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10 Questions with ... Jana Kaplan
June 21, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
DEMO:
I grew up doing theatre and was in the midst of getting my degree when I suddenly had a revelation that I wanted to do radio. After all, I had a big mouth and I'm as open of a book as they come, so why not? At the time, I was in my junior year of college and knew I needed to get an internship ASAP, so I applied everywhere, landed at Elvis Duran's doorstep, and the rest is history!
From there, I went on to intern and eventually work at SiriusXM, where I got my first shot at consistently being on air. Six months into producing, I got a part-time jocking position at WBLI/Long Island, and then was offered my big break: to co-host a morning show in Central PA.
I consider myself a shock jock and I hope I could one day let loose and say what's really on my mind. Until then, I'll work out, eat healthy, and try and fix this face for radio.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I keep myself grounded. Being in Central PA, it was very common for people to stop me on the streets and know who I was. I could've easily gotten a big head, but instead, I got super-involved in the community, stayed humble, and let other people's praises remind me of the good work I'm doing.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I'd love to, if the right opportunity comes along. My family was going through some hardship, so I moved back home to be close to them. I'm hoping I can find my way back into the industry while being within an arm's reach of the people I love the most.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Maintain connections! Some of my greatest mentors and now best friends in the industry are people I once interviewed for, interned with or just sent my demo too. Persistence is key: be aggressive without being annoying!
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access is a given, but I also love scouring individual company sites.
5) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
It's no surprise that starting off in radio, you're not going to be raking in the dough. But I definitely was pleasantly surprised at how much extra you can make from endorsements, broadcasts, etc. Perks are nice :)
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I don't think people expect so much filth to come out of a woman's mouth. There are some great shock jocks out there but I'd love to set the bar for the female population. Not all of us are dainty and quite honestly, many women can relate to some of my vulgar stories!
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Always. I turn on a station for the music but stay for the jocks. I like to hear good work, wherever I'm at.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Broadcasting live from Punxsutawney on Groundhog's Day. The station I was at, Froggy 98, had been around 25 years but had never experienced something so close to home. I was determined to make that year my year, and I did.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I definitely miss the connection I made with our listeners. Sometimes, I would say something on a whim and someone would call me out on it later, saying it made their day. I didn't care if I was being paid or not, I was going to go out in the freezing cold or drive through a parade if that meant I could make memories for them. Believe it or not, I miss waking up at 4a!
I don't miss the crappy cell phones people would call on. Central PA has more bad service providers than Steelers fans ... and that's saying something!
10) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
You have to do what truly makes you happy. I love radio, but being all alone 300 miles away from my family made me start to resent what was an incredibly great experience. I have no regrets about my decision to jump into a totally different culture, but being closer to home is what makes me feel full and life is too short to not feel full every single day.
Bonus Questions
Seen any great movies?
Spotlight and Room were out of this world! I haven't been speechless from a movie, let alone two, in so long. I have to say though, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 surpassed my expectations!
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