10 Questions with ... Doug Donoho

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Began at a 1,000-watt daytime Country station as board op for syndicated shows and Seattle Seahawk football! That was in 1982. There were a few stops in between but I have been here for 20 years!

1. What do you like best about your job?

Talking about and playing music I get excited about. Then sharing it with other music lovers and having them feel the passion I do!

2. What are some of your biggest challenges as an independently owned radio station?

Access to webstreaming and promotion budgets (we don't get much support for flyaways like the major markets do). It is also a challenge covering the bases with 2.5 staffers and 3 part-timers.

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

We are a nice mix of classics from the past four decades, some album/spice tracks and cool currents that fit the vibe of Clear 101.7. We are eclectic -- different styles, different eras.

4. How do you feel about the current climate of music?

There is some really great music out there, but there is still plenty o' mediocrity, too, especially since almost anyone can attempt to be a rock star in their own at-home studio these days.

5. What are the music meetings like at your station?

Meetings? What meetings? It is usually me sitting in my cubicle with headphones on, Mediabase open, MySpace, artist websites and some other essential music links open to where I can get a real story for this song under consideration and then make a decision.

6. What do you do with a song you don't like?

If I just don't get a vibe on a song that has a real story developing, then I go to my other 1.5 airstaff and invite them in to listen. I also consider who in my region is breaking an artist/song. If there is some love out there I may be missing, I will usually go past my personal feelings and give the song a shot.

7. What type of features do you run on the station?

Our local music show, "Homegrown," has been playing local and regional music for 10 years, with a daily local spotlight, and has won several broadcasting awards. We also have "Clear Past & Present w/Sarina," "Laugh Out Loud," "No Repeat Workday," "World Music w/Randy," "Dori's Second Helping" during the lunch hour (a double-play from her faves), "Covering The Classics w/Doug," "House Of Blues Break w/Elwood Blues" "House Of Blues Radio Hour," "New Music Preview," "New Music Tuesday," "Captured Live" ... and I think I covered it all!

8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Feeling like I am making a difference.

9. What has been your biggest career highlight?

Being a part of growing Clear 101.7 into the station it is now. I feel blessed. In the station's 25-year history, I have been here for 20. It's like my child. I've watched it grow, offered encouragement and still to this day I feel the sky is the limit. It's awesome that the audience cares about us, bonds with the station and supports us on every level.

10. Biggest changes in the industry since you started?

Automation and sweeping cuts in staff leave just a few to attempt to maintain a quality product with less pay. It's hard!

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

I want to be a record promoter! I have always had this dream to ... No wait, no way! That's a hard job! Seriously, I would like to be a concert promoter, or maybe go into artist management. Since I can't live my dream of being a rock star, I can at least be close to some.

Last Non-Industry Job:

Was in 1981 working at a apple cider/vinegar bottling plant.

First Record Ever Purchased:

It was a K-Tel hits album with "Maggie May," "A Horse with No Name" and a few others from 1972.

First Concert:

Merle Haggard with Marty Robbins

Favorite Band Of All-Time:

Iron Maiden, Dio/Rainbow/Black Sabbath (anything with Dio), Rush, Tom Petty, John Butler Trio -- I can't name just one! I like to rock. Also I love the Dixie Chicks. Go figure ....