10 Questions with ... Danny Howard

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Won a high school contest at age 16 for a Saturday night radio show on WHCC-A/Waynesville, NC. Worked there and the co-owned WQNS through college at Western Carolina University. After graduation, I spent four years in Rome, GA at WQTU in various on-air roles, music and programming. Moved to Chattanooga in 1990 to AC WLMX where I did nights followed by afternoons, MD and eventually PD before moving to WDEF as PD/MD in 1993. I've been here since and have been blessed to remain as our company was acquired by Bahakel and grew to include WDOD, then WUUQ and now WXCT. We truly have an incredible team.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Typical kid who listened to WLS or any station I could pick up late at night with a $3 transistor radio. Spent four hours every Saturday at our local record shop listening and buying 45s.

2. What prompted you to bring back Triple A to Chattanooga?

The overwhelming vibe this city has going for it. So many people and industries have awakened to the magical qualities of Chattanooga and our surrounding areas. (VW, Amazon, and scores of tech and arts related businesses are moving in each month). Our local venues are enjoying huge success with many of the artists that play of Alt 93-9. Our arts community is thriving.

3. In what ways will WXCT (Alt 93-9) be similar to WDOD (The Mountain), and in what ways will it be different?

Alt 93-9 has more of a grassroots and organic approach than The Mountain did. The Mountain was a beast with an attitude because of the time period and market conditions of that day. We drew from all genres, made fun of the competition, pissed off politicians and didn't care. Alt is truly focused on the music and the positive vibe of the city.

4. How has the market evolved from then to now?

Increased growth in business and hip-ness. The audience is less interested in hype, and more interested in substance with a dash of entertainment.

5. How would you describe the music on the station?

An electric, hooky cross-section of Triple A and Alternative that has passion.

6. Tell us about the unique way it is being delivered to the market.

Our main signal is WXCT-A (1370) that also operates on an FM translator (W230CN to be exact) on 93.9 FM. We also are heavily promoting listening via our free mobile app and directing website stream @ alt939.com

7. What kind of staffing are you working on for the station?

Our personalities (when we add them) will be focused on the music and connect with community. We will have a mixture of local and voicetracked talent along with several features from members of the entertainment community.

8. How do you plan on connecting the station with the community?

We are airing some TV ads as well as digital but have already been in the community for several shows. We'll continue street promotion.

9. What do you see as the biggest challenge for radio today?

We must set ourselves above the clutter and clamor of the many paths to music and information. Radio still holds the key to its success: Live, local, immediate, personality-based radio.

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...

... my kids, my wife and MUSIC.

Last non-industry job:

I worked at my Dad's used car lot in high school and spun songs at the skating rink.

First record ever purchased:

Aerosmith "Toys in the Attic"

First concert:

Doobie Brothers

Favorite band of all-time:

No way to narrow that down

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

Being a dad and husband, there is more to life than this great business.