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10 Questions with ... Jagger
July 10, 2007
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NAME:JaggerTITLE:On-Air Personality / Programming Assistant WKTU, midday on-air personality WKCISTATION:WKTU & WKCIMARKET:New YorkOWNER:Clear Channel
Please outline your radio career so far:
WHOT/Youngstown, OH: Board-Op, Weekends, Nights and Music Director
WEDA/Birmingham, AL: Music Director, Nights
WYOK/Mobile, AL: Music Director, Nights
WCKZ/Fort Wayne, IN: Assistant Program Director, Music Director, Nights
WNOU/Indianapolis, IN: Weekends, Swing
KUDD/Salt Lake City, UT: Nights
KZHT/Salt Lake City, UT: Music Director, Nights and Afternoon Drive
KUUU/Salt Lake City, UT: Weekends, Swing
WKCI/New Haven, CT: Music Director, Nights and Afternoon Drive
WHTZ/New York City, NY: Weekends/Swing
WKTU/New York City, NY: Nights/Programming Assistant1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
I got my start in my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio at WHOT (Hot 101). I was only 16 at the time and I was doing everything I could to help and to learn as much as I could. I was mainly running the board for Casey's Top 40, Sunday Polka Shows and Pittsburgh Pirates games. By the time I was a senior in High School I got my first shot on the air going by the name Mike "The Kidd" Thomas, and then later was just Kidd Thomas. I was doing weekend overnights then moved up to 7p-midnight a few years later and become the Music Director. I was very lucky to have great mentors at WHOT like Dick Thompson, Tom Pappas and Jonny Hartwell. My first radio gig really taught me a lot and got me ready for the future.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
When I was a little kid my older sister was really into music and she was buying records and listening to the radio and I realized I liked it a lot! Then the MTV craze hit me and I realized that I wanted to be a radio person (or DJ) as I referred to it as a teen. My parents never tried to turn me away or discourage me from getting into the business; I really think they thought I would grow out of it though. Sorry guys... I still haven't grown out of it!
3) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
I have so many artists on my iPod that I think you would be surprised by, hmmmm let me think. How about Sheena Easton? I have to admit I have at least six of her big 80's hits in my iPod! But then again I love music so much I have a lot of artists in my iPod!
4) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I have never had another job in my life that was not in the radio industry.
5) Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
Wow! What an ALL-STAR Staff we have here at KTU. First up, we are the flagship station for the syndicated "Wake Up With Whoopi" Morning Show. So you have the very talented Whoopi Goldberg and another very talented guy that I was lucky enough to become friends with over at Z100, Paul "Cubby" Bryant! Up next in midday's is Diane Prior, who is solid on the air and has a great following on the station. She does a great job relating to the audience. Then come Hollywood Hamilton and Goumba Johnny in Afternoon Drive. Hollywood & Goumba are awesome on the air together and you can tell by listening that they are good friends on and off the air!
6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
I have always been a big fan of JoJo On The Radio, who is at KIIS-FM in L.A.! He always sounds like he's having fun on the air! And his bits are very entertaining!
7) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
I think the late '80s to mid-'90s. It was when I really wanted to be in radio and those songs and artists from that era really remind me of why I love doing what I do! Favorite acts at the time, Boyz II Men, LL Cool J, Depeche Mode and Tevin Campbell.
8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Everything! My iTunes and iPod are filled up with an eclectic mix of 80's hits (and some not so big hits)! Same with the 90's, Tons of today's Top 40 hits and artists and a lot of Alternative and believe it or not some Country.
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
The most important thing is the connection your station has with your listeners. If you are not connecting the ratings will reflect that. Now with the advent of station web pages and Myspace, you have a better chance of connecting with a lot more of your listeners than before!
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
The keys are patience and persistence. Work hard and don't be afraid for people to give you constructive criticism. It will only help you in the long run.
Bonus Questions
BONUS: Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?
I guess I would be a combination of two characters from NBC's The Office. I am part Jim Halpert/part Dwight Schrute. Jim because I think I am a decent and funny guy. Dwight because Dwight is very passionate about what he is always doing, not because he is an egomaniacal eccentric guy.
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