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10 Questions with ... Jason Ginty
July 5, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I’m part of a team with many missions and daily challenges. We’re all in it together. I encourage feedback good or bad on the sound of the station and processes. How can we achieve the station goals and individual goals? I don’t consider myself a ‘boss’ until I have to fill out forms or put out a fire.
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1. How did you first become interested in radio?
Growing up in Buffalo I not only got the local rock stations, I also got the Canadian rock stations. You could roll through 6 or more versions of a rock station back in the day. The DJ’s all had those deep, cool voices and it was a steady stream of Van Halen, Rush, Sabbath etc. My parents gave me a dual cassette deck for my birthday. I would record songs off the radio then edit out the commercials and talking with scissors and scotch tape. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was making mix tapes!
2. You have spent the past 25 years in New Orleans and have programmed a number of different formats. What led you back to Cumulus for this opportunity program WZRH (ALT 92.3) and Country WRKN (NASH ICON COUNTRY 106.1) in New Orleans and Classic Hits WRQQ (Classic Hits 103.3) in Baton Rouge?
I had been voice tracking the Classic Rock station across the street the last 7 years and dominating middays. It was a part-time job that allowed me to do other things. I was doing social media for a few businesses, a podcast and started my own tour company. Then I got a call from Regional Vice President/Market Manager Pat Galloway. Pat and I had met a few times but never worked together. Pat has a passion for radio that you just don’t see much anymore. I then spoke with James Kurdziel and Doug Hamand, we were all talking the same language and I was in!
3. What is a typical day like for you programming these three brands in two different markets?
There are no typical days in radio. That’s why we do it! Let’s just say I move fast, use the resources available and constantly try to improve the sound of the stations while having fun.
4. Let’s shift our focus to ALT 92.3. The WZRH call letters have a long history with Alternative in New Orleans Give us the 411 on ALT 92.3 music and imaging.
I learned long ago to play the hits and keep it fun. Don’t be “too cool for the room.” Take risks. That’s what we attempt to do every day.
5. Tell us about the ALT 92.3 on-air lineup, anchored by The Woody Show and being live & local the rest of the day.
I’m lucky to have walked into a station with incredibly talented people. Woody and his crew are great to work with and a fun, topical morning show that fits the station/format really well. Anna Marvuglio does middays, I’m in afternoons and Daniel Merry does nights. Anna and Daniel “get” New Orleans and are killer on the air. In fact, I’m the weak link in the lineup!
6. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
I’m part of a team with many missions and daily challenges. We’re all in it together. I encourage feedback good or bad on the sound of the station and processes. How can we achieve the station goals and individual goals? I don’t consider myself a “boss” until I have to fill out forms or put out a fire.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
The creative process. An idea is born, we figure it out and then it’s on the air.
8. What’s it like working with Troy Hanson and James Kurdziel?
I can honestly say I’ve never worked with a team like this before. They are incredibly supportive and creative. I actually look forward to the weekly programming calls!
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________?
Listening to radio. I’m still a fan after all these years. Apps and streaming make it possible to listen to everything.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I am a Pirate.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
Usually working my other jobs. I run, fish, paddleboard and enjoy everything New Orleans has to offer.
What are your favorite places to eat in New Orleans?
You can’t beat Acme Oyster House or Dragos. You really can’t go wrong anywhere in New Orleans though because everything is incredible.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Bills, Sabres, Saints, Pelicans
First record ever purchased?
I saved my money and bought the cassette of Quiet Riot - Metal Health.
First concert?
First real concert was Whitesnake at an outdoor venue near Buffalo. I had a fake ID and it worked really well again and again…
Favorite band of all-time?
The Tea Party. Canadian band that never quite broke through to the states. I’ve traveled numerous times to see them over the years.
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