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10 Questions with ... Dave Jackson
June 10, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started with computer science. Decided I hated it. Started radio as a mixer/imaging assistant at WFBC. Expanded the mix show to a few other stations. After a few stops along the way, ended up in Greenville again.
1. You mentioned that Alternative is playing a big role in Top 40 right now. Explain how that has changed the way you program X98.5?
With SO MANY great new alternative songs quickly finding their way onto CHR charts, I've found that increasing the percentage of new/current spins each hour has increased our TSL dramatically. Our playlist feels like a CHR station, but I find myself reminding people that alternative radio was the pioneer of a lot of the music that CHR stations are adding.
2. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
Not sure how I'd describe myself. In my opinion, a lot of older programming philosophies aren't applicable in radio today. People have a wide variety of places to find music on-demand. I'm finding it counter-productive to play the "chart waiting game" the past couple of years. When you find the right song, PLAY IT. You can't let a city across America (I hope I don't get fired for saying that) or charts dictate the songs your listeners want. Winners win by paying attention to the P1's.
3. Tell us about the station's growth since signing on almost two years ago?
X98.5 has evolved dramatically since its launch. What began as a male dominated mixture of active rock, alternative of the '80s, '90s, early '00s ,and a handful of new alternative songs is now the new alternative music leader with the scales tipping slightly to the ladies (60/40). The overall cume continues to grow each month!
4. How has the station changed since switching to Summit Media?
Little to none. It was an extremely smooth transition and Summit Media has been supportive of the format and its local success!
5. What may surprise people the most about X98.5?
No jocks and actual "NEW" music... Not just music we refer to as "new". NEW music!
6. What makes the station unique?
What makes X98.5 unique is the same thing that may surprise people. No Jocks and NEW music!
7. How are you using social media to connect with listeners?
X98.5 has no jocks, so social media is THE way we connect with listeners. Everything from contest announcements and artist news to memes... Everyone loves memes, right? Social media is how we address and respond to our listeners questions, comments, and concerns. One thing we know for sure, our X listeners are PASSIONATE about music.
8. What is the toughest part of your job?
When you love your job, coworkers and format as much as I do, there's nothing tough about it. If I had to choose one thing, it would be reaching NEW listeners. It's challenging to reach listeners with a translator and no budget!
9. What are you most passionate about?
The MUSIC! I LOVE this format and I feel like the format is loving us back! I've worked in quite a few formats and alternative is by FAR my favorite!
10. What's it like living in Greenville, SC?
Greenville is a BEAUTIFUL little-big city. It's growing rapidly and the people here are the BEST. I'm lucky to have grown up here and I have GREAT friends in the competing radio groups. It's great to work in markets where you compete in the office and share shots the moment you walk out.
Bonus Questions
What was your favorite station to listen to growing up in Greenville and what do you remember the most about the station?
Actually, my favorite station was in CHARLOTTE! It was Kiss 102. My only desire was to be a mixer and Kiss 102 had THE.BEST. DJs ever! I would record the weekend mixshows on my tape deck and I was all set for the week!
How did you get the name "Supa" Dave?
When I started working as a club DJ in my teen years, I didn't have a DJ name. My name was Dave. That's it. That's all I had. My hype man was actually a strip club host who loved crack. He said "Dave" will never do. We'll just call you "SUPER DAVE"... I decided I wouldn't go for that. Unacceptable. It's SUPA or nothing! (True story)
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