10 Questions with ... Jay Hudson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started out of school as an intern at WRIF/Detroit). I then got hired to work on the Promotions team and do weekend/swing on-air shifts. During this time, I was also on-air part-time at WKQZ/Saginaw. I've been at 89X the past three years.

1. How has your job changed in the past year?

I definitely have more responsibilities then I did a year ago. I believe the years of being just a Music Director or just a DJ have long passed.

2. How do you stay connected with your audience?

By LISTENING to them, Know your demo and find out what they're into when it comes to music, video games, etc.

3. How would you describe the music and imaging on 89X?

Alternative with a good mix of rock. Some stations can get slack for this, but it all depends on the market you're in. We happen to be in Detroit Rock City so it works for us.

4. What would an outsider find most surprising about the Detroit radio market?

That we border Canada. The only thing separating Detroit from Windsor (Ontario) is the Detroit River which is maybe a little over a 1/4 mile wide. Yes, there are people who are scared to come to Detroit and may not know this.

5. What would shock people most about 89X?

That we are in the same building that "The Big 8" was in back in the '70s. Rumor has it that Elton John, Elvis and plenty of Motown acts have all walked these halls. We were also one of the first stations to support Eminem and Kid Rock back in the '90s.

6. What has been your biggest accomplishment at the station?

Well, since I grew up listening to 89X, I would have to say just being on-air in the city I was born and raised in has been an accomplishment for me. Also, working hard as a team and achieving some of the best ratings in the history of the station in 2009.

7. How would you describe your night show?

I like to have fun, there's nothing worse then hearing a DJ that sounds like he doesn't want to be there. I love interacting with people on-air, I incorporate listeners, interns even the janitor at times. Yes, there is a way to do this without it sounding like a hot mess.

8. What do you like best about doing nights?

The energy, and of course a chance to play all the cool new music first.

9. Tell us about your new TV gig?

Real Detroit has been one of the cities hottest weekly magazines for over 10 years now. They are bringing the magazine to life, and I'm going to be hosting a TV show from different locations in and around Detroit. It will involve music, fashion, night life and all the other things that are hot in the "D."

10. What stands out the most about your first few days in radio?

Having Papa Roach live in the studio (with no DUMP button) after only being on-air for a few weeks. I was more nervous then a hooker in church, but I still got the job done.

What are you most proud of from 2009?

That it finally ended. The year overall wasn't the greatest for a lot of people around here. It's no secret that Detroit has been through some tough times lately, and I think it really peaked last year. I just hoping 2010 treats those who have been affected a little better.