ONE ON ONE | Tom Pappas Staying on top of Top 40 never gets old

What's the biggest challenge in radio today?
Well, there are different scenarios. If you are owned by a company that is publicly traded and has investors, it's keeping the balance -- keeping the investors happy; keeping the money that they give you, because you know it's going to be pretty tight, they want the bottom line to be sharp and tight; and keeping the radio station sounding as hot as we are, promotionally as active and keeping things rolling with what they give you.
How much influence do you have on play lists?
Probably 99.9 percent. I work with a consultant, but we pretty much agree on just about everything. I've always prided myself on having a keen ear for music.
Who is your favorite classic band and your favorite contemporary one?
Growing up, I was influenced a lot -- well, I'll give you a few names. Genesis, one of my favorite bands of all time, even through Phil Collins being solo. Elton John was another one, and still is. Also growing up, Barry Manilow was an influence musically -- he's the reason I learned to play piano. Currently, well, there's a lot. Bands like Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls -- I sway more towards them. I like the rock sound.
Best concert you've ever seen?
Oh, Elton John concerts, several times.
What do you like about the people of the Mahoning Valley?
This is where I grew up. I could have left here. A lot of people I know left the Valley. I've had more than one offer, believe me. In fact, most recently I had an offer to leave. But my family, my roots are here. The people are very tight here. There's a family and closeness -- not only with your own family being raised here, but the community itself. It's like one big family. That's what I always got out of it. Being Greek, it's a tighter knit. The Greeks are a tight-knit community, as are the Italians and everybody else.
Do you have any "Dilbert"-like observations about work?
It's not work. I come in and play music every day. Every day is totally different than the one before, and tomorrow will be another different day. That's the most enjoyable part. And I get paid for that. That's the greatest part. As far as program directing, I get to pick the music? C'mon now. That's the ultimate. Also, you go out and meet people.
Everyone needs an escape from time to time. Where would you go?
Las Vegas. If I had money I'd go there all the time. I was supposed to go in September -- actually, Sept. 12, go figure. That was canceled abruptly. I plan on going again when I reschedule my vacation that I never got. That's always fun; I enjoy slot machines.
What would make this area a better place to live?
I think a casino -- something that a lot of people can visit our Valley [to do]. I can't think of anything other than that. I know a lot of people in churches [frown upon] it. All I know is, I've been down to Mountaineer (Race Track and Gaming Resort in Chester, W.Va.). I've seen plates from all over Mahoning and Columbiana and Trumbull County in that parking lot, and thinking all of that money is going down there. It should be staying right here in the Valley. If you don't like gambling, don't go.
What do you like to read?
I read a lot of trade magazines. . . . As far as books, like the Oprah club, I'm not into that.
Are you a spiritual person?
Yes. I'm a Christian, Greek Orthodox. I go to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. A lot of meditation on my own. I believe in an afterlife.
Favorite local restaurant?
The Boathouse in Boardman.
Favorite dish?
Chicken piccata. With greens. Easy on the garlic. And a close second is Damon's Ribs, because I enjoy their ribs.
What do you do to have fun?
I enjoy going online. I have a lot of computer games -- Scrabble, Jeopardy, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. I have my own gambling games -- not online. ... I like to travel, like to go to New York, catch a show. I enjoy going to Florida.
What do you think you'll do when you retire?
Probably part-time radio. About this business, there's just something you don't drop. I might go on a vacation for a couple weeks, but I know I'll miss it terribly when that day comes. I'll be back in it, I'm sure. I know this is my life. I know I'm probably not going to leave the area.