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10 Questions with ... Jeff Lynn
January 5, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Since we have all local talent, I want them to know the pulse and vibe of Cleveland and reflect it back. I don't want them to waste time with Hollywood News etc., which can be found anywhere. Instead I want them talking about the local music scene, which pre-Covid was very vibrant. We want to be a music discovery vehicle but with YouTube and TiKTok that keeps us on our toes.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I was fortunate to have begun my full-time career at what was and still is a great radio station, KRNA in Iowa City. After that there were stops in Des Moines, Omaha, Madison, and Milwaukee. During those times I worked for iHeart, Entercom and NRG Media.
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
The small town I grew up in was about 8,000 people but at the time had an amazing little radio station. Bruce Vidal, who later went on to great success at KISS in L.A. worked there as did Jerry Dean who had a great run at KLUC in Las Vegas. I had always loved music and was captivated with listening to how they presented the music and how they were looked at as celebrities around the town. I was hooked.
2. It’s great to have a new Alternative station in Cleveland. What led to the decision to switch jenY 107.3 from Modern AC to Cleveland's Modern Alternative?
When we launched there wasn't a clear lane for an Alternative. So, we straddled the line between Hot AC and Alt. A recent format change in the market left the Alternative lane wide open so we adjusted and moved into it.
3. Tell us about jenY branding, which began at the beginning of 2020 when the station first launched as Modern AC and why you decided to keep it when you changed the music?
jenY is of course symbolizing Generation Y. It remains a radio station for that cohort so there was really no need to rebrand it.
4. How much has the music changed on jenY 107.3?
We have dropped the Hot AC product, Harry Stiles, Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5 etc. and replaced that with a straight on alternative. In the beginning we were about 60/40 Alternative to Hot AC, so it was a pretty easy shift.
5. You kept the same on-air lineup. Give us the 411 on jenY 107.3.
Our on-air lineup is the secret sauce. We are fortunate to work for a company that hires live and local. Kathy Vogel in the morning has worked in Northeast Ohio for many years and she has a sharp wit and feel for Cleveland that she is able to bring on the air. Our afternoons and midday people are here as well and frankly cannot wait for Covid to end so they can hit the streets.
6. How would you describe your programming philosophy?
Since we have all local talent, I want them to know the pulse and vibe of Cleveland and reflect it back. I don't want them to waste time with Hollywood News etc., which can be found anywhere. Instead I want them talking about the local music scene, which pre-Covid was very vibrant. We want to be a music discovery vehicle but with YouTube and TiKTok that keeps us on our toes.
7. In addition to programming jenY 107.3, you are Director Of Operations for Rubber City Radio for Cleveland and Akron. Tell us about your duties.
I oversee programming for not only jenY in Cleveland but also WQMX, WONE and WAKR in Akron. Additionally, I handle the day-to-day programming of WQMX.
8. What is your favorite part of your job?
Being early to know about what's coming musically. In both Alternative and Country, I love to know and hear music that has yet to be released and hopefully help break artists.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________?
Diet Mountain Dew
10. What would surprise people most about you?
Probably if they listened to my iTunes, which includes everything from Johnny Cash and Dean Martin to Foo Fighters and Chris Stapleton.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
I have a difficult time staying home, although I have been trying to with Covid. I enjoy exploring the area. For example, couple weeks ago I spent all day Saturday exploring the old Ohio State reformatory in Mansfield because it was the location for the Shawshank Redemption. As bad as I hate to admit it, I also spend at least a couple hours Saturday and Sunday working. If I don't I feel like I really start the week behind.
What are your favorite places to eat in the area?
Michael Symon is from Cleveland and has the most amazing barbeque restaurant downtown called Mabel's. They have fantastic food and an incredible Bourbon selection.
Favorite food?
Steak and a baked potato
Favorite drink?
Angel's Envy with a big rock
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Green Bay Packers
Milwaukee Brewers
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Browns
Iowa HawkeyesFirst record ever purchased?
Fleetwood Mac - Rumors
First concert?
Chicago and The Beach Boys
Favorite band of all-time?
Styx
Anything else you would like to add?
I feel extremely blessed. Even though 2020 has been a tough year for everyone I am still working in the industry I love, for great ownership and with a tremendous, dedicated team. I am happy and very fortunate.
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