Jim Richards has been busy helping revamp Merlin Media‘s FM stations in New York City and Chicago. He’s signed on two alternative stations in Q87/Chicago and New Rock 101.9/New York, as well as a Hot AC in Chicago. Richard’s resume has collected lots of acronyms over the years from PD to OM, RVPP, VP and Director. He’s also spent about 8 years heading up 91X/San Diego. He’s currently in OM land now over Merlin’s Chicago and New York properties.
Richard’s has helped provide some really exciting moments for alternative radio in 2012 leading sign-on’s in markets #1 and #3 and it’s a great reason for Alternative Contraband to catch up with him to give us an update from Mount OM. 10 X 140–10 ?’s with Alternative radio and records tastemakers and 140 characters of awesome answer. Dig in.
@altcontraband Mr. Jim Richards, Operations Mgr. @Q877Chicago & @NewRock1019 NYC and thank you for being part of another 10X140. Shall we?
@JimRichardsJR Let’s go
@altcontraband Q1. U have logged xtra air miles lately, can you let yr Alt peers know how Q87 and NewRock101.9 r doing in ratings and sales?
@JimRichardsJR Outstanding! Exceeding expectations. Q almost 850k cume & #1 M18-34 first 2 wks of Sept. NY, cume growing to almost 1.6mil
@altcontraband Q2.For now, music on Q and 101.9 is “simulcast”? Will that separate over time? What music nuances r there btwn NY & Chi.?
@JimRichardsJR We have separated databases and r refining NY’s list. @Stabwalt provides great insight, as he lived there and knows market.
@altcontraband Q3.ell us about your teams, and how they operate?
@JimRichardsJR Small, awesome & on caffeine! @virtualpj PD of Q. @Stabwalt MD 4 both. @laurenoneil is amazeballs @ Q. @beefillups gr8 in NY
@altcontraband Q4.Your boss Randy Michaels is an incredible radio guy. Debunk his recent press & tell us why u value working with Michaels?
@JimRichardsJR Many radio and newspaper companies have run me off…RM never has. He’s always been supportive and constructive of/to me.
@altcontraband Q5. What is Alternative radio doing well these days?
@JimRichardsJR Good ones find a balance of new/familiar. Discovery is big for us. And audience connection, regardless of channel.
@altcontraband Q6. U’ve programmed nearly every radio format, what is so diiferent prgmng Alt. vs. other formats, or is there a difference?
@JimRichardsJR Philosphies r the same. But u apply certain fundamentals differently, depending on station/format. Know audience & play hits
@altcontraband Q7. I am sure prospective programmers are clamoring for the New Rock 101.9 Program Director position. Can u give us an update?
@JimRichardsJR U ain’t kiddin’! Lots of emails and questions. Prob late Oct/early Nov will begin adding staff, incldng PD. I’ll remain OM.
@altcontraband Q8. What is your digital strategy to complement your terrestrial goals?
@JimRichardsJR To initiate and build a relationship with audience for mutual benefit. Less about PVs for us, more about engaging in convo.
@altcontraband Q9. Give us 3 qualities you look for in an Alternative air talent?
@JimRichardsJR Knowledgeable, quick and interesting (that is funny, or bent, or irreverent, or whacked, or whatever – but not plain).
@altcontraband Q10. RU planning holiday shows at both stations in Dec If so, big, small, multi-night, acoustic, electric, clothed, unclothed?
@JimRichardsJR Just Chi. Keg Nog 12/1. Starting smaller this yr & will blow that bitch up next yr. Can’t say who yet, but thx to those doing
@altcontraband thanks for yr candidness in @altcontraband‘s latest 10 X 140. Continued success to you and your stations!!
@JimRichardsJR You’re welcome…same to you.
