10 Questions with ... Scott Anderson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Beginning in 1982, I worked around North Dakota and Montana then in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Wyoming, Idaho and Hawaii.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

As a kid, I was a constant radio-listener: Casey Kasem, CBS Radio Mystery Theatre, shortwave, distant AMs. I guess it was just a natural path for me.

2. You must be excited to now be the owner of KMTN as well as Classic Hits KZJH, Country KJAX and Latin La Nueva.

Super-excited! I am happy to bring local ownership back to all of the Jackson Hole Radio signals and lucky that I have the staff that I do. Of course, our award-winning PD at KMTN, Mark "Fish" Fishman, just celebrated his 30th year at The Mountain. Our PD at KJAX, Del Ray, has been here for 31 years. Our GM Lynda who handles traffic and billing has been here for 30+ years as has our only full-time account executive Joe. As you can tell, we manage on a VERY limited staff.

3. What makes the Jackson Hole market special to you?

It's a strong economy with small town values and great people. We are quite involved in most community events and we see our listeners at the post office, grocery stores, banks, fundraisers and on the ski hills. Our listeners are our friends and neighbors. Consultants will tell you that every market is the same. Jackson is not.

4. Tell us about the new offices/studio you just moved into.

We cut our space by two-thirds and operate in 1,000 square feet. Its cozy but it works with our family-style staff. We have the four studios and some common workspace. It's colorful and filled with lava lamps, signed guitars, music posters and pictures.

5. How do you position KMTN and your other stations to prospective clients?

We are happy to be locally owned and operated, and a community partner.

6. How much does Nontraditional Revenue factor into your plans for the future?

I think that revenue from digital products is important and becoming more traditional.

7. What are some of the KMTN's benchmark promotions?

Our big Ski Free on The Mountain where the station gives away season ski passes to our three great resorts and other winter "must haves" like skis, snowboards and gear.

Our Spring promotion: The KMTN Easter Keg Hunt where listeners must decipher clues to locate the famed Easter Keg hidden somewhere in the valley to win a year's worth of beer from one of our local breweries.

Our Toys of Summer promotion gives our listeners a chance to win e-bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes, kayaks, climbing gear, camping equipment, fly fishing packages and more.

8. What will be your biggest challenges at the stations?

Updating transmission equipment and finding local talent.

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

Lack of localism is the scourge of the industry.

10. What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?

Learn to accept what you can't control. The worst? You should definitely ask her out.

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

Just when you think that you have met the biggest asshole in the radio business, there is a bigger one.

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

I enjoy traveling mostly to Africa and Asia and the Caribbean.