10 Questions with ... Doug Bransson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I worked in the Midwest for most of my career in several capacities -- on-air, production, creative services and PD. After a couple years in Florida and Texas, I finally landed in Arizona and have been here four years now.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I don't recall a specific moment, but I remember from an early age loving radio and listening to a local Rock station at night when I was supposed to be in bed sleeping. I do remember being heavily influence by Charlie Kendall on "Metal Shop" back in the '80s.

2. Tell us about the market (s) you are serving.

The Flagstaff/Prescott market is one of the largest geographical markets in the country. There are several smaller cities that make up the market here including Sedona. There are certainly challenges with the mountain terrain and distances between cities, but it's one of the most amazing places to live in the U.S. and it's growing fast. If you like the outdoors this is the place to be.

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

Eclectic, interesting, diverse and fresh. Somehow it all goes together, though. Triple A reminds me of '70s radio before we had all these genres. It's all about discovering new music and appreciating different styles.

4. How are the music meetings conducted?

We do a lot of old-fashioned phone calls since our consultant and afternoon guy Dennis Constantine lives in a different city than the station. He comes up once a week and we use e-mail a lot, too. Thanks to all this technology like Team Viewer, we can keep in touch pretty well. We usually listen to music on our own then get together and collaborate. Our PD,, Juli Page, will often bring new music to our attention as well so it's really a group effort.

5. What new bands are you most excited about?

Well, I hate to be jumping on the bandwagon, but I've really been into the Psychedelic/Stoner Rock scene for years and I knew of Greta Van Fleet years ago. I'm excited that they are breaking through to the mainstream, I think the "Stoner" genres of rock offer up a lot of great music.

6. What do you like best about your job?

The ability to pick some of the new music is a big deal to me. I'm the one who was always making people mix tapes back in the day. When I hear something I like I really want to tell everyone about it. It's become harder than it used to be, thanks to new releases popping up online, but I still enjoy playing new music for people.

7. How has everyone been coping since the death Rich Malone at the station?

Well, I'm still relatively new here but we all have the common goal of keeping KVNA moving forward in honor of Rich's vision.

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

Streaming still concerns me; you'd be foolish to ignore it that it hasn't affected the industry. We need to figure out how to reach the younger part of our audience and remain relevant to them.

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

Wow, there's so many areas I could improve at. You never quit learning in this business, but I'll defer to question 8 and say that I need to improve my knowledge of digital platforms and figure out how we can use digital to advance radio.

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

... some sort of caffeinated beverage.

Last non-industry job:

Farmhand

First record ever purchased:

I think the first full-length was Kiss Rock N' Roll Over

First concert:

Donnie Iris

Favorite band of all-time:

I'd have to go with Alice Cooper because of his longevity and ability to change with the times musically.

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

I moved here from the Midwest to enjoy the outdoors; my wife and I get outside as often as possible and enjoy Northern Arizona!