10 Questions with ... Tony Fly

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

A string of small Connecticut and upstate New York radio stations led to weekends and Promotions at Z100 in New York. I was also in charge of keeping Kid Kelly's groupies in check, picking up Steve Kingston's dry-cleaning and ordering pizza for Jack Da Wack. After that, Power 99/Atlanta, B93/Austin, B97/New Orleans, many years at KDWB, then KHFI/Austin. Currently, APD/afternoos at 96.3 NOW in the Twin Cities.

1. What's the first thing that comes to mind when I say "radio"?

When you said it just then, I saw a clear picture of Ted Williams, the Golden Voiced Homeless Guy. I wonder if there's a subconscious meaning to that vision.

2. You've moved from mornings to afternoons when the station revamped from B96 to 96.3 NOW. Have you enjoyed the change?

I remember grumbling "Can I really keep doing this every day, forever?" as I walked across our parking lot at 4am in the middle of winter. January still sucks in Minnesota, but it sucks a lot less at noon.

In addition to my show, I'm APD at 96.3 NOW. I've really enjoyed the process of building this new radio station with Sam Elliot (VP, Director of Operations) and the rest of the Northern Lights team. Hurray Local!!!

3. Not only did you revamp the station, you increased coverage with a 'lil signal boost. Has that helped as much as you had expected?

Things are going exactly as expected. We've grown our cume by 55% since the format change. 18-34 and 18-49 demos are way up. We started this thing with a game plan, and it's great to be able to show our bosses that we've hit every ratings benchmark right on schedule.

4. Think back, what provoked the last fist fight you've been in?

I don't get into fist fights. I'm like a modern day Ghandi with the ability to hit vocal posts without looking at a timer.

5. iPhone, Blackberry or Droid?

iPhone for sure.. 2 words: Facetime Sexting.

6. Would you rather be an actor on Glee or a contestant on Wipe Out?

I'd definitely rather be an actor on Glee, and I'd want to do a duet with Brittany.

7. Got any sage advice for youngsters getting started in radio today?

Be easy to work with, because there are a lot of very talented people available to take your job. We have a No-Asshole policy at 96.3 NOW. If you have a bad attitude, I don't care how good your aircheck is. I'll hire someone with the right outlook on life and give him your demo to steal your bits.

8. In what way has PPM affected your show?

It used to be about shouting to the masses "We're here!!! You're listening to us!!! Don't forget!!!! Write it down!!!! Remember where you heard that great bit!!!!! We did it!!!!!" Now, it's about keeping the listener engaged. Like other successful stations, we've minimized the clutter. As far as content, I don't think my filters have changed much. I just execute without the explosions and lazer sound effects.

9. Aren't you doing TV in the Twin Cities?

Fly-TV, my nightly TV show, is currently on hiatus. And by hiatus, I mean "replaced by repeats of Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm."

10. What Jersey Shore cast member would you be most likely to hang out with?

Jwoww is my favorite, but now that she and Sammi are getting along, I could see hanging out with both of them at the same time.

What's your favorite song on the station right now?

I really like that Tinie Tempah song "Written In The Stars".

Who wins the Super Bowl?

I'm a Minnesota Vikings fan, so it's been a tough year. Not tough enough to make me start rooting for those green and gold cheeseheads though... Go Steelers!!!