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Charese Fruge’ (@MCMediaonline) Talks To Jodi Koontz
July 18, 2023
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She needs no introduction really, I mean, she’s Jodi of the nationally syndicated “Murphy, Sam & Jodi” morning show. They are on 72 stations across the country. That kind of exposure requires an enormous amount of responsibility. Jodi describes her role as, “The lead content creator for the show - on air and social media. I'm a spokesperson for advertisers across our 72 affiliates. But mostly, my GREATEST responsibility is to the listener. To be there. To be honest, and open. To be a friend. Not perfect. Authentic. Just a person, getting through life. Sharing all of that in a real, funny, and meaningful way. Everyone is craving honesty when they make choices of what to consume.”
Jodi has been with the show since 1998. “I did some radio work for an ad agency after college and found I was really comfortable in that space but had real opinions about not wanting to sound like a radio person - but instead just a person,” she says. “When I took a part time job as a producer with Murphy & Sam, I knew immediately we had chemistry. I knew it before they did! They were looking for a female lead and I knew it should be me. I told Murphy I wanted a chance. That was on a Thursday. I auditioned the next Monday and have never left.”
This was a big year for Jodi for several reasons. Not only because she’s celebrating 25 years with the team, but also because she reached the highlight of her career. “So far my biggest accomplishment was winning a Gracie this year for Nationally Syndicated Host,” says Jodi. “To be recognized in that room cannot be topped for me! An actual honor! As a team, we've won several Broadcaster of the Year and Show of the Year awards in our home market. Those are special too because it takes even more effort to be consistent as a team year after year. Our success is 1% chemistry and 99% work. Just continuing to show up when others would have quit. I believe it's a major accomplishment.”
It's not always an easy job for Jodi and her team. “Something not many radio people talk of but that is a very real thing, is how consistent you have to be in this business! On air and online,” she says. “You don't get entire summers off like TV shows to regroup or refresh. You show up every day and every single break has to be good. Relatable. Brief yet meaningful. You work at it all the time. Many breaks, every day. It doesn't let up. Social posts too! I believe radio is a way of life, not just a career. I'm grateful it fits and suits me. It's been good to me. I find myself here, in this work.”
“Another big challenge is working with my spouse. It is the #1 thing women ask about! Like, ‘Am I crazy?’ ‘HOW do we do it??’” she says. Jodi is married to Murphy on the show. “There is something extra the audience is seeking and hoping for when they know you are married. They want a glimpse inside a real relationship - and we give it to them. So much content there, so we just go with it! Married life cultivates raw and relatable content. We don't have to create stories; life gives them to us! I'm grateful for that and wouldn't do it any other way, but it comes at a cost. Those lines get blurred when sharing personal things on the show, but not wanting work to come home. We will stop a work conversation at the bathroom sink with toothbrushes in hand to wait until morning to bring it back up. We work at it.”
Another big challenge for the industry in general is capturing loyalty, engagement and growth among younger audiences, especially if you’re an adult format. Jodi has a handle on that. “Most importantly, be genuine,” she says. “If someone in media seems like a different person when off air, they don't belong in media. Not today anyway. It's overstated but being real is the magic. I remember when I realized that early on and thought ‘Great! I'm already being myself 24 hours a day. Now let me work on my storytelling.’ To capture audience loyalty among any group, we need to meet them where they are. Social media, podcasts, traditional radio, etc. Those platforms may change but the search will always be there. I plan to be there and be found.”
As far as diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, “When I look around the business, I do see more women out front,” says Jodi. “Being heard, being influencers and leading. But women of all backgrounds and races need to be anywhere stories are being told. Our perspective is so rich! I love men. I look up to many of them. But I RELATE to women. And again, if we expect to reach women, women need to be a leading part of the conversation.”
What about the big pink elephant in the room? The use of Artificial Intelligence in radio. “I am not worried about AI,” Jodi says. “Maybe that's not a forward thinking, clever answer, but AI doesn't have a soul. It is coming for sure, but this business we are in - is a human one. Even if AI can create something I should be afraid of - will audiences want that? Will they stand for it? I'm happy to use it in ways that move us all forward. I just hope we remember that our business is, at its very core, about human connection and communication.”
“I have no good answer for what I would be doing if not radio because I found myself in this work and have given it 110% all these years,” explains Jodi. “A strong ‘maybe’ is fashion because I love to dress up. There is a direct correlation between what you're wearing and how you're feeling that I find fascinating!” She continues, “About my lack of side hustles, I don’t have any because I devote most of my time to my Plan A, our show. Front and center hustle is my focus. No sides. But I'm very passionate about and happy to work with Children's Miracle Network, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and various animal shelters though! I always will be.”
As for as what keeps Jodi up at night? “Murphy!” she says laughingly. “Mostly I don't worry about much because I've already done this fascinating career longer than many. I won the lottery with the guys as far as chemistry and teamwork. I sleep like a happy, well-fed baby.”
“I rarely struggle with balance,” says Jodi. “I am naturally wired to take breaks and seek out what I'm missing. It's a good question since I spend many hours a day in the studio. When I've worked until I can't make sense anymore, I gravitate to quiet, to lunch, or a walk. I do yoga 3 times a week. When my daughters were little, it was harder - but I do recall a trick or two. Even in little ways I would naturally grab what I needed from the day. On the way to carpool I'd crank my favorite 80's metal. Or take the kids to the park and play in the grass before their homework. Balance is changing your own setting. Listening to your body. I do that quite naturally.”
Sounds like really good advice from someone who has the experience to back it up. As for looking forward, “I always look forward to the next show!” Says Jodi. “As far as events go, I am looking forward to MSBC in Dallas next month. That kind of event fuels me. There is so much to learn, and we all have our own perspective. I've met some of the best in our industry there and realized when speaking with them - we are all in the same boat. All trying to better serve our audiences and advertising partners. Learning never stops so I look forward to getting a little kick in the butt to make me better too.”
Follow Jodi Koontz @Murphysamandjodi.com, Murphy Sam and Jodi on Facebook and Instagram. Jodi Koontz on Facebook and LinkedIn. For syndication contact June Colbert 615-202-5900 or June@colbertmediagroup.com.
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