TITLE: Program Director/talk show host

BORN: Madrid, Spain (My Dad was in the Air Force)

RAISED: Nashville, TN- Graduated Middle Tennessee State University 1983

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Programmed WWTN-FM/Nashville and WRCG/Columbus(GA) to the highest ratings in the stations history. Over 25 years of news/talk/sports experience and hosted my first talk show in 1983. Was hired at KNRC/Denver as afternoon drive host and later promoted to Program Director. As host of my own talk show, had a nearly a ten year run of #1 ratings from 1991-2001.

1. How did you get your start in radio- why did you choose radio?

Like many in this business. I had a desire for a career in broadcasting at a very early age. My nights were spent listening to stations in far off cities. While my friends were talking about being policemen and firemen, I was talking about being on the radio. While in college, I got a part-time news position and then later became a full-time DJ. Even though talk radio was in its infancy, I was immediately gravitating toward it. In 1983, I hosted my first talk show and have been involved with news, sports and talk radio ever since. I believe there is a great service we provide as broadcasters. We are the friend to many who listen. We are the place the community turns in a time of crisis and to enjoy the good times. One of my favorite quotes from a listener was when a young woman told me "I was with her in the shower every morning." Then, she grinned and said "don't tell my husband!"

2. What are you passionate about?

I'm just as excited about the magic of radio as I was the first time I was on it. Even though there are a lot of changes in the business right now, I'm still excited about the future of the medium. There is nothing so satisfying as sharing with the listener an important moment in history or providing them safety information. Even with all the "noise" out there, there is still the opportunity to connect with the individual. I've had many people tell me about an important moment they were listening. So I believe we can be an important part of their lives. We as broadcasters should reflect on what impact, positive or negative, we have on the audience. We should self remind us what a privledge it is to relate to others in this fashion. There are few careers that allow you to bring happiness to others and radio certainly can do that.

3. After successfully programming major stations and hosting shows, you're getting your ISDN fill-in service going. What are you offering stations with this new service- what makes you stand out as a host?

I believe that I do more of communicating with the listener rather than just pontificating my political views at them. To me, it is all about conversation. It is the reason I was drawn to the format in the first place. I have a natural enjoyment of both "jousting" with people and discussing issues with them without getting angry or calling someone an idiot. In my youth, I had disdain for hosts who were rude and I made it a goal that I would not host a show that way. I believe in giving strong opinions, yes, but I think the program is much more fun to listen too if there is a respect between the host and the callers. I honestly think that we may take ourselves way too seriously as talk show hosts. It is about entertaining and holding an audience and not about getting people elected to office! As for my new fill-in service, I believe this fits a niche in the current radio landscape. I can provide a high quality fill-in for your host at a low cost. No more need for boring "best of" shows. In addition, there is an opportunity to host on a daily basis with a variety of stations and keep the cost low to each station. With the current move toward consolidation and cost-cutting, this is truly an alternative.

4. As an experienced programmer, describe in brief the qualities that make for a great talk station- what should the programming be like? The imaging? The promotions? What does a station need to do to be great?

Compelling and entertaining. The host should have strong opinion that evokes a response from the listener. The station should vow to tell the truth but give perspective on the issues. A great talk station has compelling and entertaining hosts and is totally engaged in the community. If it is happening, we are there. Period. The imaging should be slick but contain humor. The station imaging itself should have a definite "personality." I have in the past given the station my sense of humor. I enjoy poking fun at the hosts, and even the station while stressing the credibility that the talk listener is seeking. Programming and promotions should work together to provide promotions aimed at getting listeners and serving the audience. Don't just give away movie tickets. Tie it to something that will help me draw an audience. All promotions should have same goal as programming and sales. Get me listeners and revenue. They do not have to conflict when handled correctly. I pride myself as a "sales friendly" programmer who protects the product but understands we are in a money making business.

5. If you hadn't gone into radio, what would you be doing today?

Working. No, just kidding. Probably a lawyer. That is a prosecutor! My desire for fairness would likely have led me in that direction. I have a great respect for the founding of the country and the freedom that allows us to be broadcasters or any thing else we want to be. I realize how fortunate we are to have been born as American citizens.

6. Who are your mentors, your inspirations, the people you've learned the most from?

There are so many. I listened as a young person to people like John Young and Steve McCoy. I enjoyed their sense of humor and their persona that radio should be fun. While in the business, I have to thank people like Alan Eisenson of KFBK/Sacremento for bringing me to Denver and VP/talk Citadel Brian Jennings for getting me the Nashville job. Along with the many other people I have worked with. Seems that I picked up a little bit of knowledge from just about every one I have worked with in the business. What my friends in the major markets may not understand, I have learned more from small market radio. The small market person has to multi-task and I believe it makes them very creative. I've notice that in the major markets many of the people are "specialists." They do one thing and one thing only. I think life (and radio) needs a little variety!

7. Of what are you most proud?

My coverage of Hurricane Opal in 1995 that came through Alabama and Georgia. I was the only person on the air in my market that night. I had only the power to keep the mic on and no lights. I talked with callers straight through for 8 hours while some had trees flying through their windows. At the time, I just thought it is a job that had to be done. Later, I realized what impact I had had on many people. Years later, people still thanked me for being on that night. They talked about how reassuring it was to have that familiar voice on at a time like that.

8. What do you do for fun?

Listen to the radio! I am a true consumer of the product. I still listen to as much of it as I can. When I'm not doing that, I am playing golf(I need a job because my golf game is getting good). I have been taking the opportunity since KNRC to do a lot of traveling. It took til I was over 40 to become a more well rounded person!

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________________.

...Rush. Second is a good laugh.

10. What's the best advice you ever got?

The best advice is not to take myself too seriously. The worst is agreeing to host your program for what you think the programmers want to hear. Do your show as you believe only you can do it. Put your stamp on it and see if the listeners validate it.

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