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10 Questions with ... Laurie Jenkins & Patrick Jenkins
January 18, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Got into radio when in college, and fell in love with it! Had a brief stint in commercial radio after college working with commercials and the advertising end, but am now currently a digital consultant for a local company in Cleveland. I've been with WJCU for 10 years am excited to take on this role. Patrick got into radio because he married me and I was obsessed with it. He is a huge music lover and musician, so a big fan of noncomm radio.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Laurie: In college, they had an opportunity to be a student DJ. I was very heavy into local music and got involved immediately, have not turned back!
Patrick: I grew up listening to terrible pop radio stations because I had an older sister. I loved radio then and used to act like a DJ in my bedroom. To this day, I listen to a lot of radio, often times Talk radio, but radio nonetheless. When I was actively playing and touring in a band, I was introduced into noncomm radio and how liberated it was in comparison to commercial radio.
2. What is the balance of music and news at the station?
We have five-minute news spots that play throughout the day, but we are a music format.
3. How would you describe the music on the station?
Blues, rock, gritty Country and folk. Definitely a bit of a baby boomer-and-beyond audience, so we appreciate the classics and new musicians inspired by them. We still mix in a handful of indie pop, but we try not to go too far.
4. How is new music chosen for the air?
Patrick and I listen to all submissions and decide if it fits with what our listeners come to us for! I try and listen and think if it would keep me on the station or if I would start scanning.
5. Is the music programmed or the do the jocks have free reign?
The music is programmed from 12-6p Monday-Friday. The rest of the time is broken into two-three-hour shows where jocks can choose their format.
6. How do you and your husband share duties at the station?
It's great to have someone to listen to new music with. We schedule the music logs together, and listen to a most of the music together. I'm taking the calls for now because of our work schedules, but it is a good balance.
7. How do you stay in tune with your audience?
We are very involved with the local music scene! Patrick plays in a band in Cleveland and we are constantly meeting local musicians and music lovers and getting feedback. DJing definitely helps, too. We, of course, stay up to date on blogs and music news, too.
8. What would surprise people most about the station?
The budget we run on!
9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Hard work is rewarded.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
Laurie: Chocolate. Is that cliché for a female? Forget coffee, the caffeine in chocolate is much better.
Patrick: Bourbon...
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
We are both currently in advertising.
First record ever purchased:
Laurie: Marc Anthony - self-titled (great taste for an 11-year-old)
Patrick: Space Jam Soundtrack
First concert:
Laurie: Relient K
Patrick: Third Eye Blind
Favorite band of all-time:
Laurie: Cake
Patrick: Bob Dylan
What do you two enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
We are big campers/hikers/travelers! Playing guitar and making homemade soap.
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