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10 Questions with ... Jeremi Smith (AKA Big J)
January 2, 2007
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TITLE:MD/AfternoonsSTATION:KQXRMARKET:Boise (#105)COMPANY:Journal Broadcast GroupBORN:Miles City, MontanaRAISED:Boise, Idaho
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
After high school I thought I wanted to be a Politician, worked for the Idaho State Republican Party, then for a Senatorial Campaign and realized those people where nuts! Did some college, and then met a morning show guy who thought I was crazy enough to do some stunts. Seven years later here I am, working with nuts! I guess it was bound to happen.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
A parttime gig in the mall at one of those Kiosks, while I was a weekender at The X.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Smokey and the Bandit on Vinyl!
FIRST CONCERT:
Christian rockers, Petra!
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Metallica
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Radio found me to be perfectly honest. I was attending Boise State University majoring in Mass Communications and Journalism. I had considered a career in journalism, and during one of the Communication class's met this guy Byl who happened to be part of the X's morning show. I started to listen to their show, thought it was very funny and began calling in pranking them, and they asked me to come in and do some sports on Monday's. I made some silly joke about gambling, and they called me a gambling addict. I got mad, screamed at them and stormed out! Thus Big J was born and I knew from that moment that I wanted to do radio.
2. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
With out question it is being on air live! When things go right, and it's just working, the music rocks and the listeners are happy, I can't think of a better high. I think the least favorite part would have to be choosing music. I wish I could give every band 100 spins, to see if the people really like it.
3. What makes The X unique?
Aside from the fact that we have no direct competitor in the market, it never ceases to amaze me that for out P1's we can never play hard enough music. Through the years this station has seen a lot of ratings success and some national recognition, and even though rock has struggled for the most part we just can't seem to satisfy these dirtheads!
4. What would an outsider find most surprising about Boise?
How beautiful it is, I mean the weather here for the most part is moderate, never too cold, maybe in the summer a little hot, but always pleasant. Mountains to ski on, woods to camp in. There is something for everyone here.
5. How has the station changed in the past year?
We have gone through a lot. We hired on Mancow and brought in a new PD. Then we fired Mancow and started a new morning show. Plus, a few changes here in there with the music but nothing drastic. Indeed it has been an eventful year, but I think all for the better. Working with Mat Diablo, who I lovingly refer to as The Devil has been a great thing. I am learning a lot, which is what I needed.
6. During your tenure at KQXR you have handled various airshifts, what is your favorite daypart and why?
I would have to say my current afternoon gig. I am on from 3-8p, it's long, but the cross section of listeners offers up a diverse plate of goodies for the phone, and I get to continue doing the Cagematch.
7. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Checking Myspace! Yup it's sad, but I am addicted!
8. What would surprise people most about you?
I have to say that my history with politics and the fact that I am fairly conservative. I have liberated up lately, and for the most part am a huge cynic. I don't really talk about it much though.
9. Biggest career highlight?
I would have to say botching an Eminem interview for a specialty show that was kicking off hosted by then-PD Jacent Jackson. I went up and introduced myself to Eminem by tapping him on the shoulder and calling him Mr. Eminem, and all to the horror of Radio's Jacent Jackson. Sorry Bro!
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
Journalism in some manner, which would have been a problem since I can't spell and I have atrocious grammar.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Porn, Xbox, and rocking out at concerts!
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