10 Questions with ... TJ Sanders

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Ski salesman, bartender, musician, DJ beginning in 2000

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I listened to D.C. area radio growing up and when I lived in the OBX in the early '90s I heard music on WVOD and DJs who were laid back in their resort setting. If I could find a gig like that in the mountains, I would dig it.

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

Colorado's Finest Rock: Rock & Roll for active/cool adults and we deliver to the younger mountain/urban hipsters as well.

3. You wear several hats at the station - tell us about that.

I'm on-air 2-7p Monday-Friday and sometimes 12-7p. I'm half-live and half-tracked, and on the secretarial side I'm traffic manager (I get help from the GM on this sometimes), MD and light production plus a few weekends of remotes and events. I don't get bored too often and I have come to like being a busy man. If I recall correctly, I am in my 7th year of pulling off this condensed schedule.

4. You are in an interesting situation with your market(s) - how does the station position its broad reach?

Tom Fricke does a great job with imaging and we have lived in the area so long that people really do trust us to deliver a consistent product. We get out to all the ski resorts throughout the year and live the lifestyle of Denver weekend warriors but know a few tricks.

5. How do you stay in tune with your audience?

We connect with our audience by inviting community leaders to come in and tell us about issues. We also encourage listeners to call in and chat with us on the air. I-70 can be a big problem during winter and summer season. We encourage all jocks to air annoyed listeners regarding road issues and sometimes get a thank you for playing good tunes when they are held up for hours due to the overturned tanker at the bottom of the pass. Of course, we use social media as well.

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

Being independent is not as challenging as the thin workforce and outrageous cost of living. It's cold up in these hills.

7. What do you like best about working at a Triple A station?

The freedom to play great music.

8. Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

Production and interview techniques.

9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Good things will come your way if you are kind to your owner, manager, coworkers and audience.

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

Documentary narrator.

Last non-industry job:

Seller of sin/bartender

First record ever purchased:

Only remember stealing my older brother's stuff.

First concert:

Rush

Favorite band of all-time:

The Who

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

I liked to ski, hike, mountain bike, water ski and surf (when I am near a beach!). A few craft beers on a sunny afternoon while checking out a band I am not familiar with settles the soul during busy season.