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10 Questions with ... Jay Sparxx
November 25, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at 15 years old at WRCL in Flint, MI. I was the co-host of Nightclub 93-7 at WRCL from 2009-2010. Nights and AMD at WXYK/Biloxi 2010-2011, nights and Promotions Director at WHBQ/Memphis 2011-2012, nights at WNKS/Charlotte 2012-current.
1) What led you to a career in radio?
The creative aspect ... the fact that no two days are the same. You can literally CREATE content. CREATE contests. You can determine how your day at work goes.
2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
LOYAL -- on both sides of the fence. Once a listener, always a listener. And the talent here has been branded well and makes an impact in this community.
3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
Currently no, but I WOULD LOVE to add to my duties. I've always had a passion for programming. Being a part of making the station flow, and evolve into its own living, breathing thing has been a goal of mine from day one.
4) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
Heeey, c'mon ... I don't listen to anything but FM radio. But if I did utilize "other avenues" of music listening, it would probably be Country music in general. That format has changed over the years to become more appealing to young and old across the board.
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
Prior to radio, I was a full-time ASE certified mechanic for GM and Chrysler. I grew up as a grease monkey.
6) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
Social Media Director. No disrespect to our digital department at all. I bet they're cheering for this. We need someone to DEDICATE their day to socials. Tweets, Instagram, Facebook ... that's the avenue that we sometimes forget to utilize to the fullest. Don't just post, but interact with listeners.
7) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Until I was about 17 and officially on board at WRCL - I admit I was a P1 for WKQI in Detroit. Channel 9-5-5. I grew up listening to Mojo.
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
The connection, the creativity, making a difference in someone's day. Having the opportunity to be part of a team that is like nothing else in the "working world."
9) What advice you would give people new to the business?
RUN!! - Kidding! Be persistent. Be local. Be relatable. Remember that YOU are a part of the fabric of your market. And always have fun. Radio shouldn't be a JOB; it should be a CAREER.
10) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool?"
Interesting question ... I feel like the "up-and-coming" talents are in a unique situation. They literally grew up with social media and modern technology. Granted, I was a teenager when social media became popular, but the younger generation has had it from day one. They truly know how to utilize and market with it. They get how to use it as a tool. We've adapted, but I believe that those who are "Newbies" now can have a huge impact on the way we are perceived as "radio" as a business through technology even more-so than we already are. Did I answer that or go somewhere completely different???
Bonus Questions
Ha ... Thankfully I've only violated the FCC once. I was an intern at WRCL on the night show with Ian (Slacker - WDZH). He gives me a shot to comment on a topic and the first thing out of my mouth is "Ooohhh SH*T." Needless to say, I wasn't allowed back on the air for awhile.
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