How did you get into radio show hosting?
I actually majored in radio broadcasting and communications in college, back when cutting sound meant you literally “cut” sound. We still had turntables and cart machines, and I eventually became the morning show host for the college radio station (90.1 KSAK FM) as well as the program director. I had gotten married during college and the opportunities for gainful radio employment at the time were limited when it came to earning enough to live on, so I took some different directions for many years. I did use my production expertise over the years in side job sound projects.
I know several people who work at KHTS and, when I heard there was an opening for the Hometown Morning Show host, I interviewed, then went through about a 2 week audition process. I was originally hired for only one hour a day, but I endeared myself to the powers-that-be and now host the show every weekday morning from 6AM-9AM.
What are the valley people usually doing in the morning when you host them?
If you’re referring to listeners, they mostly are commuters listening in their cars and they live for our traffic updates. We do have our fan base who listens every morning from their home or work.
If you’re referring to guests who come into the studio, they range from advertisers who promote their services, to guests representing local events, to the Mayor of Santa Clarita (Whom I’ve had the pleasure to interview). I also did have the pleasure of having fitness guru Jillian Michaels call in one morning.
Do you think “bedroom community” is the best description for SCV people? If not, what is the best description?
If “bedroom community” refers to a family-oriented place to raise a family, then it fits perfectly.
Many people find when they move to the SCV that this valley really has a sense of community; from our family-oriented activities and events, to the involvement of many citizens in our civic interests.
To paraphrase a Mel Gibson movie, what do SCV people want?
I think most SCV people want a valley that allows them the freedom of choice in activities, employment, shopping, etc. without feeling they have to leave this valley to find it.
Who is your choice for the three top geniuses in the SCV?
I honestly don’t think I could answer this question without provoking the ire of at least one person out there! “Genius” is a subjective term, despite its official definition. As far as brainiacs out there, I really don’t know. But I do know several “geniuses of the heart” in this community who have worked diligently and tirelessly to make the Santa Clarita Valley a better place to live. Whether through efforts to reclaim and define Old Town Newhall as a piece of our heritage, and make it a great place to visit, shop, and be entertained; or whether it is through the efforts of individuals who have our environment in mind, and have preserved Elsmere Canyon and continue to fight the Cemex Development; and those who have done their best to keep traffic flowing during our continued growth and development of this valley. My hat is off to the geniuses of these three key elements that make our valley a great place to live.
Is it possible to have an interesting year in Santa Clarita without leaving city limits? If so, how?
I think that depends on your definition of “interesting.” We have our own politics, our own civic issues, and plenty of news throughout the year to keep us “entertained.” However if we’re referring to having interesting things to do, I think it depends on your age group. The Santa Clarita Valley seems to have developed into an area that really caters to people up to the age of 18, and over the age of 30. I know several young adults in between that age range who feel there are not enough activities to keep them entertained, so they end up moving to the “other” valley or even further.
That being said, I know several young people who have returned to this valley, once they’ve “sewn their wild oats,” to settle down and raise a family.
On the radio, how do you talk to people who think they are winners and people who think they are losers at the same time?
I don’t know that I’ve ever defined guests into those categories. I know each comes in with a different mindset; some are very confident, and some are very nervous. I do my best to make all my guests feel comfortable. My interview style is very organic so that I can give them the best chance to feel comfortable and open in their responses. Usually by the time it’s all said and done, they leave with a smile on their faces.
What is the dream question you have always hoped someone would ask you, and how are you going to answer it now?
I’m sure this goes for a lot of people, but my dream question would be “How do you want to be remembered?”
I don’t have a lot of words of wisdom, but I do have examples of about a million mistakes I made in my life. It took me way too long in life to learn that we all set an example for those around us, good and bad. It’s the kind of example that makes all the difference.
I hope to be remembered for leaving a mark, rather than a stain, in this world. Even if I set a positive example in the most benign way that affected someone in a good way, that’s a great way to go out!
Chris Sharp- Commentary and interview
Chris Sharp is an Educator and a prize-winning professional writer. He has recently published a new book titled “Dangerous Learning: The New Schooling in California..” His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of The SCV Beacon.