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10 Questions with ... Tricia "TJ" Jenkins
November 24, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started interning while in college at KQKQ/Omaha. After college I took an internship at Zomba in NY, quickly realized New York and records wasn't for me, and moved back to Omaha, August of 2001, (two weeks pre-9/11). I interned at KQCH then got fired (ha ha), which was a blessing because Tommy Austin hired me back at KQKQ. I came to KZHT to do part-time, then went back to Omaha and worked at KFRX/Lincoln, NE. Chase Murphy hired me at KHOP/Modesto; ironically JJ Morgan was the first person to let me push my very first live radio board button and was also the person to let Chase push his first button as well! Jeff McCartney then hired me back at KZHT and here I am!
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
A lot of hard work for free. I remember signing my name 396 times for "VIP parking slips." Man, my hand hurt.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I really wish I had some cool story about how I played radio in my basement, but I don't. I didn't even know regular people could be on the radio! I was actually stalking Justin Timberlake ... I wish I were making that up. Oh! And I didn't want to wear panty hose everyday.
3) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
OVERCROWDED, and they just keep adding more and more.
4) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I have a dog named "Kitty" who is a male, but wears pretty pink dresses.
5) What is your favorite part of the job?
I have a real love and passion for music. I found a way to get paid for my passion. Nothing is better than that. My other favorites are being able to entertain, make people laugh, and create a product I'm proud of.
6) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Right now, it's finding who has the People Meters and negotiating. I'd like to bribe them with a lot of money, but I can't ... my hair extensions are ridiculously expensive.
7) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
Alvin and The Chipmunks "Witch Doctor." It's my favorite song to work out, too! Actually, that's probably not really surprising.
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
KQKQ Sweet 98! It was so much fun to work for the station I grew up listening to! I LOVED the studio with the hydraulic lift that took you up to the board which was surrounded by windows right in downtown old market.
9) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Intern, get your foot in the door anyway you can. Nowadays it's so hard to get into the business with jobs becoming less and less available. Not many overnight or weekend shifts are live anymore. Make as many connections as you can and harass someone until they hire you ... and then make them glad they did.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Chase Murphy told me, "The keys to having a successful and fulfilling career reside in the ability to stay focused, work hard, always try to do what's right and look for opportunities to give back to the industry." Nothing could be closer to the truth.
Bonus Questions
What's the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?
This wasn't so much on-air, but my one of my favorite radio mistakes was being asked if I wanted to meet/interview an "up-and=coming rapper who goes by the name Eminem." I was in college and very new to the music thing and said "Nah, I'm good." Then I thought (insert sarcastic tone ) "Really? Eminem? Nice name, bet HE'S going to be huuuge one day." Have you heard of him? LOL.
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