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10 Questions with ... Jeremy "JB Love" Behling
October 14, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started as an intern at 97ZOK (WZOK/Rockford, IL) in 2004 and worked my way to weekends/swing, to nights/Imaging Director, to afternoon drive/Imaging Director. In 2011, my position was cut and I had a brief stint as a board op for The Bert Show at i94 WRWM. Later that year, I joined Maverick Media in Rockford, IL in a variety of roles including part-time sales and afternoon producer for an FM Talk station. In January of 2013, I accepted nights at KOSP/Springfield, MO. In July of this year, I made a huge decision to relocate my wife and children and I back to Rockford to be closer to family.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I remind myself that I could be working at a job that is miserably repetitive, but instead I'm doing what I've wanted to do since I was eight-year-old.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I'm working on improving my blog, podcast, and social media. Doing so keeps me in the habit of show prep.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Be persistent through e-mail and social media and don't take no for an answer.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access, of course!
5) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I've got seven-plus years of full-time experience. Every daypart I've been in has reached #1 or #2 in the most important demos. I also bring killer imaging skills and photo (logo)/video editing skills. I can do just about anything pertaining to radio. If I don't know it, I'll learn it quickly. If you want knowledge, understanding, and positive at-work vibes, I'm your guy.
6) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes, I'm a radio junkie, always have been. I go up and down the FM dial searching for imaging and delivery in hopes of learning something new. On top of that I listen to WGN at least an hour a day and there are four or five podcasts I make a point to listen to every week.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I left Rockford, my home town and first market, for a new challenge. I did nights at a Rhythmic Top 40 (KOSP) on a brand-new station in a market where I didn't know anyone. My ratings went from the bottom and made it to #2 in only three books. The fact that I had success by taking listeners from the competing heritage Top 40 gave me the confidence that I know what I'm doing.
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
If you're not sure who is important in your life and career, you'll learn when relocation happens. If they drop off the face of the earth, they're not meant to be a part of your life anymore.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Bust your ass, be ready to work, do whatever is asked of you regardless of whether it's related to on-air, and make friends. Networking is a valuable tool in our industry.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
I see myself programming a radio station and working with a staff that will have a positive impact on the community unlike anything that market has seen before.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
"Every Day a Friday: How To Be Happier 7 Days a Week" by Joel Osteen.
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