10 Questions with ... Ric "Rocco" Bennett

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

From now til then: WNWV/Cleveland, WMMS/Cleveland, WENZ/Cleveland, WNCX/Cleveland, WONE/Dayton, OH, WHCN/Hartford, WWWV/Charlottesville.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

In bed at night with a transistor radio, listening to KMOX and the Cardinals, mystified by the fact that I was in my room in Ohio physically, but at the ballgame in my mind ... awesome ... that started it.

2. Who are your mentors?

Worked with many great radio people over the years: Going back to my radio guru John Griffin at WPLR/New Haven, Kid Leo at WMMS, John Gorman-Gorman Media. Also worked with Tom Calderone and Phil Manning ... smart guys.

3. You have pretty much been in Cleveland your whole career, how has the music/radio landscape changed?

The market takes great pride in its musical past, which I was lucky enough to grow up enjoying. Competition used to be the war cry -- now they all play the safe corporate way. There are no BODIES left in town; people have left the city and the industry.

4. The station has been on the air for several months now and it looks like you are getting some traction. How does it feel at this point?

Every day is a blast, the feeling from the listeners comes through the phones and e-mails, with lots of appreciation for us doing something fresh in the market. There had been no major format changes for over 10 years. We are definitely feeling the love.

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

In a few words, we are a commercial Triple A with a Cleveland Rock lean.

6. What is your biggest challenge at the station?

The same as every market in this country. It's hard to service listeners when they are preoccupied with the loss of jobs and income -- the disposable income has dwindled. Marketing ideas must be spot on; there is no longer room for error.

7. With the addition of Brad Hanson, it looks you are starting to staff up a bit. How many folks are in-house now at V107.3?

Still doing it with a small but great staff. A total of 12 people keep us rockin' on a full-time basis. Brad is a pro who has been a welcome addition; his programming experience has been invaluable ... and it doesn't hurt that we have been arguing about music for almost 15 years!

8. What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Please, no preconceived notions about radio and the industry. Today, we are basically starting over with what we REALLY know about PPM and the recording industry.

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

Kinda of cliché but true: Be nice to everyone you meet on your way up ... you will meet these folks on the way down.

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

Thinking rodeo clown or brain surgeon, kinda of a tossup.

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

That would be living life as a tortured Cleveland sports fan, with my family close by and my ferret -- his name is Earl.

First record ever purchased:

Beatles - Rubber Soul

First concert:

Stevie Wonder w/ Earth Wind And Fire

Favorite band of all-time:

Dave Matthews Band - Springsteen (Tie)