-
10 Questions with ... George 'Jax' Cotsirilos
June 18, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Originally from Chicago, I started my radio career in Decatur, IL at WDZQ (95Q) as a weekend board op running NASCAR races while in college. When I graduated, I moved back to Chicago where I became a full-time sports intern at WGN-A. From there, I bounced around, interning at WMVP-A ESPN 1000 and finally getting hired as a part-time board op. If that wasn't enough, I also took on part-time duties for iHeartMedia reporting traffic for Total Traffic Weather Network Chicago hub as well as hosting a weekend show on suburban WZSR (Star 105.5). After doing that for five years, I took a gig in Columbia, MO at KTXY (Y107), co-hosting a morning show. Held that for almost two years before making the jump to Knoxville, TN where I'm now nights for WWST (Star 102.1) and most recently tracking for Omaha, NE KQCH (Channel 94.1 FM).
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Painful but grateful. I got my first gig with 95Q in Decatur, IL where I went to school so how could I complain? But it was also running NASCAR races on radio. Every weekend. You haven't lived until you've heard that. It did teach me how to use a board and get me my first cracks at radio though.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
In 2002 (Bah gawd, seeing that in writing makes me realize how long ago that was), I looked for summer classes to fill my time properly until the start of the school year. At my local college, there was a radio workshop. Being the timid guy I was, I thought this was going to be so cool. Seeing my first look at a radio station was amazing. I still remember being a smart-ass on-air to one of the disc jockeys. He cut my mic off. I knew at that point I wanted to be on air.
3) How do you go about putting together your night show at Star 102.1 in Knoxville ... any special nightly features? How interactive are you with your listeners?
I check socials and see what's trending, snapshot and save stories I come across throughout the day I think would be fun, and analyze my life to see if there's anything relatable to talk about. When it comes to segments, our main one is the Top 5 at 7. I inherited from the previous jock as it's been a staple in this market for over a decade. It's a countdown but I try to involve the audience in it. I created a 'New Music Match Up' segment as a way to add or at least showcase new music faster. I thought it'd be a great way to keep up with the streaming, get-it-now culture we live in. It pits two songs against one another, and the audience votes on it on socials and through calling. The listeners here are amazing and super responsive to topics and bits.
4) SummitMedia has recently enlisted you to do nights at sister Channel 94.1 in Omaha via voicetrack. How is that going for you?
Well, it's been about three weeks in and I haven't screwed up yet so that's nice. For real, though, it's been great. My bosses there and our consultant have my back 100%. They believe in me and in what I do. It's a wonderful feeling to have that type of support.
5) Are you able to use social media to tie it all together?
It's a bit difficult to be in both markets on the air at the same time. I have to keep a very neutral base on my own personal socials as to hide that I'm not actually in one. That can be difficult at times but I find that most topics and stories can go well across both stations. It's interesting to see the difference in the type of responses and people in both markets.
6) What is the most challenging part of the job?
To be honest, putting 'on' when you're having a not so great day. We all deal with our own problems outside of this studio and sometimes it's hard to put it aside and perform. But that's the job. Leaving your baggage at the door and doing the best damn show you can for four or five hours. I love it when I'm able to bring my issues on the air, too. Very therapeutic.
7) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Believe in what you do and others will believe in you. Listeners, bosses, co-workers can sense insecurity and fear. You have to be confident and trust yourself.
8) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Anderson .Paak or John Mayer. They're my two favorite artists and seem like they'd be the greatest to kick it with.
9) What was your favorite radio station to listen to as a kid? Jock?
I listened to 103.5 Kiss, B96 or 101.9 The Mix a LOT when I was a kid in Chicago. Part of that was my mom driving me around but I'd sit and listen on my AIWA stereo and try to mimic my own breaks. Jocks? Sadly, the only one that really comes to mind is Mancow. Not a huge fan these days.
10) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I feel this is like the part of an Oscar speech where you thank who helped you get to where you were. There's a few people who are friends that I look up to in our industry. Brady at Kiss FM Chicago, Jason Cage at Mix 96.5 Houston, Matt Malone at 101.9 Alt Orlando all have really helped guide me and given me great advice in this industry. All of them have had an influence on me on and off the air. My former PD Chris Hauger and co-host Cosmo at KTXY gave me great advice as well.
Bonus Questions
What was the first concert that you ever attended? Best?
Oh Lord, the first concert I ever went to was Backstreet Boys. My mom won a four-pack of tickets from a radio station ironically enough. The best? Coldplay. And I'm not even the biggest Coldplay fan. I went into that show with zero expectations and came out with a new level of what a show should be. Between the singing, the interaction, the confetti (there's a lot of it), it was just a good time.
-
-