10 Questions with ... Jack Robertson

1. Brief history/synopsis

Born in Springfield, Missouri but raised most of my childhood in Vinita, OK. Married to Teresa for almost 21 years next month and we have 2 adult kids. Still dreaming of being an empty nester someday. :)

2. What was it that made you "catch the bug" for radio? When did you realize that it was what you wanted to do for a living?

Got my first job at 16. It was September of 1989 & on an oldies station that still played vinyl. I remember my first aircheck session. Before we started the PD said before he gets into it he wanted me to know that now is the time to get out before I get too far because radio is addictive. Told him it was too late...already hooked & it's been almost 28 years later.

3. What are you doing currently, what's your PASSION?

We are close to family in Springfield, MO finally after all these years of moving around. Our last move was for my wife's job which means we didn't move for radio for the first time in our 20 year marriage. I've been working from my home studio since August 2016 voicetracking, doing voiceovers or helping other stations during their Sharathons. In fact, I'm always looking for extra stations to help. I can do production, imaging, voicetracking, voiceovers and/or be a Sharathon host. Working from home has made doing this possible.

4. With the advent of "instant everything"..... How do you compete with what the potential listener has available to them?

We need to provide experiences or a relationship they can't get from their phone or social media. More than just a jukebox, we need to connect on their level. We need to be real. Listeners are not dumb, they can sniff out fake real fast.

5. What would you categorize as your greatest personal challenge in radio? What are you doing to overcome that?

A busy life. It's easy to get involved with your own busy schedule & not take time to do the things to prepare. How I'm overcoming that? Carving out time each day to showprep. I'm not working a full-time job wearing 20 hats so it's a little easier to find that time.

6. Who are 3 people that you look to as mentors/leaders?

My first PD, Chris Weatherred. He helped get me started & tried to get me to quit. LOL!

Second is Jim McDermott. That may shock a few but here's the deal. He understands radio being a ministry. He won't compromise. And he has always taken care of his people.

The third is Chuck Finney. I haven't worked with him directly but almost did at my last job. Talked to him a few times & have always enjoyed my conversations with him. He has a brilliant programming mind & what draws me to him his how he's direct but one of the nicest guys/consultants I've ever met or worked with.

7. What do you believe is the single greatest factor in building audience share/cume?

Be visible. Find a parade & get in front of it. The more you are out in the community the more they will know who you are. If they believe you make a difference in their community then they'll value your station. A lot of stations get lazy when it comes to being in the public eye.

8. Most successful station promotion ever.....details from start to finish?

We did a morning show co-host search. We did it American Idol style. We set up & did a "live" in person audition in front of a studio audience. We would do a "radio break" & then had 3 judges to give their feedback. One judge was a morning show co-host for another station we brought in from another market. Narrowed it down to the top 10, then top 5 & down to the top 2. The ultimate winner was Julia Taylor now at KCBI in Dallas. She's yet to pay me a finders fee.

9. What's the last book you read?

All In by Mark Batterson. In the day & age we live in we don't have time to "play" Christian. We need to go all in & be sold out. Whatever God is calling us to do we can't let fear stop us. Go all in & let God be God.

10. Radio 101....in 101 words or less, how would you advise a radio programmer/air talent who wants to get better at their craft?

Check your ego at the door. Study. Learn. Never stop seeking ways to do it better. Find people who are better than you & seek their guidance. CMB is a great resource & love what they do for our industry. When you think you know it all is when it's time to call it quits.

1. Most embarrassing moment on air?

It wasn't me but my GM & I was on the air with him during Sharathon. We were counting down the total & that's when he was getting excited & said something not safe for the whole family. Sorry, email me & I'll tell you what he said. I think I snorted as soon as he said it.

2. If you were King for a day, and could "fix" three things in radio land....what would they be?

1. Radio divas. In Christian radio it's not about us. It's about God & the listener.
2. Income! How many times do we hear reasons why we can't do something because we don't have enough money.
3. Burn out. Most of us have small staffs & have to wear 27 hats. It's hard to do your job in excellence when you are doing 32 jobs at once. See fix #2.

3. You've got one last live break on air....and then the radio will go silent. What do you say?

REPENT!!! I don't want that responsibility. I'd rather leave that for a much better communicator.