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10 Questions with ... Jonathan
June 14, 2005
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NAME:JonathanPOSITION:Afternoons/Music DirectorSTATION:WNHTMARKET:Fort Wayne, INCOMPANY:Summit City Radio GroupBORN:August 13, 1981RAISED:Philadelphia & Mississippi
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
2004-Present: MD/Afternoons at WNHT/FORT WAYNE
2000-2004: Nights/Music Director at WJDQ/MERIDIAN, MS1) What got you interested in Radio?
I was the kid who would lock himself in his room and play DJ with tapes and records (my dad had a TON of them so I took advantage). When I got to high school I got into PA announcing for some of the sports teams and I was told by many people that I should get into radio. I actually planned to major in teaching/coaching in college but my advisor was head of the Broadcast Communications Technology department at MERIDIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE so I suppose it was fate. I graduated with my A.A.S. in 2001 and I haven't looked back.
2) What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio?
My first pay check! I had heard the stories of low pay and living off ramen noodles but, being the stupid kid I was, I didn't think it was true. I was sure got the shock of my life.
3) What's the highlight of your radio career to date?
By far, it was being involved the Wild 96.3 $10,000 Fugitive promotion. The execution of the promotion was perfect and the city was going nuts! It was most fun I've had on the air and on the streets in a long time. Also, helping to guide WJDQ to number one ratings 12+ and in their target demographic was a great feeling. I don't mean to make it sound like I have a big ego but it did feel good to go out on top.
4) What's your favorite part of your duties as MD/air personality? If you had to choose one over the other, which would it be?
I feel that both positions go hand in hand. By being on air, I get to keep my finger on the pulse of my listeners, of what they're talking about and what they want the music on the station to sound like. Also, getting to hear the flow of the station for five hours a day helps me sharpen my skills at MD..
5) Where do you see yourself in five years?
One of the goals I have for my career is to be a PD and I would like to accomplish this goal within the next five years. As for what market I see myself in, I really have no clue. So many variables determine that, I couldn't even begin to imagine where I could be in the future.
6) Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)? I have so many! In Fort Wayne I've learned a ton
I have so many! In Fort Wayne I've learned a ton from our management team. Our CEO KRISTINE FOATE is a great source of knowledge, as is our Director of Programming BILL STEWART. WILD's former PD GOOSE and current PD DAVE B. GOODE have both taught me valuable lessons that I use and will continue to use through out my career. Back in MERIDIAN, I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for BRIAN TAYLOR, DAVID DAY, JOHN ANTHONY and RON HARPER.
7) It's midnight on SATURDAY night in FORT WAYNE, where do we go to find you?
It would depend on my mood. Usually I'll end up at PIERRE'S, which is insane! To give a short description, imagine five clubs under one roof. Oh yeah!! If I'm not up for going to the club, I'll usually do something with my girlfriend. I think Emily and I are on a first name basis with everyone at STEAK AND SHAKE (gotta love chocolate shakes at midnight).
8) In 2005, what area of your "game" do you want to improve?
Since one of my goals is to be a PD within the next five years, I would definitely like to improve my management skills. I'd like to get better at coming up with strategic plans and marketing plans in order to make my station successful.
9) If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I'd go back to my roots and own a movie theatre. My family owned a single screen theatre in MISSISSIPPI for about 50 years so I grew up in that business. I can still smell the popcorn.
10) You find a magic lamp and a genie grants you three wishes for your station, not you, personally. What are your three wishes?
I'd wish for my station to be number one 12+, to be the number one biller in the market and to be number one in top-of-mind awareness.
Bonus Questions
What's your dream market?
I actually have two: MINNEAPOLIS, MN because KDWB is a station that I look up to. The second is TAMPA, FL because WFLZ is my dream gig. Watch out, Kane
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