-
10 Questions with ... Jared Dey
April 19, 2016
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
This past Valentine's Day marked my seventh year in radio, all luckily enough with Cox Media Group in Tampa. I started out as an intern at WSUN, became a board op, then phone screener at WHPT when the station went all Talk, lost that gig when the night show was dissolved, then on to Exec. Producer and co-host for the next night show. In October of 2015, I moved to WPOI and The Miguel Show where I am the third chair and Exec. Producer.
1) What led you to a career in radio?
From the time I was a kid, I always wanted to be in radio. I used to fall asleep listening to nights on WBLI. That's what gave me the idea that radio was a cool job to have ... along with my dad taking me to remotes he heard driving around, where I met great talents. From meeting them, I kinda just knew this was it.
2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Competitive! From my perspective alone we're up against two other morning shows, one syndicated and one heritage. So with our show being the newest one of the three, it's competitive but I enjoy it.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
From the moment I started, it's always been noticing how much of an impact we make on people. Whether it's hitting a funny one-liner, or giving tickets to someone on their way to work, it's being able to make someone's day better even if it's just a little bit that makes me love this industry.
4) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?
Back in late October, about a month after moving to mornings, Taylor Swift was coming to Tampa and we heard from a family of a little girl currently battling leukemia who wanted to meet Taylor, which is a hard request to make happen. At the same time, though, we were doing a contest for front-row tickets to the show where we asked fans to bring a homemade Taylor sign with the winner getting the tickets. Well, when we got on stage we shared this girl's story and how if the crowd didn't mind she would get the tickets and we would give out ticket upgrades instead. Once the family got on stage, you could see the emotions go across the crowd. It was surreal and the greatest thing I've ever been a part of.
5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Right away, I think of Chris Cruise (KMPS). Personally, I don't know of anyone who uses video to their advantage like Chris does. It's something we all do but seriously, he's taken it to a new level.
6) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Oh this is an easy one for me, it has to be Mark Cuban. I'd love to sit down with him for five minutes to just talk about his business career, sports, and maybe pitch him a few ideas.
7) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
It's a toss-up as I consider Drew Garabo (WHPT - afternoons), and Danielle McBroom (WSUN - mornings) my mentors.
Drew Garabo -- I've always been a fan of his style of radio. It's intriguing to me. The way he's able to interact with his audience is something I always listen to as a student of the industry. Along with being a mentor, he's been a great friend who has always supported my career.
Danielle McBroom -- Danielle was the producer of The Morning X. I interned and worked with her, and I picked up as much as I could on how to become a "super-producer" like she was. A lot of what I learned I still use today.
8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I'm a big sports fan. I try to watch or attend as many sporting events as I possibly can. I recently just got into soccer, so I've been making the trip from Tampa to Orlando for Orlando City Soccer games.
9) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Normally, I'm listening to either EDM or Country music. Two completely different ends of the spectrum, you could say, but I'll go from listening to Knife Party to Travis Tritt like it's nobody's business. Listening to music in my car is probably a programmer's nightmare.
10) What advice would you give people new to the business?
It simple to me, but it's to never take no for an answer. If you're determined and show you want to be here, people will take notice.
Bonus Questions
What was your last non-industry job?
While I was still doing nights, I would manage a tattoo shop during the day. It was interesting. Much like radio, I would get to hear all these interesting stories. Some of the things I would hear would instantly make the best content.
-
-