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10 Questions with ... Jay Styles
November 14, 2006
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NAME:Jay StylesTITLE:MD/MiddaysSTATION:WAPEMARKET:Jacksonville, FLOWNER:Cox Radio
Please outline your radio career so far:
WPXY/Rochester, NY
WBHV/State College, PA
WAPE/Jacksonville, FL1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
I first got started at my high school radio station, doing play by play for basketball games. Then I interned on the "Spezzano In The Morning" show at 98PXY, answering phones, hanging banners, and bugging the crap out of Mike Danger, Busta Nutt, Carson, and Norm On The Barstool.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
I always wanted to get into broadcasting since I was a little. I would call up the oldies station and request Jackson 5 songs. But what really did it was listening to the "High 5 At 9" with Artie The One Man Party (and then Mike Danger) on 98PXY. They where the coolest cats in Rochester and I wanted to be just like them.
3 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
It's a much different kind of monster then what it was like up north. Country and Urban is Mainstream here, so we have to always stay on top of what's hot on all the formats. For example, Rascal Flatts "What Hurts The Most" and Lil Jon "Snap Yo Fingers" are two of our biggest records of the year for us!!! We have a Rhythm leaning KISS station and the Movin' format that are competitors.
4 What is your favorite part of the job?
Everything! It's the greatest job in the world in a beautiful city. I work in management and can wearing sweat pants to work. I work with some of most talented people especially my OM/PD Cat Thomas. He is a genius and continues to evolve the WAPE brand to keep us on top.
5 What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
Steve-O from KDWB and I have known each other since we were 7 and we used to carpool together to boy scout camp in my dad's silver Astro Van.
6 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
Our morning show of over 15 years is leaving us on December 15. I do middays and handle music. Chase Daniels does afternoons, handles our webpage, and is APD. All that and he's ONLY 22. He does an outstanding job and will be a star. We just snagged a #1 draft pick for nights, Dave-O. He is also going to be a big star. Chris Knight does overnights and is also a pretty good country singer!
7 What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
WPXY... Some of the best on air personalities and programmers in the country came through there and I was VERY lucky to work with some of them ... Scott Spezzano, Busta (aka Kobe), Carson (aka Steve-O), Mike Danger, Kevin Legrett, "The Mayor" Pete Kennedy, Artie The One Man Party (aka Chad Rock), Jeremy (don't call him "JJ") Rice, Norm On The Barstool (aka Justin Bryant), and Java Joel.
8 Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
1998-2000. The format was at its peak, and the music was FUN! N'Sync, BSB, Britney, Christina Aguilera, Matchbox 20, Third Eye Blind, and Eminem.
9 What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It could all be gone tomorrow. When I came here almost three years ago it was my 3rd station and 3rd state in ten months. Remember to never burn a bridge and always keep tight with everyone you encounter. Relationships are almost as important as individual talent and that's the scary truth.
10 What advice you would give people new to the business?
I made a lot of mistakes my first time around. But I made it far by learning from past mistakes and always asking "What can I help you with today?" Find a young vet on the staff and learn everything. Big BIG ups to Busta and Carson!!!
Bonus Questions
What's the best sweeper/liner you've ever heard?
Our "Big Ape Yell" that airs on each top of the hour IDs - the best branding of any station in America. Plus it's been on the air since the 60's!
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