10 Questions with ... Tommy Del Rio

NAME:Tommy Del Rio POSITION:OM/PD STATION:KSEQ/KIOO MARKET:Fresno/Visalia, CA COMPANY:Buckley Broadcasting BORN:San Jose, CA RAISED:San Jose, CA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KDON/Salinas, KWWV/San Luis Obispo, KKBB/Bakersfield, XMOR/San Diego, KBMB/Sacramento

1. If you were someone abandoned at the age of one in the wild, what animal would you like to be raised by?

I would like to be raised by a lion. They are ferocious and protective. Their competitiveness in the wild allows them to survive. And, some of them are cute and cuddly when they aren't running towards you to attack you. Hmmm, sounds like someone I know.

2. What do you remember about your first impressions of a radio station?

I remember the pulse, the feel, and the energy of being inside a radio station. We do radio among all jobs out there! Radio! It doesn't get any better than this!

3. What's the first PD-related thing you do when you come into the office in the morning?

Nowadays, we have all picked up extra work and duties within the stations. So the first thing I need to do is run down my daily check-list and prioritize what needs to happen throughout the day. Or, is it send an intern for a Starbucks run? Both are just as important to function.

4. If you aren't working and have 3 days off, where do you go and how do we find you?

If you asked my staff this question, they would all say unanimously.... THE CASINO! I love to gamble. They know it.

5. What do you like to do to relax away from work?

Some nights and weekends, I really just like to do NOTHING around the house. I also like to relax by watching all my favorite TV shows on the DVR. Oh, and catching up on sleep is always nice.

6. You've hired Davey D to do afternoons at KSEQ/Fresno. What led you to bringing Davey aboard?

Davey was a victim of budget cuts in Sacramento. He was out of radio for a year when I hired him, so the timing was perfect for HIM and ME. He was itching to get back on the air and I was able to get him to come to Fresno for the small price of 3 tacos and a Bud Light once a week. Davey D has an animated personality and is big with Community Events. I am very happy to have him on-board.

7. You've been in Radio since just after birth...if you walked away tomorrow, what field would you go into?

I would turn into a Professional Gambler. Or, someone who likes to gamble a lot who thinks he does it professionally.

8. What's the most valuable thing that your career in Radio has given you?

The most valuable thing that Radio has given me is a lifestyle. I live it and breath it everyday, AND love doing it everyday. It's in my blood and I can't change that. It will always be a part of my life in some capacity.

9. PPM hasn't come to Fresno yet but do you find yourself prepping your staff for its arrival?

We are probably a few years away before PPM hits Fresno. I don't want the staff to be thinking about it too much right now, because we still have to win by using the diary method. I do familiarize them, however, with some of the PPM data I see in markets around us, like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

10. What is your favorite song that you're not playing?

I know I will get teased for saying this, but it's honest.... I like Miley Cyrus - The Climb. She sings her little heart out in this song!

If you needed to put together a new morning show but could only hire record company promotion people...who would you hire as your morning team?

Oh, this would be a fun project!

Warner Bros.' Jen Liss - as the main host because she likes to talk a lot. So let's put it to use on-air.

Lawman Promotions President Greg Lawley - as the Wild Sidekick who speaks off the cuff and will most likely need a 20 second delay.

Capitol's Paula Tuggey - as the sexy female with attitude. She is the one that will put everyone in check.

And Universal Republic's Gary Spangler to Produce the Show and run the board. I will need some sanity in the control room.

And I'll call it the HOT MESS Morning Show!