Get to know Tom Lazar

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: NAME: Tom Lazar : TITLE: Director of Programming : STATIONS: KATY : MARKET: Riverside, San Bernardino : COMPANY: All Pro Broadcasting : BORN: Chicago - 1965 : RAISED: Chicago : Please outline your radio career so far: : WRRM/Cincinnati, OH - 1993-1995 : WKRQ/Cincinnati, OH - 1995-1996 : WWCK/Flint, MI - 1996-1997 : KSMG/San Antonio, TX - 1997-2002 : WTMX/Chicago, IL - 2002-2004 : WZOK/Rockford, IL 2004-2007 : KATY/Temecula, CA - 2008-Present : 1) How would you describe your first radio gig?. : Frightening! I had no experience, so I made a demo and Michael Grayson was cool enough to let me work overnights. : 2) Who do you consider your radio mentor(s)? : A bunch of names jump to the top. Andy Holt, Darla Thomas, Virgil Thompson, Race Taylor, Kevin Harris Jan Jeffries and Jimmy Steal. Without those guys, I would not have a career. : 3) Is Arbitron's Personal People Meter (PPM) currently available in your market, or in a neighboring market? What are your thoughts on this new ratings technology? : Yes. We were one of the test markets and it's been challenging. The sample size is a huge issue and one meter can literally make or break you. : 4) What do you plan to do different this year, regarding work, family, or both? : Try to figure out why Arbitron can't get the PPM right, and figure out how I can keep KATY competitive. I am also looking forward to my son's senior year as a Basketball player at SCHS. Go TRITONS!!! : 5) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business? : I'd like to see re-regulation. Bring back ownership limits and get back to local, entertaining radio. : 6) Have you ever thought about jumping over to the records side of the business? : Yes...a long time ago. But I think it would have been fun back in the 80's and 90's. From what I understand it's not so much fun anymore. I wish I had gotten into the business earlier (28 was way too old to start). : 7) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity? : In 1998, there was a huge flood in San Antonio. Houses were literally floating down the rivers. There were millions of dollars in damage. We hosted a fundraising drive at a local mall and raised $200,000 in a day. : 8) How did you get your present job? : I applied to a Stealth Ad on All Access. Thank you Joel!!! : 9) For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"? : Casinos, we have a ton of them. Come on 7!!!! : 10) What other stations and markets do you like to monitor? : KOST and KBIG in Los Angeles, and KYXY and Star in San Diego. I also monitor KOLA in Riverside. : Bonus Questions : 1) What Got You Interested In Radio? : American Graffiti. Loved that movie! : 2) What's your favorite fast food? : In-N-Out Burgers!!!! : 3) Who were your early influences? : Growing up in Chicago I was fortunate to listen to a lot of great jocks. Lujack, Landecker, Biondi. : 4) What is your favorite TV show? : I have a few. I love Entourage, but Californication is AWESOME. Incredible writing! : : (AA)

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