10 Questions with ... Marci Wiser

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I work in radio -- mornings, middays, afternoons, and nights at Rock, Active, Pop, and Alternative stations. I've been hired and let go, hired and let go, hired and let go (usually due to format flips). It's never boring.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

When I was just a little princess I used to listen to the local jocks on the radio. It always sounded like they were having the time of their life. Then I'd turn on the TV and I'd see Dick Clark and then I would hear him doing countdowns on the radio. I wanted to do what THEY were doing. I snagged myself a Mister Microphone and the rest is history.

2. What stands out the most from your first job in radio?

Hmmm...let me see if I can remember that far back. I was doing full-time overnights with no benefits and making a low hourly wage at an AC station. I loved every second of it and I couldn't get enough. I soon got hired for a morning show in the market and we took that show to #1. That was it -- I was completely hooked! There's nothing better than being part of a team that takes a station to the top.

3. What led you to X96?

X96 is a huge station in Utah. It's been a part of my life (and most who have grown up here) for years. When I moved back to Utah from Washington DC, X96 was ready to make a move. I was THRILLED to be considered to work at such an amazing station. Things just sort of fell into place. The timing was right.

4. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

I love to be a part of an industry that entertains. When all is said and done at the end of the day, when someone is ready to loosen their tie or kick off their heels - if I can be part of something that makes them smile or makes them want to turn up the radio and forget the stresses of the day, then I am honored to be a part of it. For me personally, I have grown as a person and it has readied me for many challenges I'm not afraid to face.

What I like LEAST about my job, or radio as a whole: the fear that the quality of the product just isn't as important as it used to be. I love to work with people of similar mind...to never forget it's the little things...the details that count. Local IS important and when you are doing it right, the money will follow. It doesn't have to be (nor should it be) the other way around. It's also been a little rough dragging my ass all over the country due to format flips (which is certainly better than being teamed-up with members of the Manson family for a morning show -- but I escaped).

5. What makes your midday show unique?

I like to "keep it real." There's a way to have fun, keep it topical and stay PPM friendly at the same time. I'm not afraid to "put it out there" and there's a little saying someone told me that has become one of my favorites. "It can't go wrong...just funny". It helps get rid of any inhibitions (if there were any). I like to throw in a little "spice" here and there for good measure, too...just sayin'.

6. What is your biggest challenge each day?

I have done morning shows as well as solo shifts. They are different animals. I had to figure out how to keep it quick and topical (without losing the personality) for the PPM world. Interviews, phone calls, etc. can still be done... you just have to remember to always be thinking PPM.

7. How are you using social networking?

Social networking plays a really important role in connecting with the listener and how I go about my show. I'll often "show prep" in Social Media to see what people are buzzing about, as well as test topics for the air and I post my show prep (news) to see what resonates.

Social media is one of the most powerful tools radio jocks and stations have to reach their audience and develop a one on one. I think it's important to always try and think ahead of the social media curve to make sure we're keeping up with the changes of our time. Evolving is important and it is really important for radio - especially with the challenges of keeping up with all of the different forms of communication and entertainment available. I've been actively involved in social media for years -- can you say "Friendster"?

8. What are you most proud of since joining X96?

Honestly - I'm just really happy to be a part of this station. I'm a goofy middayer who does things like accidently taking Advil PM before my shift, and I let listeners control every song in the noon hour...yet when the numbers come out, it's really gratifying to see X96 consistently #1 18-34 and 18-49 in middays.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Hearing Mumford and Sons every hour and five minutes. Thanks, Todd Nuke 'Em.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I beat Oprah's high score in online Scrabble, I can ride a Harley and I still love lumpy Malt-O-Meal. Oh -- and I really am a water snob.

What are your hobbies?

I love, love, LOVE to read. I'm reading five books at once right now. I've been golfing more these days and I love to travel whenever I get the chance.

Last non-industry job?

What? There's life outside of radio?

First record ever purchased?

I distinctly remember three. Def Leppard's "High 'n' Dry," Madonna's "Like A Virgin," and the 45-single - Paper Lace's "The Night Chicago Died."

First concert?

It was supposed to be Billy Ocean but my over-protective mom thought it was devil music. She took me to Disney On Ice, instead. It ended up being Def Leppard when I was a little bit older. The start of my rock-n-roll life!

Favorite band of all-time?

That's a really tough one for me to answer. I like so many different genres of music! I'm a huge fan of Catherine Wheel. I love Michael Franti and Spearhead; Annie DeFranco is one of my favorite lyricists; Ritchie Kotzen is my "me time with a glass of wine" fav; The Foo Fighters just do it for me; you can't go wrong with Tesla or Muse; and if I'm gonna dance on a table top, it may as well be Motley Crue.