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10 Questions with ... Josh Venable
June 9, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started as an intern while still in high school in Dallas at The Edge in 1994. After a few years I took over the specialty show The Adventure Club, which I did for the next 18 years. In 2008 I went to L.A. to help flip KYSR and do afternoons. Back to Dallas to PD The Edge in 2011. Moved to Tulsa to PD The Edge here in 2013. Took over our all 80s station, 100.9 Totally Awesome 80s last year.
“Truthfully, it's one of the most fun things I've done in my career. Some bands didn't want to end the calls because I think boredom had set in in their normal day. Even talking to radio people was a nice change.”
1. You’ve been programming Z104.5 The Edge in Tulsa for the last 8 years. How much has the station changed?
No more Metallica. We have freshened the station and gotten away from the 90s centric place we were when I got here. Obviously, the state of Alt is much poppier and we have embraced that where before I’m not sure the station had.
2. 2020 marks the 25th Anniversary of Z104.5 The Edge. What has made the station successful?
We are VERY community oriented. Our company is based here in Tulsa, thankfully. The owner lives five miles from me. We are tied in with museums, clubs, bars, restaurants etc. in a way I never have been in radio. The station means a lot to people here. Tulsa is a close-knit city.
3. How would you describe Z104.5 The Edge? You’re navigating in a pop alternative landscape with Tulsa’s Rock Alternative positioning statement.
We still acknowledge the history of the market with a smattering of rock stuff but no dumb rock stuff. I'm proud of the fact that our town is a music town. There's a reason that The Raconteurs did three shows here on the last tour. We have often made hits out of songs that died on the national scene quickly.
4. Years ago you told me Tulsa is far cooler than people know. For those of us who have never been to Tulsa, tell us what the market is like?
Way cooler than most people know. We refer to listeners as family on the air because that's how it feels. We see the same people at shows, etc.
5. What is it like working for Stephens Media Group?
Better than any company I've ever been with. Our owner uses the phrase "a portfolio of people" a lot. Think of a huge radio group, then think the opposite. That's us.
6. What made you decide to join Chuck Stikl in mornings four years ago and how would you describe The Morning Edge With Josh & Chuck?
His former co-host was on vacation, so I filled in one day. The next day my boss Bob said his neighbor had come over to tell him how much better he liked the show. Then the owner came to ask if I wanted to do mornings. It was an "offer I couldn't refuse" sorta deal.
7. Tell us about weekly Karaoke Thursday on The Morning Edge.
Chuck and I butcher your favorite songs.
8. The station has been very busy with “Isolation Interviews” on Instagram during the pandemic. How often are you doing these and what has the engagement been? Give us the rundown of Z104.5 The Edge’s “2020 Quarantine Tour.”
We’ve done over 20. Big bands and small bands talking to us from their house or studio. Truthfully, it's one of the most fun things I've done in my career. Some bands didn't want to end the calls because I think boredom had set in in their normal day. Even talking to radio people was a nice change.
9. What is your favorite part of your job?
I'd hope every PD would say some variation on this. I like making people happy. Doing the events and promotions we do. We don't do boring meet and greets anymore. Has to be something different. Playing video games onstage with twenty-one pilots or taking Silversun Pickups on a tour of Tulsa or seeing White Reaper play at the house where they filmed The Outsiders.
10. You’ve been working in the Alternative format for many years. What’s your take on the state of Alternative Radio today?
Paul Weller said, "The kids know where it's at" Listen to the kids. They're the ones making stars out of new bands and telling you what they think of old bands. I ask my daughter for advice on rotations all the time.
Bonus Questions
What were weekends like for you before COVID-19?
My kid and I do a lot of urban exploring. Last weekend we took a tour of all the sites from the Weird Al movie UHF which was filmed here. Yeah, we are pretty boss.
What’s the latest on your record collection?
Closing in on 20K.
What are your favorite places to eat in the area?
There's a steak place with pictures of John Wayne on the wall called Freddie's Steakhouse. That's my thing.
Favorite food?
Steak
Favorite drink?
Dr Pepper
How often do you get back home and what are your top priorities when you get back to Dallas?
This is home now, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Dallas and L.A. are too crowded. I only go to DFW to play shows with my band (@panicindallas on Instagram).
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
1986 Mets. That's it. I collect records and know nothing about sports.
Favorite new band over the past year?
My favorite recent band is White Reaper, but they’ve been around longer than a year.
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