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10 Questions with ... John Rozz
October 22, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WDIZ/Orlando ... 1987-1990
- WDVE/Pittsburgh ... 1990
- WYFM/Youngstown ... 1991-1992
- WSHE/Miami ... 1992-1995
- WBGG/Miami ... 1995-1997
- WBYR+WFWI/Ft. Wayne ... 1997-1998
- WRXK/Ft. Myers ... 1998-2008
- WJBX/Ft. Myers ... 2000-2008
- WARO/Ft. Myers ... 2009-Present
- WXNX/Ft. Myers ... 2013-Present
1. How many years have you been programming in Ft. Myers now and what excited you most about programming 93X?
I have been programming in Southwest Florida since 1998. I am thrilled to be involved with 93X! It is a brand I'm VERY passionate about (having programmed WJBX in a similar style) ... and beyond the music, attitude and creativity, I'm excited to work with Jeff Zito and Roach (once again), along with Theo and Nikki ... I look forward to coming to work every day!
2. Tell us about the station's signal coverage?
WXNX is 50,000 watts ... we cover the entire metro (Lee and Collier Counties).
3. What would surprise people most about 93X?
I'm not sure it's a surprise, but we're very conservative and library-based compared to most "alternatives." The median year of our music is 2002-2003.
4. How would you describe the music and imaging on the station?
93X is programmed and imaged much like an Active Rock station. Our music rocks...then, we'll take a left turn into the Imagine Dragons, or a hit from the Black Keys, Cake, 311 or a Radiohead to change the flow.
5. Why is 93X positioned as an Active-leaning Alternative station?
After 15+ years of living in Ft. Myers and numerous music tests, we've concluded Southwest Florida loves to rock...period. This area is conservative, older and has a strong Midwest feel. Having grown-up in Pittsburgh and worked throughout the Midwest, I feel this area (musically) is a meat-n-potatoes town.
I have experimented with more "alternative" songs, but they just don't perform as well as the heavier, guitar-driven songs.
6. How much are you balancing gut with research when making decisions on new music?
At the moment, Roach and I are using quite a bit of gut...and unfortunately, I have a lot more gut than Roach to use!! We do not have access to local research at this time, so we use our instincts, regional sales and national chart info...plus, we lean on our consultants - Alex DeMers and Peter Smith (they have access to research).
7. What is it like working for Sun Broadcasting?
Sun Broadcasting has a very professional atmosphere. The owners work in this building, which makes it possible to quickly get answers and move forward. We share a facility with Ft. Myers Broadcasting, so there are 9 radio stations and 3 TV stations in one building. Sun Broadcasting owns 5 radio stations and 2 TV stations...so, we need to run a "tight ship" around here to keep things running smoothly.
8. What do you love most about your job?
Getting results. I love the creativity aspect...whether it's building a staff, a promotion, designing music, imagery or creating our own music festivals ... getting great results makes all the hard work worthwhile!
9. What are you most passionate about?
My family!! My wife, Sherri, and my two kids, Nicholas and Gianna ... they fuel my passion!
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Laughter ... even when I have a lot on my plate, I try to enjoy the lighthearted moments each day.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy cooking (I'm Italian!)...and coaching Pop Warner football. I love football...played a lot of football...now, I get to give back to the game, teach the sport and influence young men with important life lessons along the way.
Last non-industry job?
Tough question...I worked for myself doing voiceovers, but that's sort of industry-related. I'd have to go back to my time at WDIZ/Orlando when I worked evenings as a trainer in gym to make extra cash.
First record ever purchased?
Not sure which one was first...but I remember having quite a bit of vinyl...Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Peter Frampton "Comes Alive" ... that may have been an 8-track? WOW!
First concert?
My mom always loved music, so I went to a few concerts with my family when I was young. But the first rock concert I remember was either ZZ Top or U2 at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena (around 1980).
Favorite band of all-time?
Led Zeppelin!
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