Zac Davis has done it all during his 15 year radio career. As OM of Max Media’s KDHT (HOT 107.1) and KJHM (Jammin’ 105) in Denver, Zac is building and branding two new stations including a Top 40 which has been missing in the the marketplace for too long. There’s no doubt that Zac and his team are lovin’ life, but most important, they’re making an impact in the Mile High City
Zac Davis
Zac Davis has done it all during his 15 year radio career. From his first job of handling Promotions/Swing work at WWLD (Wild 106)/Tallahassee in 1996, to hosting nights on WVYB (103.3 The Vibe)/Daytona Beach and swing work at KQKS (KS 107.5)/Denver, Davis knew radio was in his blood. In 1999, he would venture into the programming side of the business while serving as APD/MD KUUU (U92)/Salt Lake City. Then he landed his first PD gig at WBVD (95.1 The Beat)/Melbourne in 2002. His programming experience also includes stops at WGBT (94.5 The Beat)/Greensboro, KOSO (B93) Modesto and WABB (97.5 WABB)/Mobile. He also had a short stint as APD/MD at Country WRDU (106.1 Rooster Country)/Raleigh.
Then in 2009, Max Media came calling about its new Top 40 KDHT (HOT 107.1) in Denver. Zac was more than ready to return to a format that’s in the midst of one of its best music cycles in years. He was named PD/afternoon drive host working alongside consultant Alan Burns. Now with Hot 107.1 heating up the Denver marketplace it was only natural that Zac be tapped as OM for sister, KJHM (Jammin’101.5). Zac Davis’ daily mission is to continue the expansion and exposure of both the HOT and Jammin’ brands while entertaining as many listeners as possible, and most importantly have fun doing it!
eQB presents excerpts from the October FMQB magazine
CHR Up Close with KDHT (Hot 107.1) and KJHM (Jammin’ 101.5)/Denver OM Zac Davis
“For KDHT, we just knew there was a hole and knew we could find a lane. We had to overcome our signal by putting the best product on the air and putting the best product on the streets. We needed to have exclusive contests and giveaways that made us stand out that were specifically targeted at a 24 year-old female.“
“Having your demo surround you is just one of the things I’ve learned from Alan [Burns]. He’s one of the brightest guys I’ve ever worked with in radio. He’s very detailed oriented but so am I. He makes me think about every angle of a promotion and he’s great to bounce stuff off of. “
“Other stations in the market were getting credit for what we were doing which definitely hindered our growth. I believe with PPM we get a much more accurate picture of how Denver is truly using radio. I tell our staff constantly that PPM is much more unforgiving than the diary.”
“We’ve shortened up everything and realize our demo is all about instant gratification. I learned from some great programmers that it’s “Benefits vs. Details” and how we have to think like our target listener in the PPM world. Sell the benefits in a PPM world and details are tertiary.“
“Facebook and social media have revolutionized not only the Internet and radio, they’ve also changed our lives. My GM Jeff Norman sent me a quick four minute video of how much social media has changed our lives and how we need to change with it and embrace it versus waiting to respond to it. It’s very compelling! HOT 107.1’s demo loves Facebook and we’ve utilized it with our new brand (Jammin’ 101.5) which caters to an older demo and it’s amazing to see its exponential growth.“
“It’s all about understanding and what each other’s investments are. I do find it puzzling when record companies try to work a song that isn’t right for our brand. I like them to do a little research to find out what HOT 107.1 is all about. On the same note, I need to do some research to see what their project is all about.“
“Jammin’ 101.5 is a fun, upbeat station that serves people from all kinds of backgrounds and has a huge fan base here. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen such a quick build for a station (including HOT). Jammin’ is like Bieber Fever, for adults! It’s been missed over the last five years and we are giving Denver listeners exactly what they want.“
“I had a lot of fun at the big companies in North Carolina and Florida, but it’s different here. We are like a family and work well together. I’ve been told it’s like “Old School” radio and I love hearing that. People that come into town that know radio are amazed that sales will hang out with programming and we have a great chemistry. We have our disagreements but at the end of the day, it’s about putting out great radio for women in Denver and all departments here are committed to that.“
** QB Content by Bob Burke **
