APRIL MD of the Month
Franco Miranda,
KSJS San Jose
How did you first hear about KSJS?
I remember hanging out with my friend on the campus of San Jose State University and this was before I was even enrolled at the university. We saw the booth for KSJS and a member, who was working the booth and would soon become the Program Director of the station, gave a rundown to us about said station.
How long have you been at KSJS? What is your history there?
I have been involved with KSJS since Fall 2012. I began working my way up by reviewing albums for the Subversive Rock Director at the time in addition to doing work for production and promotion. I then became an on-air operator with my having my own show for four years. My show was on Fridays 6am-10am and, for one summer, it was on Saturdays 10am-2pm. Now, my show is on Thursdays 7pm-10pm due to work. I became an assistant for the Subversive Rock Director from Summer 2013 to Spring 2014. Finally, I became the Subversive Rock Director in Spring 2015 with my two years/terms coming to a close relatively soon.
What are you most proud of accomplishing/changing at KSJS since you became MD?
I’m most proud of constantly updating rotation, to keep things fresh for the on-air operators of my department. I’m also proud of keeping in contact with promoters regarding tracking for albums and singles, ticket giveaways, etc.
How does KSJS make itself known throughout San Jose? What sort of things do you do to connect with the community?
KSJS is well known throughout San Jose for the station’s attitude of local music. They heavily promote artists and bands from the Bay Area as well as promote shows that are in the Bay Area. If they promote a local artist and/or band playing at a local venue, that’s even better! The Program Director, the managers, and I connect with the community by promoting local events and participating in food drives among other events.
What do you love most/dislike most about San Jose?
I love the diversity and the culture of San Jose, but I don’t care much for how busy it became over the years.
Who are your all-time Top 5 favorite artists/bands?
Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Deftones, and Smashing Pumpkins
What artist/band did you hear for the first time in the last year that impressed you the most?
Vektor. Their most recent album, Terminal Redux, blew me away!
What still-to-come 2017 album release are you most looking forward to?
The new album by Tool. It’s been 11 years, guys!
What’s the one thing you can’t do without?
Easily my iPod Classic.
What’s the best gift anyone has ever given you?
I don’t have one particular best gift as I loved many throughout the years, but one of my favorite gifts was a Chao plushie that my friend made for me. Chao are the little guys from the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and my friend made this plushie that was of professional quality. I love it!
What is your perfect pizza?
Meat lovers with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
What is your favorite TV show from when you were a kid?
A tie between Dexter’s Laboratory and Batman: The Animated Series.
Lightning Round:
Dog or Cat? Dog
Hot Weather or Cold Weather? Hot Weather
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Morning Person or Night Owl? Night Owl
City or Country? Country
Watch TV or Read A Book? Watch TV
Ski or Swim? Swim
Dine or Delivery? Dine
Hipster or Nerd? Nerd
Toilet Paper: Over or Under? Over
Do you find it better to keep up on current political events or do you prefer to tune it all out and pretend it’s not happening?
A mix of both. I want to keep up with what’s going on in politics, but at the same time, it’s all so negative, so much that I just tune out the news.
And finally, and most importantly, is there such a thing as too much frosting on a cake?
No, no, and no. Did I mention no?
