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10 Questions with ... Jay Alexander
June 7, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Carolina School Of Broadcasting WBMU/Asheville 1981-1983, WZFX/Fayetteville, NC 1984, WMNC-WQXX/Morganton, NC 1985-86, WPEG/Charlotte, NC 1986-88, WCKZ 1988-89, WEDJ 89-93, WEND Metro Networks 94- 98, Grovin Oldies 102 1998-99, WBTF 1999-Present
1) What are the keys to your stations success?
Attention to detail! Just tightening down and back to the basics, the music flow tempo, attitude and staying deeply involved in the community and we do have a great morning show with Steve Harvey and the crew!
2) How long have you been in Lexington?
Since 1999. Ken Johnson was VP/Programming for Cumulus when they popped the Groovin Oldies Format in Lexington on 102.5; PD Bill Clarey and I hit it off and he brought me up for APD/afternoons
3) Has working various formats helped your programming philosophy?
That it comes down to connecting with your audience. They tune to the radio for information and to hear their favorite songs. If you are not doing that, there is plenty of choices for them to switch to.
4) How do you juggle between being on the air and programming?
I get in the office early to handle music, talking to labels, scheduling and listening to music. I will take an hour or so out of the day not answering my phones to get ready for my show in the afternoon.
5) Did you ever have other jobs besides radio?
Nope. Radio is in my blood!
6) Radio has changed over the years. What are some of the changes you like?
Prophet systems has made it easier in that you do not have to be manned 24/7, but that does knock out trying to groom up-and-coming talent on the overnight shifts.
7) How do you see the future for Urban radio?
The future of radio, Urban radio has been written off time and time again, I see the format just getting stronger and stronger. We have to stay focused and remember why people cume the radio station and super-serve that audience
8) What was it like working with Michael Saunders, Helen Little and the legendary Barry Mayo?
Man! Like going to graduate school in radio every day! I was blessed to go in and be groomed by this caliber of talent every day!
9) Who mentored you?
Jim Robinson, owner of WBMU, took me under his wings, taught me the basics and business of radio and gave me my first full-time job. Jim is retired now but dabbling with WBMU online ... and I am doing the voice for him.
Michael Saunders first hired me at WPEG when he came aboard as PD.
Skip Murphy showed us all what real morning radio was about. He stayed on top at PEG from the day he started till the day he left for Dallas.
Tony Gray, what a great tactical mind he has! He has shown me to look at the overall picture and drill down on what we can do and let the other stuff go! Stay focused on the BIG PICTURE.
Barry Mayo ... what can you say? Barry is just a great teacher and friend. He is one of these guys I can pick up the phone and call him to ask a question.
10) How has Hip-Hop affected society?
Hip-Hop is just a reflection of what is happening in the world, not a reaction to it. Major brands are seeing that. There is not one major product that is not using Hip-Hop in their marketing strategy because it is not just people of color ... it is mass appeal.
Bonus Questions
What's your favorite radio memory?
Interviewing President Barack Obama.
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