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10 Questions with ... Jonathan "JC" Burton
June 20, 2006
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NAME:Jonathan "JC" BurtonTITLE:PDSTATION:WLKT (104.5 The Cat)MARKET:Lexington, KYOWNER:Clear Channel
Please outline your radio career so far:
Started as an intern here in Lexington, and became a part-time promotions grunt, which led to me doing an overnight shift on WKQQ. After that, I became Programming Assistant, did afternoon drive, and now I'm the PD. I think I've covered it all.
1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
I was just out of high school, and they were letting me drive around the station vehicles, which was a blast at the time. Then Dennis Dillon opened my on-air door, with a 1 hour overnight shift on WKQQ. I thought I was big time, until my first aircheck meeting. Enough said.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
I was lucky enough to grow up listening to The Cat. It was the first Top 40 station I'd ever listened to. I fell in love with the whole concept of radio. After a high school internship, I bugged any and everyone to give me a shot during the following summer, and here I am.
3 You grew up in the area, so you must really be familiar with how the market has evolved over the years. How would you describe the Lexington radio landscape?
There's definitely a lot more competition than there used to be. You might not think so for market #104, but every station here has a direct competitor. It's fun and challenging at the same time. There's a lot of big market radio coming from this market.
4 What is your favorite part of the job?
I love just getting the opportunity to meet new people, including our listeners. It's always great to hear that people still appreciate what you're trying to do to keep them entertained.
5 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
We start the morning with Joey Kidd & The Morning Mess. I've got nothing but good things to say about him, he always keeps it local and entertaining. Reno is on air from 10-3, and does a great job of keeping the middays moving right along. I'm do the Live Drive from 3-6, and O.C. takes over with the "O Show" from 6-midnight. O.C. is the wild child. Just an example, he tells our listeners what's in his undies every night.
6 What do remember most about listening to the station when you were a kid?
I remember a guy named Chris Goodman, and how cool he sounded on the air. The station always sounded larger than life. If you weren't listening, you weren't cool.
7 Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I love playing basketball whenever I get the chance. It's Kentucky Wildcat country. We love our hoops around here.
8 What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Honestly, I'm listening to my radio station pretty much all the time right now. I'm always searching for something that doesn't sound quite right, or a sweeper that's not tight enough. I want it to be perfect. When my girl finally gets sick of that, I'll throw in some Tom Petty or something like that.
9 What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
I normally have fun every day that I come into work. If you're not having fun, it's not worth it.
10 What advice you would give people new to the business?
Get your foot in the door early. Do whatever it takes so the right people see what you're doing and what you can contribute to the operation. It takes a lot of time and hard work to get where you want to be, but once you get there, you'll appreciate it that much more.
Bonus Questions
Name an artist or act you'd love to meet and why?
Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. I've always been a big fan of both, I just love their music, and grew up listening to it.
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