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10 Questions with ... Jeff Zito
August 29, 2006
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NAME:Jeff ZitoTITLE:Morning Show Host/Music DirectorSTATION:WJBXMARKET:Fort Myers, Florida (#64)COMPANY:Beasley Broadcast GroupBORN:5/13/75RAISED:Summit, NJ
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started out with an internship at WSRZ (Oldies 106)/Sarasota, FL. I ran the board at WSPB, which was a low-power AM "information" station. I then went on to WYNF where I did overnights, and moved up to nights after one year. From there I moved to Tampa's WXTB for overnights and weekends. Six months later, I got a call from Lee Daniels, then-PD at WJBX, asking me to do nights in Fort Myers. Seven years later, I have worked every daypart, and now mornings for the last four years with my on-air 50/50 partner, Bob Garrett.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Assistant golf professional at a country club.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Michael Jackson's "Thriller".
FIRST CONCERT:
Morris Day and the Time at Six Flags in NJ.
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
AC/DC
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I needed an internship in mass media for a course in college. I had a choice between the local TV station, and a local radio station. Well, since the TV station told me that I "needed experience," I went with radio, and once I was there, I fell in love with the business.
2. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
I definitely like doing the morning show with Bob Garrett. He has been a friend of mine for over 10 years; I met him while working at WYNF. Those four hours doing the show are the most relaxing hours of my day. My least favorite part would have to be taking music calls. I know that the record reps are just doing their job, and I have a lot of friends who are record reps, but at the end of the day, we don't need anyone to "sell us" on their band -- we know what works here.
3. Mornings and MD. If you had to make a choice what would it be and why?
Definitely mornings, I am sure I already explained why.
4. What makes the Zito & Garrett morning show successful?
First and foremost, the fact that we trust each other. We both have the same goals and want the same things from the show. We also have great guests on the show, from Jada Pinkett Smith to Hulk Hogan to Chris Cornell, the biggest and the best. We are local and relatable. Our show has something for everyone.
5. What would surprise people most about the station?
For this size market, we have a great air staff. Roach in the midday, Alexis in afternoon drive, Jenn the Rock Bitch at night, and our weekend jocks could be full-time in a top 50 market.
6. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
About four cups of coffee, and ragging on salespeople with our PD, John Rozz.
7. Besides WJBX, what is your favorite radio station and why?
I like WXTB/Tampa, WEBN/Cincinnati, and The Buzz/West Palm Beach. Those three stations are all unique to their geographic location.
8. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I used to listen to WPLJ and Z100 in New York.
9. Biggest career highlight:
Zito and Garrett being rated #1 after three years on the air together. Morning drive is so competitive here in Fort Myers with all the syndication. Nothing could ever top that day.
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I think I would be doing something related to golf, most likely a club professional at a country club. THANK GOD!
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Spending my weekends with my beautiful girlfriend, Emily, and my son, Jake. I also like playing golf, and catching a buzz every now and again.
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