10 Questions with ... Mark Radway

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KOZ/Reno; KLCX and KDUK in Eugene; KMTT/Seattle; KRVO and KWOL in Kalispell.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Couldn't play an instrument or sing but loved music ... plus loved listening to KCBN in Reno!

2. Who are your mentors?

Daniel Cook, Steve Funk and Dave Numme. But, I've learned most of my programming skills (if I have any) from our OM, Brew Michaels.

3. KRVO is a unique Triple A hybrid. Please give us some insight to your programming philosophy.

We play the top 10 or 15 tracks on two or three charts, (Triple A, Alternative or Hot AC Mediabase charts). It has to be top 20 on at least one of the three charts for us to pay attention. That is not to say we will not play a record from a core artist who we know will be a mid- to upper-charter. We normally do not play artists that have Classic Rock backgrounds. We will sometimes play artists that have Classic Alternative backgrounds. We have no problem being the contemporary station in the market that plays the best of the three aforementioned formats.

4. How would you describe the music mix on the station?

Contemporary. The only other contemporary station is our sister Country station.

5. Tell us about the Kalispell-Flathead Valley market.

We are a great lifestyle market with unlimited opportunities to recreate year around. We are at the entrance to Glacier National Park, one of the most beautiful playgrounds on earth.

6. Tell us about some of the crazy promotions/stunts you do at the station:

No stunts -- but, lots of "River Low Dough" shows in Whitefish at a cool venue called The Great Northern Bar. The cover is $3 and the band gets it all -- as well as all the merch, a place to crash and food/drink.

7. What are some of your biggest challenges as an independent station?

Being we're a "one-off" market, it's not that easy to get bands to commit to our area. That being said, normally, once they've been here, they want to come back.

8. What stations do you like to keep track of?

We don't look at many calls, but do look at the Mediabase 24/7 chart and Ken Hopkins at KZZU/Spokane when it comes to checking out some Hot AC programming.

9. What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Play the hits!

10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?

That's easy: Fly-fishing guide!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?

Fishing in the summer, skiing in the winter!

Last non-industry job:

Talent agent, Hollywood

First record ever purchased:

"Red Rubber Ball" by The Cyrcles

First concert:

Jefferson Airplane in San Francisco

Favorite band of all-time:

The Doors