10 Questions with ... Diane Michaels

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Was hired in 1975 to serve coffee at a remote. The PD thought I had a good voice and hired me on the spot. My training was OJT. That was KUIC/Solano, CA; from there to KSFM (Earth Radio)/Sacramento, then on to Reno at KOZZ and KTHX. Spent 20 years there and now at KPND in Sandpoint.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Stumbled into it.

2. For those that have never heard KPND, how would you describe the sound of the station?

Mainstream Triple A with a smattering of Americana and blues, and some freedom to throw in some odd crazy tunes.

3. What will convince you to add a song that you don't initially hear for the station?

My co-workers' thoughts and if I am the only one in the world not "getting" it.

4. What do you like best about your job? Least?

The freedom to manipulate the playlist a little and having a nice parade of musicians through our little town. The part I like least is wearing waaay too many hats.

5. You are in a smaller market with a signal that reaches the larger market of Spokane. What do you do to compete with the larger-market stations?

Just try to be the best we can be, and try to stay unique and true to ourselves.

6. What has been one of the station's biggest recent accomplishments?

Our power boost that allowed us to get into the Spokane metro area.

7. What has been your biggest challenge at the station?

Keeping our core base of local listeners while competing in the Spokane market. Keeping it all regional!

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

The wide variety of new music. Don't like it all, but there certainly is a lot to choose from.

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

If I may quote Hunter S. Thompson ... "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench. A long plastic hallway where pimps and thieves run free and good men die like dogs. There is also the negative side."

10. What has been some of your biggest career highlights?

Eating dinner with Van Halen at the beginning of their career ...The limo ride to see Neil Young in San Francisco and hanging out backstage was pretty cool ...Meeting Donovan and Country Joe McDonald was also pretty special.

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

Hiking, biking, skiing, gardening, boats, airplanes and motorcycles.

Last non-industry job:

Ski race announcer at Squaw Valley USA.

First record ever purchased:

I think it was the Beatles 45 "She Loves You." Does that date me?

First concert:

Dave Mason

Favorite band of all-time:

That's a toughie ... Beatles, Kinks, Stones, Who, Widespread Panic ....