Stu Allen, KRVM Program Director
What does a music programmer do?!
Whether it’s checking on music logs, being on call for in-studio performances, helping announcers, staying abreast of the music industry or listening to music promos, a good music programmer is always busy.
What keeps KRVM’s ace music programmer Stu Allen on-the-go?
I thought I’d find out!
Recently I caught up with Stu for a fun Q & A.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: “I’m a native Oregonian. I was born in Salem, and moved to Roseburg when I was 10. In 1981 I moved to Eugene to go to LCC and the University of Oregon (Bachelor of Business Administration Degree 1984)… I was the token hippie in the Business School.”
Q: How did you get into music programming?
A young Stu Allen
A: “I used to do my own radio shows in the back of the station wagon on family trips, beginning when I was about eight (with an audience of two).”
“I started in actual radio at Roseburg’s KRSB when I was 16; full-time at 17. I picked the music for my own shows (within guidelines), so that was the first.”
“I also worked at several stations in Eugene, including 1280 AM KBDF (Oldies), and KZEL. My first official programming job was as assistant Program Director with KMGE, and from there I became Program Director at alternative rock KNRQ,” says Allen. “I focused on audio production duties until the Program Director job at KFLY opened up. After 39 years in commercial radio…I found home at KRVM.”
Q: Who are your favorite band(s)? Favorite music genre?
A: “My first album was “Meet the Monkees” – and then I heard Jimi Hendrix, and my musical tastes expanded overnight. Today I appreciate a diverse range of artists and styles.”
Q: How far back does your love of music go?
A: “58 years and four months!”
Q: What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
A: I have a wide variety of tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines – and frequent conversations with passionate volunteers and listeners whose ideas aren’t always in sync with each other. My job can be stressful at times…but it’s also very satisfying.
Q: Favorite male and female vocalists?
A: “James McMurtry and Melissa Etheridge (and Jocelyn Arndt is rapidly closing in on the top slot).”
Q: Any words of advice for the new young broadcasters at KRVM?
A: “Be flexible… take the opportunities that arise even if they don’t seem like a perfect fit at the time (the experience will serve you well) … Find joy and satisfaction in what you are doing, and always work hard and do your best.”
All this and hobbies, too
Amidst his busy professional life, KRVM’s number one music connoisseur even makes time for hobbies!
Outside of work, Allen’s favorite pastimes include glassblowing, playing guitar, riding his bike (“including the commute to work when the weather isn’t too annoying”), cross-country skiing and enjoying his two cats, Stretch and Mango.
Thanks Stu, for all you do!
