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10 Questions with ... Jim Maschio
October 9, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at Coastal Broadcasting as a Board Op and have worked my way up to the position I am in now. The company allowed me to come on board full-time right out of high school in '08 when I graduated from Wildwood High to help with production, board opping, and voice tracking. Since then I've learned a lot and am very blessed and happy to be PD of 106.3 WJSE.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I became interested in radio at a young age because my father has always been in radio. When i was about 8 years old I remember sitting in on a radio show that he did on 98.7 K Rock called "The Buzz." From that point on I was always interested in getting behind the mic, but I have always had a huge interest in music. That I would say is the main reason I love radio, being raised around alternative rock my entire life has definitely built me up to the position I am in now.
2. What led to the return of WJSE?
The return of WJSE was a no brainer in my mind. We're the only Alternative Rock station in South Jersey until you reach Philadelphia. The listeners are very devoted and haven't had a cure for their Alt Rock itch since WDOX and the old WJSE.
3. How would you describe the music and imaging on the station?
The Music is a mix between active and alternative rock, when we first talked about the station we wanted to be heavy but at the same time we wanted to keep the feeling of the 90's alternative scene alive with bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Weezer, etc... We were originally going to go all active, that went away fairly quick when we found out the WJSE call Letters were available. I listened to a number of different radio stations around the country to get an idea of what was going on, and I think we reached a very happy medium and it still sounds very unique in its state. One because we're not solely alternative or active, and the mix is very pleasing and fresh to our area. You get a little bit of everything from the alternative realm without going too far back and being considered "classic rock."
4. What is most important to you when championing new music for the station?
When I'm listening to the new music I do listen to make sure it's not too obscure, because some of it does get spacey and very ambient and too much of that could hurt us I think. I think what is most important with the new music is finding what's hot right now, playing that and searching a little bit deeper and building your own sound with the up and coming artists. I follow the charts and trends but you will hear some new artists that might not be played in other stations yet, but they will be!
5. Tell us about the team at WJSE Rocks?
The team here at WJSE is a knock out team, on-air especially. Monday through Saturday from 6-10a we have The Bob And Tom Show which is hysterical, has won numerous awards, and brings a different crowd to our station that may not have tuned in just for the music before. I also think it's funny to listen to at any age. From 10a-3p DJ Tanner is live on the air and Mark Thompson takes over from 3-7p. From 7-midnight Monday through Friday we have Cool Guy who was featured on XM's Liquid Metal. Our Saturday Nights from 7-midnight are carried by our secret weapon "The Hoff"! Sunday mornings start off sweet and simple from 6-10a with Sunday Morning acoustic sets, where you can tune in and hear all your favorite alternative bands unplugged. Then Sundays we go underground with Fame Free Sundays hosted by DJ Tanner and Austin who talk Local and unsigned music as well as the underground stuff that's not to prevalent on the airwaves.
Our promotions team here at WJSE is top notch, we're starting our own live stripped down music sessions with national artists coming through and playing to V.I.P audiences, Along with concert tickets almost every week.
6. Why will WJSE be successful?
WJSE will succeed because of the demand for alternative music. We're the only one doing it from Cape May Point until Philadelphia. Plus the times call for something new, music is changing every day, its hard to even focus on a key sound for the "alternative genre" because everything sounds so different. Right now I'm looking at our top 40 station and there are a number of songs that have exceeded the alternative status they were given and have reached top 40 statuses. The station is very diverse and I think that works to our advantage.
7. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
The part of my job I like best is hearing all the new music, I love to hear new music especially the stuff they're pushing for specialty formats. It's a great way to see who's out there and you're bound to stumble upon the next upcoming genre. The part I like least is probably planning my days out to get everything done (laughs).. There is a lot to do in a day and planning is a pain! In the end though it all gets done!
8. How are you using Social Media as a marketing tool?
We use social media all day every day! Our Facebook page is packed with multimedia and information about our artists, we run contests on it, take requests. Same thing goes for our Twitter! We also utilize Instagram during remote broadcasts for taking photos of our clients, listeners, products we are pushing etc...facebook.com/1063wjse and twitter.com/1063wjse check them out.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Raspberry Snapple, My Mac Book Pro, and my iPhone! No doubt about it!
10. What would surprise people most about you?
The fact that I am so young and am so family-oriented. If I'm not listening to or playing music I'm with my son James and fiancée Britt. There's nothing I would trade for time with them!
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Playing guitar, recording music, and playing with my son
Last non-industry job?
Cashier at local skate shop! I think I can grip a skateboard deck faster than any one reading this!
First record ever purchased?
The Offspring-Americana
First concert?
Sugar Ray! I'll never forget hearing brownies and lemonade live!
Favorite band of all-time?
Either The Misfits or Have Heart, two great bands that plastered my walls from 8th grade until I was about 20 and had to grow up!
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