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10 Questions with ... Jerry Noble
June 29, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Please give us a brief career synopsis…40 years in the industry, on the air and programming multiple formats (CHR/Hot AC/AC/Classic Hits/News Talk) all over Michigan, from the Upper Peninsula to Detroit, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, and Flint for the last 10 years at CK105.5. I also work with the Westwood One Hot AC format.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
My first gig was afternoons on WQXO/Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I lived in a small trailer along M-28 next to a holiday gift shop in the village of Christmas, Michigan. The joke goes, ‘I moved so far North that Santa Claus was my neighbor.’
2. What led you to a career in radio?
Like a lot of talent, the “performance gene” of music, theatre, and even co-hosting the morning announcements in high school all led to wanting to be the person on the radio having fun.
3. Are things back to “normal” as far as staff being back in the building and studios these days?
Not yet, but we’re getting there. I appreciate the level of concern being shown by the team at Cumulus to not just get everyone back in, but safely.
4. What did you learn about yourself as a programmer navigating the pandemic?
While the isolation of working at home can be a bit unnerving with no one around to interact with, I found it gave me a better opportunity to really focus on the core essence of what we do to inform and entertain listeners.
5. You’re still on the air—hosting afternoons every day. Why is it important for you to continue to crack the mic on a daily basis?
After all these years, it’s still the fun part. And while tastes change and demos shift, I still get just as much of a kick from premiering a superstar artist, sharing a backup on I-75, giving away concert tickets, and being “on the radio” as I did when I started.
6. Which social media platforms are working best for you and the staff these days?
With limited time and resources, we tend to focus on the more traditional broad reach stuff like FB and Instagram, but used strategically, whatever platform you like, be present on it.
7. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community? Have you been getting back out there yet?
We’re still finding our way through it again as things reopen. I’ve always been a believer in the Cumulus mantra of ”HABU” (Highest And Best Use) of your time. If it’s the right event, or the right place to be for our target audience, then let’s go there or talk about it on the air.
8. Have we heard The Song Of Summer, 2021 yet? If so, what is it?
While nothing has hit me as a checks all the boxes “consensus” record yet, I should probably answer Olivia Rodrigo “good 4 u,” even though I really like the vibe of Nelly/FGL.
9. What were your favorite stations growing up as a kid? Jock(s)?
Growing up in suburban Detroit, CKLW, WDRQ, WCZY, WHYT, along with some of the great rock jocks on WRIF, W4, WABX, and WLLZ. Too many to mention.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I don’t think you’re ever too old to not have people to mentor or inspire you. Early on, I think we all “borrow” from the stations we grew up with, and expanded that as we moved along, meet new people, and expand our world view. That said, it starts with the late Dick Kernen at Specs Howard, moves into the work of smart consultants like Mike McVay, and continues now working day-to-day with Brian Philips, Doug Hamand, and Louie Diaz. There are also many contemporaries both on air and in consultancies I consider friends and influences across the industry. You just want people around you that will stand up and say “I’ve got his/her/their back.”
Bonus Questions
With the venue of your choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a CK105.5 welcome back concert?
It’ll be an incredible night at the DFCU Center in Flint when we bring in Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Nelly, and BTS.
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