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10 Questions with ... John Govia
October 13, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WKSC (Kiss FM)/Chicago promotions (Top 40)
- WKSC (Kiss FM)/ Chicago PM drive show intern (Top 40)
- WPIA (Kiss FM)/Peoria, IL PM drive/nights (Top 40)
- WWCT (Buzz)/Peoria, IL weekends (Alternative)
- WXRK (Now FM)/New York PM drive producer (Top 40)
- WBEA (Beach)/Hamptons-Riverhead PD/MD/PM drive/nights (Top 40)
I do VTing too!
1) What led you to a career in radio?
I signed up for the "Win it New" contest on Q101/ Chicago, a contest where you choose what prize you win. I was sitting in McDonald's parking lot eating a McChicken when my buddy "twirped" me on my Nextel and told me they called my name on the air. I called in and won. I chose to be a DJ for a day. I was on the air for four hours on a Sunday when I was 19. Once I got a taste I was addicted ... I went to broadcasting school, got an internship at Kiss/Chicago and met Tic Tak ... I haven't left radio since.
2) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
I've learned a lot at each station I've worked at. I'd say The Beach is a little piece of all the stations I've been a part of. I've learned from the best in the industry, therefore The Beach is awesome.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
Pleasing the listeners. However, I am a recovered dirtbag ... really, though ... My whole life I have been a people-pleaser. Knowing that I made someone's day better puts a warm feeling in my stomach.
4) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Staying focused on one thing. Like many people in the industry I have a severe case of ADHD. There are so many things I want to do, but only one thing can be done at a time.
5) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?
Some are green, some are wise, but all are talented. I believe in giving the green ones a chance to prove themselves, the same chance I have been given, and letting the wise ones do what they do best ... they are all doing an awesome job ... I couldn't have asked for a better staff.
6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Tic Tak. He taught me things that you can't learn in broadcasting school ... things that have shaped me to be the jock I am today. He is one of the most underrated jocks in the industry.
7) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
B96 Chicago ... and Q101.
8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I leave it all in the studio during the week ... hanging with family and friends when I get the chance is something I love to do. I text, watch football, eat sushi and talk about how I am going to start working out ... my man-boobs are growing out of control. I also dig an OCCASIONAL vodka tonic. Really, though, no matter what I do, radio ends up getting dragged in somehow.
9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
I don't know for sure ... I just know that I have found my calling. I love to entertain. It's the only job I've never been late to ... except for the Puerto Rican Day parade in NYC ... sorry, Rob. I am myself on the air. I open up to the listeners. I get paid to do what I would be doing if I was jobless. That's awwweeesssome, and I have a radio tattoo ... there is no turning back once you have a tattoo ... unless I can prove it's gang-related and get it removed.
10) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
My father died when I was just two and I've never known anyone on his side of the family. I've been kidnapped and held hostage. I've lived in a car. I grew up with my mom and five brothers and sisters. I'm the youngest by 10 years. I was the "oops." Aaand I am Mexican.
Bonus Questions
What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
I like to relax to the Canon in D ... Luther Vandross ... Miley Cyrus ... N'Sync ... Oryan ... and Bone Thugz N Harmony.
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