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10 Questions with ... Deana E! McGuire
February 10, 2009
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NAME:Deana E! McGuirePOSITION:PD/middays/warrior princessSTATION:KQIZ 93.1 The Beat!MARKET:Amarillo, TXCOMPANY:CumulusBORN:Wild WestRAISED:Amarillo, TX
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I sold my soul to KQIZ-FM in 1990 . We were a Mainstream until I became PD in 2000, when we flipped to Top 40/Rhythmic
1. How did you get started in Radio?
I started in the Radio/T.V. Dept at Amarillo College-KACV FM90 (a 100,000 watt college station). I was told to find an internship to earn credit hours, so I picked up the phone book and called the two Top 40s in my city, Z93-KQIZ & KISS-FM. The Z93 PD actually took my call, and told me to come in for an interview. I was hired on as intern, made coffee, emptied trash, set up remotes, acted cool and eventually I made it to parttime where I ran Rick Dees on vinyl. I'd pitch the speed up so I could end the show early and pick a song. (lol) Then as happens at stations, I evolved as a talent, people moved on, and I ended up doing all dayparts from overnights to mornings. Now, it's 19 years later!
2. You've been at KQIZ for some time now, what keeps you excited about your work?
The fact that I ALWAYS wanted to spin Hip Hop and R&B...so I created this station and took it to the top. We've never looked back, and I love it. We are a power house in the community, and I use this station as a voice for many who need it. From the Humane Society, to the March Of Dimes, NAACP, Coffee Memorial Blood Center, they are all vital to our city, and KQIZ helps them flourish. Not to mention the fact I still LOVE to bust out a hot new joint that the listeners love. I still get chills over good breaks, listener response, and I still dance in the studio. When that stops, I'll stop.
3. What's the first thing you do when you get to the office?
Check All Access...errr...jump on the air. Open the request lines, get callers on, get momentum going.
4. Isn't your husband in Radio, too? Do you two see that as a plus?
Yeah, currently he's at KXGL-Classic Hits. It's a plus that we both have jobs right now! It's never really been an issue...we both worked for Cumulus until about 2 years ago when he was let go for "budget" cuts. But he's worked Active Rock/A.O.R/Classic Hits his entire radio career, so my Top 40 was never really a competitive issue. And when I talk about Cume, P-1's, and TSL, he gets it. He's really talented at Imaging/Production, that's hot.
5. What secret about Deana will surprise even those that know you?
If I didn't do Top 40, I'd do Sports Talk-Cowboys Football/MMA, but I think they may know that.....mmmm A BIG secret....I want to work for Tommy Chuck at WFLZ in Tampa, FL....It's an amazing Heritage CHR by the beach, my husband can sell his art...and mostly....so I can live by Disney. lol Holler at your girl, Tommy!
6. What scares you about Radio today?
We all sound exactly the same. Amarillo is Green Bay is Shreveport is Omaha...like Big Macs. We all add/drop/rotate the same list and automation. Stations w/five dayparts and one live jock...yikes. It's bad for the community and horrible for Radio.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
I consider Jamey Karr (College PD/former O.M.) my Yoda. I learned most of my CHR tricks from Eric Stevens (former Morning Partner/PD), Mark Pollitt (former consultant) who taught me Corporate Radio does not have to be weak, and Bart Allison....the night jock I grew up listening to at Z93. And after spending personal time with Kidd Kraddick and his team, I discovered what a real air talent, with an amazing staff and tools can do. I grew as a radio personality just being around them for a few days.
8. Give me one line on the members of your air staff and programming team?
Currently...green and eager.. We breed Champions at KQIZ.
9. What or where do you go to relax and get away from the gig?
My couch. When I can get away, we love Vegas...during the Star Trek Convention usually. I really love the mountains, too.....Colorado Springs and Red River, NM
10. Let's say that you and your husband are going to renew your vows with a reception to follow. You can pick any artist or group to be your "band". Who would it be? Keep in mind that they will be called upon to do a few traditional wedding reception favorites. (like chicken dance...etc)
Well, I'd pick Jackson 5 or Mariah....he's pick Metallica or Tool.....so I'd say....the Police or Prince. If Metallica and J5 had a baby would it be Prince?
Bonus Questions
What song, in rotation now, always seems to make you want to smile when you hear it on the station?
I'm not usually a huge pop fan, but Jesse McCartney w/Luda "How Do You Sleep" makes me smile. It starts with "It's been about a year now, ain't seen or heard from you...how do sleep at night?" I'm like, "it's been a year, move on son!" Great pop tune. :)
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