommy Del Rio?
Are you executing me tomorrow? Sounds like a question before you get executed.... A perfect meal for me would be Surf and Turf at a good restaurant on the beach.
10. Why should someone put down their iPOD, log off of MySpace, cancel their XM/Sirius subscription and turn on KSEQ?
Great question! My station sells itself as the place to come for new Hip Hop or new music in general. So, I must be aggressive and stay on top of the hottest music. My jocks also do a great job at putting the local feel into the station, which is hard to get on those other outlets. And, I continue to incorporate lifestyle and fun promotions. You have to do artist related promotions and give listeners things they can't necessarily buy.
Bonus Questions
DJ Fill-In-The Blank moves from the Midwest to Fresno. What will probably surprise him the most about the market and the area?
The underground theme park they built here about 4 years ago.
Now that you have so much free time...what do you do to relax?
Free time? Never heard of it...
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