Chris Booker is currently Co-host of ‘ALT Afternoons with Booker and Stryker’ on ALT 98.7, KYSR, Los Angeles. The two have over twenty years of history together, appearing on opposite coasts back in the day, working for the same company, Booker for the former K-ROCK in New York (for several tours) and Stryker on Los Angeles’ KROQ (for several years). Booker is also currently on air in Middays on the legendary Rock 105.3, KIOZ, San Diego.
Before asking for a brief background on his career history, I read his Wikipedia page, which only covered a description of his on again off again somewhat abusive relationship with K-ROCK New York. A clear parallel of his charming self-deprecating humor which makes him so engaging as talent today. But I knew there was much more to it. “I’m not sure if there’s a ‘brief’ version of the timeline of my career, but I’ll give it a shot,” he says. “WOMP FM Wheeling, WV, while in college. Then 3 different stations in the Carolinas. Kansas City KISF for mornings. 1994 WNRQ Pittsburgh, WXRK in 96. Started at MTV/MTV2/VH1 as a VJ in 99. Moved to WNEW for a year, then to SIRIUS, Z100, back to WXRK which eventually flipped to WFNY, then was hired as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, Mornings WIOQ, back to WXRK, then KAMP, back to NY on Alt 92.3 WNYL and ending here at KYSR! I have also been the cohost on the Perez Hilton podcast for the past 9 years with a Patreon show as well. I also currently track KIOZ in SD. My day usually starts with tracking. I podcast twice a week, and I have five live afternoon shows on KYSR’s ‘Booker and Stryker.’ I’ve been an AMD, an MD, a morning guy, afternoon host, night guy… if it involves a radio, I’ve probably done it.”
“I’d forgotten that I had a wiki page, by the way. When I worked on K-Rock in NY, our listeners were so involved or maybe invested in how we destroyed one another (in fun) on the air that sometimes they’d get in on it. Anyhow, I do recall the listeners changing it quite a few times, and some of them were outrageous. Anyhoo, I just tried to read mine and got bored. It looks to be around 30% correct.”
So many times, Booker has gone between pop and rock formats, and now he’s on both alt & rock, so I had to ask, “What is the significant difference between these formats, and how do you adjust, or do you have to?” “When I worked at WYAV in Myrtle Beach, Jim Bosch was our morning guy, and he was a guy that had worked everywhere, and he said something that I always remembered.. ‘same show, different microphone.’ It’s true,” he says. “Just be yourself and be consistent with it, and you’ll be fine. I like pop music, I like rock, I like Alt and even some country. So, it hasn’t really been too hard to segue between the formats. I just sound like Booker.”
There is something about So Cal Rock and Alt that is so different from the rest of the country. I speak from experience, having programmed both formats on the West Coast for a time, “What is it that makes it so unique?” “The music here has incredible roots,” explains Booker. “Alternative/Modern Rock/ Punk Rock all have their own identity that’s truly woven into the culture. So many genres were literally created in So Cal. So yes, it’s a very important part of the soundscape. I can’t speak for the rest of the country, but it has a past that’s pretty important here.”
“The state of Alternative music now?… That’s a loaded question,” says Booker. “Here’s my opinion. PPM HAS LITERALLY RUINED RADIO. When a handful of people decide the fate of a ‘music community,’ you end up playing only to them. And you become beholden to play only the most familiar music. It doesn’t bode well for new music. Let’s be honest; we’re here to get ratings. I laugh at every 80s programmer patting themselves on the back for great ratings when they play only the most familiar, best-testing 250 songs to a group of people who barely understand what streaming is. Here’s Summer of 69’ again… Give me a break.”
As for working with another strong personality on a show together, Booker says, “Stryker is the best dude I know. We genuinely root for one another, and at times, it feels like we’re just playing verbal tennis. We have fun every day. We both have a lot of experience and understanding of what we’re doing in that room. The secret is the friendship. He lifts me up when I blow, and I try to do the same for him.”
“As for the use of AI in the industry, ‘AI Booker’ would be hilarious. It f$&ks up often and tells terrible jokes, and gives the audience at least 30 seconds of dead air a week. But How about ‘AI Suits’ instead? I have no idea what half of those people do…besides the posing for pictures with artists?”
It’s a brave new world, and Linkin Park just announced a new singer, album, and tour, “What are your thoughts on the addition of Emily Armstrong?” I ask. “We just had Shinoda in. I think he put it so well,” says Booker. “I’m paraphrasing here… He said he understands that it’s so strange to hear anyone singing those lyrics not named Chester. It’s weird for them. They lost a friend. They get that some might be all in from day one, and others may not be feeling it. He just hopes people give it a chance because they are very excited to be repping Linkin Park again. So, naturally, I’m gonna root for them.”
“Is there anyone who could replace Steven Tyler if Aerosmith decided to do the same thing?” “STP did with Chester,” says Booker. “INXS did it. Van Halen did. Journey did. Alice In Chains did. Fuel did. So, why not try if they’re still into it? If you don’t want to go and see them, don’t.”
“What other shows are you listening to right now?” “My favorite DJ at the moment is Maria Palmer on Rock 103.5 in Chicago. Her social media is better than anything I’ve seen from any other radio person in years. Bobby Bones is an incredible interviewer. I’m forever a Howard guy too… Hey now.”
“And where can we find you on social media?” “I’m @chrisbooker everywhere. I’m personally waiting for it to die. I’m not into this fraudulent selling of lives that people are constantly trying to pitch. Get off my lawn…”
Charese Fruge’ is an award-winning Content, Broadcast, and Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego, and Las Vegas. As the owner of MC Media, she works with radio brands and individual talent, especially young women, helping them grow their brands and negotiate on their own behalf. She is also a Voice Actor and Voice Over Talent as well as a Freelance Writer for International Broadcast Outlets. Find her at @MCMediaOnline or www.mcmediaonline.com.
