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10 Questions with ... Jon Ballard
August 9, 2005
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NAME:Jon BallardPOSITION:Afternoon GuySTATION:WWDC (DC 101)MARKET:Washington, DC (#8)COMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:Seattle 05/01 (back in the day)RAISED:Seattle
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Selling Auto Parts. It was amusing, since I know NOTHING about cars. It helped me hone the "acting" skills I'd later need when answering the request lines.
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
A forgettable evening stint at a Lite AC in Palm Springs, CA (seriously, I almost forgot about it). KISW/Seattle ('87-'97) -- Everything but middays. The last five years, I was the Afternoon Guy; KZZP/Phoenix ('97-'98) -- Morning co-host; DC 101/ Washington, DC ('98 -present) Afternoon Guy.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Sadly, it was "Meet the Monkees," but the first REAL record I remember owning was a copy of Steppenwolf's Second Album that was given to me by my older brother.
FIRST CONCERT:
Frank Zappa, Seattle Center Arena 1980 - I didn't know what to expect, and Frank came out and said "You know, most bands come out and play you their greatest hits - well, we're gonna play you 25 songs you've never heard before."
FAVORITE BANDS OF ALL-TIME:
Gotta be The Who, with Pearl Jam a close second (us Seattle guys gotta stick together).
1. How did you become interested in radio?
One of my earliest memories is of being at a car dealership where Emperor Smith of KJR/Seattle - Channel 95 was doing an appearance. Dude had a crown, a cape and a scepter! Made quite an impression! I told my mom that I wanted to do that someday, and I never really let go of it. Imagine my surprise 20 years later when I discovered that crowns and capes were not a part of the DJ wardrobe.
2. Who are your mentors?
The guy who helped me most out of the gate was Carl Palmer at KZOK/Seattle. He took an intimidated intern, and showed him just enough stuff to make him dangerous! Carl, "The Sand Pirate" thanks you. I've learned SOMETHING from everyone I've ever worked with, but I'd have to say my biggest influences were Sky Daniels, and Steve Young from the PD chair at KISW (with a nod to Buddy Rizer and Joe Bevilacqua, here at DC 101 who trust me enough to let me do my thing), John Langan, John Lisle, Bob Rivers, and Elliot Segal (the hardest working morning guy I've ever seen - including me!) in the on-air studio. Mad props to Jim Kampmann and Terry Gangstad in the Production room. I sucked up every bit of knowledge they were willing to share.
3. What do you like best about your job?
The hours. I'm not gonna lie. I love the fact that I can sleep in, do my show, and still be able to hang out at night. I tried mornings, and while I'd like to do them again someday, I truly believe you have to be biologically wired to function during those hours. It was rough for me in Phoenix, but I think I'd have a better handle on it now. I also love the idea that I'm able to, hopefully, take someone who is stuck in the living, breathing, seething pit of liquid hell we call Rush Hour on the Beltway, and for a split second, make them laugh or think, or smile - anything to keep them from ramming the jackass in front of them. It's my little contribution toward making the world a better place.
4. How would you describe your afternoon show?
It's music intensive, but with enough content to keep things interesting. My main competition here in DC is a 20-year heritage talk team, so my strategy is to be quick and dirty, and keep the music pounding. I liken it to a series of stealth strikes, rather than a full on bombing raid. Politics is king in this town, and there's no shortage of idiocy to point out from the clowns on the Hill. I'm also a big fan of pointing out the absurdities of life. I get to say out loud what most of the audience is thinking, but for whatever reason can't. It's radio for smart people.
5. What do you do to prepare for your airshift each day?
I surf the net like a madman, looking for weird stuff that makes me laugh. I try to completely read at least three different online newspapers every day, and then I use sites like Drudge, Fark, and Newsfilter to help me find the rest. I also scan Wonkette, Roll Call, and a few other political sites.
6. Since joining DC101, I'm most proud of __________?
Not getting audited. Considering all the smack I talk about the elected officials in my own backyard, I know it's coming. Radio-wise, we teamed up with Anheuser Busch for the "pilot" version of the "Bud Light Beach House" promotion. They came to us with a need, and we created this promotion to fill it. So, if you're having to spend a week living with a bunch of listeners, sorry about that. It's become my signature promotion here at DC 101, and we're even doing a "Ski House" version.
7. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Coffee. Preferably Starbucks. When I moved to Phoenix, there were NO Starbucks stores there, although there WAS a place whose idea of a Mocha was to pour chocolate milk in your coffee. I went off on them on the air, and a few weeks later, they were getting it right. It's the little victories that matter most.
8. Who's your favorite air personality NOT on your airstaff and why?
Tough call. John Lisle in San Antonio is the best jock, pound for pound, I've ever seen. He takes nothing and spins it into gold on a daily basis. John Langan (aka. C. Foster Kane) in Spokane is one of the reasons I got into this business - sheer genius with words and sound. Working with Bryan Allen in Phoenix was a funny guy's dream - his laugh is contagious. Ginny Harman has more radio talent in her little finger than most have in their entire body, and even though she's not "in the biz" anymore, I've always adored Cathy Faulkner.
9. If you could work at any other radio station, which one would it be and why?
I would LOVE the chance to work at a KMTT, KFOG, or a similar AAA. The music is adventurous, and the presentation is intelligent. Although all the whispering would drive me nuts after a while.
10. If you were to leave radio and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
Teaching. Don't ask me why, but I think I'd be a good teacher. Molding impressionable young minds is kind of like what I'm doing now, minus the sponsorship billboards.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
I LOVE baseball. Every chance I get, I'm out at RFK to watch the Nationals. We're also addicted to fantasy sports here at DC 101. We've got leagues for EVERYTHING, including "staff weight loss." As for things that I CAN'T do sitting on my ass, I play golf (although I suck), and I just bought a massive barbecue grill, so I'm burning things on a regular basis.
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