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10 Questions with ... Mark "Fish" Fishman
November 3, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started WUOG (Univ. of GA.) for one night a week. I worked part0time at KMTN/Jackson Hole starting in 1990. I took over the MD/PD reins in 1996.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Growing up listening to Z-93 in Atlanta, I knew I wanted to be an "entertainer." My neighbor would bring his record player and case of 45s over to my house and we would play DJ and tape our "show" on a Radio Shack cassette recorder. The M & M show had a total listening audience of 3.
2. What tools have the new owners -- Rich Broadcasting -- given you that you didn't have before?
First thing they did was upgrade all the computers and software. For the first time in all my years at KMTN, I actually have programming software. They have also partnered with some consultants that I communicate with often in regards to the playlist. We also have a great new website at www.969themountain.com, which is always looking for relevant content. And finally, our streaming player has improved, our mobile apps are available and we are about to launch a new transmitter over Teton Pass that will give our listeners who live in Victor and Driggs (Idaho) much better reception.
3. How has the station's sound evolved since the new owners took over the station?
Right now we are an Alternative-leaning Triple A station, whereas before the sale, we tended to have more of a Heritage Classic Rock-Triple A vibe. We also have a few Modern AC/Triple A crossover artists in the mix as well. Our "gold" library relies heavy on the '90s-recurrent time frame
4. Give us some insight in the marketplace.
Jackson Hole is a local-minded, outdoorsy type community. It has a small town feel but because of its incredible mix of people from all over the country, it has a "sleepy" metropolitan/Western cowboy vibe. Great restaurants, two National Parks, world-class skiing, fishing and whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rodeo, snowmobiling....
5. What is your typical day like?
Well, they all start out the same with a 4:30 alarm! I'm on the air from 6-10a M-F. On Mondays, I report to the industry charts, followed by a few hours in the production studio. After that I put our syndicated shows into our system for the week. From there, I hit the streets to see my advertising clients (I have about 75) and tend to their schedules, copy changes, etc. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, I take music calls from 10:30-11:30a (MST), fill out affidavits for syndicated shows, make sure we are staffed for on-air and promotional events, more production, more sales, listen to new music, make some more sales calls, and finish up with some last-minute production and sales calls.
6. What challenges does the station face to compete in the marketplace?
Our challenge, like everyone else's, is grabbing that slice of the proverbial pie. Whether its listener's ears or advertising revenue, there are lots of options out there for people, so we need to stay unique, relevant and most importantly, local. We continue to provide lots of information on community events, local weather, road and ski reports, our Trash 'n' Treasure show and on0air promotions such as our big "Ski Free on The Mountain" Season Ski Pass giveaway. A free season pass in a ski town is a pretty big deal.
7. If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
A new media/web master/full-time afternoon-drive personality/production guru
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
There are two: You can't please all the people all of the time, and think before you speak. (The latter has seemed to help in my personal life as well)
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without:
Well ... you know ....
10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?
Restaurant owner or professional baseball player
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Asst Food & Beverage Director, bikini waxer at Club Med (Eleuthera, Bahamas)
First record ever purchased:
Rumors by Fleetwood Mac
First concert:
Journey
Favorite band of all-time:
Bob Marley & the Wailers and The Grateful Dead
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
I love to spend time with my daughter Mia (she's 7) and my wife Joanna. I also like to cook, nap, ski, fish, play softball, watch sports, BBQ with friends and vacation as much as possible!
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