10 Questions with ... John Mullett

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I began my career as a general assistant at the Point (WNCS). From there, I went to The River (WXRV) in Boston to be the Promotions Director. Following WXRV, I ended up as the Director of Marketing at WBOS/Boston, and after some time I took on the role of MD there as well. My most recent move has brought me back to the Point Network, where it all began for me.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Music has always driven just about everything in my life. No other job lets you surround yourself by music day in and day out.

2. Who were/are your mentors?

I've been so fortunate to have so many incredible mentors. A few that stand out for really changing my life and giving me a deeper understanding of this crazy business have to be Ken West (PD WBOS) for teaching me how to work smart, think on a grand scale and lead by example. Cadillac Jack (OM Beasley Media Group Boston) for simply being one of the most brilliant programming minds around and giving me the opportunity to learn from him. Also, the man who gave me my first shot and gave me endless amount of knowledge, Donald St. Sauveur (WXRV GM).

3. How would you describe the music on your station?

Predictably unpredictable ... which I'd say is part of what makes it so fun to listen to. I grew up listening to the Point and from a consumer standpoint, that's what I loved about it. You know that you're going to either discover some cool band next, or maybe hear a Zeppelin record you haven't heard for a long time ... but you don't know which.

4. What new artists are you most excited about?

Always a tough question to answer but one act I have to say that have peaked my interest are Lo Moon. I recently saw them at SXSW and I'd say that solidified my interest in their quickly developing career.

5. Tell us about the signals/markets that make up the Point Network.

We have a unique network that consists of four FM signals and three FM translators. We cover much of the state of Vermont and spill a good bit into New Hampshire and New York.

6. What new ideas do you want to bring to the station?

Less about specific ideas, more about constant innovation. With the way we are programmed we have the incredible ability to appeal to both younger and older demographics, which is crucial in a state with less available cume. It then just becomes a question of how you reach each of them.

7. What is your biggest challenge at the station?

Truthfully, it's the same struggle we all face ... balance. Balancing commerce and art, balancing musical discovery with familiarity and balancing personality and chatter with flow.

8. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Many other musical delivery services pose a threat to radio. However, I think the bigger challenge is that in the face of that, we don't "Work Scared." Because that is when things really fail.

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

Everywhere! One of the reasons I like this business is that everything about it is a craft, I can always get better at everything. The day I don't think that ... yikes.

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

... lemonheads candy?

Last non-industry job:

Automotive Detailer at Town and Country Honda

First record ever purchased:

The Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2

First concert:

Simon & Garfunkel 'Old Friends Tour'

Favorite band of all-time:

This week... Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

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

I'm a total car fanatic.