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10 Questions with ... Jumpin’ Jeff Walker
October 27, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
My story is short. I left home in 1979 and put in a year of small town radio in Manchester, NH. I jumped at the opportunity in October of 1980 to be part of a new station called WKRZ in Wilkes Barre, PA … and I lived happily ever after!
1. Congrats on hitting the 40 year mark! How many Program Directors have been through those storied hallways during your tenure?
Oddly, less than 10.
2. What was your favorite radio station growing up? Favorite jock?
I grew up outside Boston, so I always had my little transistor radio tuned to 68 WRKO! Right at 6pm, I’d listen for the “Exciting Mike Adams.” I LOVED his voice!
3. How would you describe your first radio gig? Disaster?
I did weekend overnights and I was honestly the only person listening. I was trying to be funny when I should have been trying to calm down and speak clearly.
4. Your co-host Amanda has now been plugged in across from you for more than 10 years. What does she bring to the show and how does she make you a better performer?
The show totally changed when she arrived. We are truly like Beauty and the Beast. She’s creative, smart, quirky, and can really express a woman’s viewpoint. I’m that bull in a china shop, well aware of the carnage I’m causing. I find it delightfully fun. She often has to reign me in, especially in these times of “I’m OFFENDED” and I am smart enough to heed the advice. We’ve learned so much about each other and we love to brainstorm ideas. Our on air chemistry naturally comes to life.
5. How have you folks been navigating the pandemic? In the studio? At home? Some sort of combination?
During the stay at home order in the spring, I was in studio every day and Amanda was at home. Oh the sheer joy of those zoom sessions! In May, she rejoined me in studio, thankfully. Our building is still mostly working from home which means I have exclusive control of the beloved coffee maker.
6. How has what we’ve collectively been going through together since March shaped you as a broadcaster and community voice?
I truly felt like this was the purpose of my career; my defining moment. It demonstrated the power of radio; keeping people entertained, informed and most of all, providing a familiar voice during a scary, dark time. In fact, Amanda and I started doing a bonus live show on Sundays which listeners really seemed to appreciate. Truly connecting with our listeners during uncertain times.
7. You’re obviously someone that the listeners have come to trust. How have you been able to take that trust and build on it and help local charities?
One of my passions over the years has been an incredibly successful parody band I named The Wackjobs. I released 7 CD’s, raising thousands and thousands over the years for local charities. Then of course, KRZ as a station is heavily invested in community events and fundraisers. So we keep pretty damn busy!
8. It’s likely that the grandchildren of some of the people who were listening to you when you started at ‘KRZ in 1980 are listening to you now. How do you keep what you do fresh every time that you crack the mic?
I literally meet people all the time who proudly approach me to tell me they have listened to me their entire life! Like, I am the only afternoon guy they have ever listened to! Mind blowing! This will sound weird, but when I see someone my age, I think…gee they’re old! Haha Honestly, in my head I’m like 45. Plus I work hard to stay in really good physical shape.
9. Which social media platforms best help you to engage with your listeners these days?
In our market, Facebook and Instagram. Personally, I like using FB to see what people locally are talking about for show purposes.
10. It’s hard to imagine that someone who’s just breaking in to the business could have a 40 year run at the same station. What would you say to her or him to motivate them personally and professionally?
Radio is a rough, unstable industry. So don’t jump in unless you love creativity, hard work, social media and long hours. Not sure I did a very good hype job there!
Bonus Questions
When all of this is behind us, and budget is not a consideration, what 3 artists are you pulling together for a massive ‘welcome back’ concert?
Well since this is my interview, I am going to choose 3 artists that would cover my career from the 80’s through today. Night Ranger, Matchbox 20, and The Killers.
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