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10 Questions with ... Pat Gallagher
August 30, 2010
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I've been in the Madison market for my entire career, starting at WMAD when it was a Triple A station: I started in 1986 as a part-time board-op and worked my way up to Program Director over the next six years. WMAD went off the air in 1992 and I have been at Triple M ever since. I was hired as Program Director and did that job until 2000 -- spent a couple of years as Production Director -- and have been back as PD since 2006.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Frustrated musician. Well, actually beyond that ... no musical talent at all. No sense of rhythm. Can't play a note on any instrument. Can't carry a tune. This was my outlet.
2. You have been in the Madison market a long time; has it always been at Triple M?
I spent six years at the old WMAD when it was a Triple A station. I was there from 1986 until 1992
3. You had a great Spring book -- what did you do differently to accomplish the 3-1-5.3 12+ jump?
Research. We had not had access to research in quite some time before this; we did our first auditorium test since I have been back as Program Director.
4. With the programming adjustments, how would you now describe the music on the station?
It's always a challenge to describe the music of a Triple A station. At its core, Triple M is a Rock station. Beyond that we play a little blues, a little reggae, some alternative music, some folkie singer/songwriters. It's a little bit of everything.
5. What is still your biggest challenge at the station?
The biggest challenge is probably time management. There are so many different areas that need constant attention -- programming, promotions, digital, music, perks (half-price deals), events, imaging, marketing, etc. It can be a real challenge to stay on top of all of them and stay on top of the day-to-day stuff, such as logs, air shifts, talent development, etc. Thankfully there's a really good, strong staff around me to get this stuff done.
6. What has been your biggest career highlight?
A reality show that I created called "Project M," which gives local musicians weekly songwriting challenges and gives them the opportunity to showcase their talents on the air, on our website and in local clubs. Check it out at www.1055triplem.com.
7. What stations do you like to keep track of?
WXRT/Chicago, KBCO/Denver, KTCZ/Minneapolis, KMTT/Seattle, KFOG/San Francisco, KGSR/Austin and KINK/Portland, OR.
8. What will convince you to add a song that you feel isn't right for the station?
It becomes a hit!
9. What do you think of the current state of the Triple A format?
It's alive and well in Madison!
10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?
I'd be racing in the Tour de France. I can still do that, right? I'm not too old, am I?
Bonus Questions
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
I'm an avid cyclist and triathlete. I've completed two Ironmans as well as several half-Iron distance, Olympic-distance and Sprint-length triathlons. I've also done a couple stand-alone marathons and am currently training for the Chicago Marathon with Team In Training with two goals: 1) raise lots of money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society -- make a donation at http://pages.teamintraining.org/wi/chicago10/pgallag90a; and 2) qualify for the Boston Marathon (three hours, 30 minutes gets me in).
Last non-industry job:
The best damned pizza joint in North America -- Maria's in Oregon, WI.
First record ever purchased:
I obtained a copy of the Beatles single "Hey Jude" with "Revolution" on the flip side. It was actually my parents, but somehow ended up in my room permanently. The first record I bought was a live album from the Beach Boys.
First concert:
About the same time: Neil Diamond (with my parents); first show I got to go to on my own was either Cheap Trick or Kiss -- don't remember which order those came in.
Favorite band of all-time:
Cheap Trick
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