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10 Questions with ... Jess Walker
May 14, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Bachelor's in Telecomm - Master's Business both from Texas Tech. Started working for Walker BC in 2007 as promotions assistant. Worked as Account Executive, Music Director, Program Director, Station Manager and now OM/VP of Operations for our four station cluster.
1. What led to the launch of 105.7?
We had the opportunity to pick up an underpowered signal in the market and fill a programming hole. Alternative is the fastest growing format in the country thanks to some major crossover bands. We are a college town and this segment of rock was underrepresented.
2. Tell us about your decision to pick up the USRN-syndicated Dave And Jimmy Morning Show?
We picked up Dave And Jimmy because we wanted a morning show that wouldn't alienate one gender. Typical rock morning shows are so male oriented that the average female listener isn't interested. Dave And Jimmy come from CHR and their show relates to both genders. Current alternative crosses over with CHR in big ways. We want to have a balanced audience and that starts in the morning. Plus, Dave And Jimmy are funny.
3. Who else is part of your 105.7 The Edge team?
Like any medium-small market our team is small. We just launched and are growing our staff as our listenership grows.
4. Why do you feel 105.7 The Edge will be successful in Lubbock?
We're a college town and alternative has traditionally done well in college towns. The current trend towards alternative crossovers makes our music familiar with a bulk of the pop audience.
5. What is the current radio landscape in Lubbock?
For rock we have one active rock that leans very hard rock and three classic rock/hits stations. There was really nothing in between classic and hard rock here in Lubbock. We filled a big hole.
6. How would you describe the music and imaging on the station?
Imaging is traditionally alternative -- young, funny, and fast paced. Our music ranges from 90s alternative Nirvana through 2013 Imagine Dragons. Our competition for alternative is an active rock station. They're very hard rock, scream rock, etc. We try to be the opposite of that. We want to be accessible for the active listeners who want an alternative and the CHR listeners who lean more towards rock.
7. What may surprise people most about 105.7 The Edge?
We're a rock station that females will love. It's no secret how much mainstream and Alternative are merging these days, but not everyone has seen the potential yet.
8. What do you love most about your job?
I make playlists to listen to on my iPod, but instead I put them on the radio and get paid to do it. Doesn't get more fun than that.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Computer problems! Or Dunkin Donuts Coffee. That stuff is addicting. I buy it in the supermarket so I don't have to go to the store and be tempted by the donuts.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I was a Bayliss Radio Foundation Scholarship recipient. Their next to last recipient class before they stopped. Radio has always been my plan.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
I'm a huge baseball fan. I'm from Houston and will love the Astros no matter how many games they lose.
Last non-industry job?
I worked for a marketing firm as a teenager. They had me editing stories from local news casts every day. It was painfully boring.
First record ever purchased?
Dave Matthews Band - Crash. Still have the original CD and still love it.
First concert?
Dave Matthews Band at Foxboro Stadium in 98. Macy Gray opened the show. It was raining so nobody was in the stands except me and I suppose a few MG die hards. At one point she started yelling the F word over and over. I suppose because the place was empty.
Favorite band of all-time?
Ben Folds/Ben Folds Five. I've seen him/them on tour at least once every year for nearly a decade.
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