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10 Questions with ... Beau Gunn
November 1, 2010
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Interned with The Penguin during the fall semester of 2004. After graduation, I worked briefly at the Home Depot before attaining a sales job selling for the cluster that comprises Sea-Comm Media. After about eight months of sales, the PD and MD were let go by Sea-Comm Media. I volunteered to help keep the music fresh while management looked for a suitable replacement. After a few months of this, I was offered the PD/MD position of WUIN. I eventually became an on-air host as well, and now I couldn't imagine life without radio.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I was at a bar event that 106.7 The Penguin happened to be at. I got to talking to then-PD and mentor Mark Keefe. As I asked him questions about the station, it became apparent that radio is a pretty cool gig.
2. For those that have never heard the station, how would you describe the sound of the Penguin?
A slightly more indie-leaning Triple A/Americana hybrid, with a hint of college influence. More free-form than typical commercial radio.
3. Most surprising record of the past 12 months?
This may come as no surprise considering who my favorite band is, but I would have to give this to Widespread Panic's "Dirty Side Down." After a few less-than-stellar efforts with producer Terry Manning, the band returned to longtime producer John Keene, and seemed to find a comfort in the studio with newer guitarist Jimmy Herring that hadn't been heard since the passing of founder and guitarist Michael Houser
4. What do you like best about your job?
Keeping the tradition of "real radio" alive.
5. What are some of your biggest challenges as an independent station?
Budget (lack thereof) would be the biggest obstacle that we have to overcome.
6. What would surprise people most about the station?
How well we perform on the little bit of wattage that we have: directional 6,800 watts, with only about 1,000 covering the metro. But that will hopefully change in the New Year.
7. What type of features do you run on the station?
"Flamenco Hour," "Reggae Redemption," "Putumayo World Music," "Acoustic Café" and "Keller's Cellar."
8. If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
Promotions Director
9. Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Time management and memory. :-)
10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?
Go work for a non-profit helping people. No doubt about it.
Bonus Questions
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Boating and traveling to see concerts.
Last non-industry job:
Home Depot.
First record ever purchased:
Alanis Morissette "Jagged Little Pill"
First concert:
MC Hammer w/ Boyz To Men and TLC. Yikes!
Favorite band of all-time:
Widespread Panic
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