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10 Questions with ... Jon Watkins
August 3, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started as a phone screener for KZLA/Los Angeles. It was an internship while finishing my film degree at CSULB. I loved radio so much that I bugged the PD RJ Curtis until I was given a job. Once I was in the building, I realized that I wanted to be a morning radio host, so I moved out to KFDI/Wichita for two years. From there, Salt Lake City called, and I spent the next ten years as morning host for KEGA. During this time, budget cuts began, and I took on the MD title. Then two years later the PD title was added. This was all country music! It was only four years ago that I was moved over to Top 40 with KUDD.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
My first morning co-host gig in Wichita was a blast. KFDI was such a big station and Wichita was a small market. It was like being a mini celebrity. I think I peaked early because we won a CMA for “Personality of the Year” after two years of hosting mornings. That ends up being something that I continued to chase for another ten years while in Country. I also had an amazing PD, Beverlee Brannigan, to kick off my career during a time when a lot of radio hosts had PD horror stories.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I was a phone screener for KZLA because I needed internship hours. Not only was the morning show so much fun to be around, but this was Los Angeles! We would have huge celebrities in studio every day. It was only when I moved to KFDI that I learned you wouldn’t be getting Val Kilmer or Sylvester Stallone (they were big stars when I was there!) into the building.
3. Are things back to “normal” as far as staff being back in the building and studios these days?
No, but we are slowly getting back to normal. We had our first in-person promotions meeting last week. I loved it! The energy was so much different and fun.
4. What did you learn about yourself as a programmer navigating the pandemic?
You must remain positive so the team can be positive. They look to you for guidance. It is not always easy when you are wondering what’s going to happen next.
5. You’re still on the air—doing mornings no less. Why is it important for you to continue to crack the mic on a daily basis?
It’s why I got into radio. I love doing mornings. I get to hang in studio with my friend, talk to listeners on the phone and then play games. Once I step out of the studio, “work” begins.
6. Your co-host, Chantel, recently re-joined you on the morning show. What does she bring to the table and how do you two set the tone for the rest of Mix’s broadcast day?
It was exciting to have her back in the building. She is so real and honest, listeners love her. We both are really focused on mental health, so we try to bring that on air. Positivity is key. Life’s hard right now, your morning show shouldn’t be.
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?
That is hard to do right now! Staffing is tight. We started hitting the streets again at the beginning of July. We knew that we wanted to have a presence at an event for the 4th. To win, you need to be top of mind, so we are doing everything we can to be back out on the streets.
8. Have we heard The Song Of Summer 2021 yet? If so, what is it?
I’m not sure if it’s radio’s “Song of Summer” but Tai Verdes “A-OK” is my personal song of the summer. I love the vibe.
9. What were your favorite stations growing up as a kid? Jock(s)?
KROQ and “Kevin and Bean”. They were it for me. I listened every morning. Even after moving away to Wichita, I still listened to their show. I was that P1 that was visibly upset when Bean left and then they flipped the show a few months later.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Buzz Brainard from KZLA was one of my main mentors starting out. He pushed me to move to Wichita and take the next step in my career. Once out there, he would still check in with me (and still does). He has been my biggest influence.
Dan Tooker was the host at KFDI and taught me how to run a show. He let me try new things, fail and then try again. There was a lot of trust between the two of us. I really appreciate that time together.
Bonus Questions
With the Vivint Arena at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a Mix Welcome Back Bash?
I’m gonna pick my family’s favorite acts- why not?! My wife would kill me if I didn’t bring Shawn Mendes in for the show. I would want Halsey. She was who I was most excited about seeing last year before the pandemic hit. My son is obsessed with AJR. And my 7-year-old daughter loves Taylor Swift, so she’s headlining.
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