Dave Benson has programmed legendary commercial Triple A outlets including KBCO/Denver-Boulder, KFOG/San Francisco and, most recently, KMTT/Seattle. After leaving The Mountain, Benson “converted” to the non-comm side, taking the GM/PD post at WNRN/Charlottesville, VA late last fall. In this FMQB interview, Benson talks to about the decision to “switch sides,” what he has learned about non-commercial radio, why he finds it creatively stimulating and how he can apply decades on the commercial side to lead a non-comm to greater success. [more]

The past few years have been a whirlwind for fans of Modern Rock radio in Chicago. Longtime Emmis Modern Rocker WKQX (Q101)/Chicago was famously sold to Randy Michaels’ Merlin Media and flipped to “FM News” in the summer of 2011. After the market lacked a Modern Rock station for almost a year, Merlin brought the format back on low-power TV signal 87.7. The company even brought the WKQX call letters back to this new station, dubbed “Q87.7.” FMQB checks in with PD PJ and APD/MD Walt Flakus about the listener response to the station, the challenges of broadcasting on a low-power TV signal and their use of social media to engage the audience. [more]

Native New Yorker Sean Stewart arrived in Chattanooga in August of 2008. He brought with him a strong passion for radio and love of music. Almost five years later, and Sean’s keen sense of programming and his constant focus on the big picture, is making for a bright future for WDOD. [more]

Is there any job better than programming in one of the most competitive radio markets in the country? Ask Dan Hunt. As PD of Wired 96.5/Philly, Dan has been battle tested and still loves everything about radio. From the music, to its creative fun promotions, to understanding radio's responsibility to its community, Wired is firing on all cylinders. Dan has retooled Wired with its new morning show to a station that now has its finger on the pulse of what's happening in the City of Brotherly Love! [more]

In 1976, Norm Pattiz founded radio syndication giant Westwood One. After its merger with Dial Global, Pattiz moved on to form Courtside Entertainment and has returned to the world of media and broadcasting with Podcast One and Launchpad Digital Media. The Podcast One platform curates some of the best and most popular podcasts on the Web, while Launchpad serves as the advertising representation for many of these shows. Pattiz recently spoke to FMQB about the future of content distribution, his excitement for podcasting and the financial possibilities that lie ahead for it as a medium. [more]

KPRI/San Deigo PD Haley Jones arrived at the highly respected Triple A outlet three years ago taking over a station that had battled signal issues and a highly competitive market to maintain an audience in the market. Since then, Jones has seen the number rise, culminating in 4.0 share in February. Jones talks about the strategy used to achieve that success in this week’s eQB. [more]

To put it simply, Joe Mack loves music and the city of Memphis. For the past five years he has served as Music Director and anchored middays until he recently shifted to afternoons. Mack lends his time to various charities in the Memphis area and has become a fixture in the city.
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To say that Jon Zellner has seen it all may be an understatement, but there really is something to be said for the depth and versatility that traces throughout his career. As a senior programming executive for CCM&E he continues to attack big challenges and increase his work capacity at an admirable pace. Programming has become such an integral part of the fabric of his professional life and the opportunity he has to share his wisdom and exercise his guidance on countless fellow managers is a huge asset to his company.
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It's hard to not think of Cat Thomas and KLUC when talking about radio in Sin City. It hasn't been by luck that Cat has remained a fixture at the CBS Radio-owned Rhythmic CHR in Las Vegas. It's his understanding of market changes, pop culture and his commitment to deliver great radio that drives both ratings and revenue that is key. And this time of year is also special for Cat and KLUC, who continue to be market l, eaders both on and off the air, raising both awareness and money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which fights Childhood Cancer. [more]

Ally Reid loves radio! Pure and simple as it sounds it’s been a motivating force throughout her career and one of the reasons she’s back in her hometown market, programming the station she interned at fifteen years ago. Reid hasn’t taken too many detours during that time but she did go to Power Pig finishing school for three years and even tried television for a stint, but she quickly proved to herself that radio is her true romance. Since taking over at FLY92.3, the station’s been humming on all cylinders as Reid leads with confidence and poise.[more]

Mick Management founder Michael McDonald began his career as Tour Manager for the fledgling Dave Matthews Band, going on to form ATO Records with Matthews, Coran Capshaw and Chris Tetzeli, before leaving ATO to concentrate on Mick Management’s roster that includes John Mayer, Ray LaMontagne and Brett Dennen, among others. In this FMQB exclusive, McDonald talks about his business values, plus what has changed about the industry in the last 20 years, and what hasn’t changed all that much. [more]

Nowadays life is pretty good for Jet Black. As PD of KHTT and KBEZ/Tulsa, Jet gets to remain close to home while living his dream. He’s one of the format’s most passionate programmers who simply loves radio and the music that’s played on it. Now under new ownership, Journal Broadcast Group, Jet continues his relentless attack on the market while delivering great radio that’s maximizing both ratings and revenues. [more]

Now in his twelfth year at WSPK, Skywalker has continued to own the afternoon airwaves in the Hudson Valley, while developing his programming chops. His steady and disciplined work ethic allows him to handle many responsibilities, earning the respect of those around him. [more]