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10 Questions with ... Gary Thompson
November 5, 2007
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NAME:Gary ThompsonTITLE:APD/MD/afternoonsSTATIONS:WJQK / WPNWMARKETS:Grand Rapids, MICOMPANY:Lanser BroadcastingBORN:Fort Scott, KSRAISED:Southeast Kansas / Tulsa
Brief Career Synopsis:
KXOJ/Tulsa (first real gig), KCFO/Tulsa, WCVO/Columbus, KKOW/Pittsburg-Joplin, KXOJ/Tulsa (AGAIN), WHKO/Dayton, and then to WJQK this summer for afternoons and programming duties.
1) What was your first job in radio?
First time on air was at KRSC college radio in Claremore, OK, spinning big band vinyl on weekends. First REAL job: Overnights on KXOJ/Tulsa. I was hired one week before high school graduation.
2) How do you prepare for your show day? What's your biggest challenge?
My show prep goes on all day long. My family, friends, neighbors, news and life in general are all show prep. When something happens that relates, I e-mail myself from my phone so I won't forget about it. Then at work the next day, I take half an hour and write out verbatim each relate as I hear myself saying it. By the time I hit the air with it, it's succinct and focused. Bits are also produced before the show if there are any.
3) What has made your show successful - in the few months you've been there?
Well, the first book with my show included has yet to come out, so we'll see. [smile] But JQ99 is much like KXOJ in culture and target. So, I'll tell you what worked well there since my show on JQ is similar. The things we did that worked best there were simple, real-life stuff. Always remember that the music is a greater truth than MY talking. Music is the "Meat." Bits and relates are garnish. Too much garnish can ruin the listeners' meal. The music is why they come.
4) Best advice for making a show for a Christian station?
Keep your role in perspective. Although you're the listeners' friend, you're not the star of the show. The music and the listener ARE the stars. Of course, that should be the case in most formats.
5) Who do you look up to as an air personality not at your station?
I've been blessed to work with many great talents like Craig West from KXOJ. There are few with his level of talent who are as humble as he. Being in the Grand Rapids market has afforded me the opportunity to regularly listen to Tommy Dylan and Brook Taylor on our direct competitor, WCSG. Their show is well-structured and VERY well-focused for their audience. The momentum on their show is great.
6) If you were just starting out in radio today, but you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
Absolutely. Any path other than the one God has chosen for you or me is a dead end.
7) Most memorable on-air interview to date?
Oh, that's easy. I interviewed Nichole Nordeman years ago about her tour with Avalon. I asked her if she and the girls from Avalon had experienced any recent opportunities to get out and do some shopping while on the road. I asked her something to the effect of whether or not she ever borrowed blouses from Janna and Jody. That's the day I found out (the hard way) that Jody was a guy. However, to this day, Nichole hasn't answered my question as to whether or not she ever DID actually borrow any of Jody's blouses. [Smile]
8) If you could have any job outside radio, what would you try your hand at?
I'd be a dentist. I almost quit radio a couple of years back to go to school. Sounds strange, but I actually have a passion for it. If this season of life ever ends for me, I think dentistry will be the path I follow.
9) Do you miss anything about Ohio?
Sure. I miss the crew at Cox/Dayton. Talented folks are there. Nick Roberts and Glenn Moore were great people to work for. Everyone was easygoing and professional. It was a lot of fun. We've lived in Ohio twice. We lived in Columbus for a couple of years. I miss Columbus A LOT. What a GREAT city!
10) Have you become a University of Michigan fan yet? Or Lions? Tigers?
My boss went to Michigan State, so I dress in green as much as possible. As far as having my OWN team, I can't STAND sports. Sports absolutely bore me to tears. My wife asked God for a man who wasn't obsessed with sports. She got one who avoids them as much as he can. The woman is a prayer warrior. :)
Bonus Questions
1) What's on your mp3 player right now?
Rihanna, Fergie, Casting Crowns, Darrell Evans, Disciple, Steve Miller Band, Boston, Eddie Money, Hinder, High School Musical, Steven Curtis Chapman (SCC is the man), Michael W. Smith, Def Leppard, Gregory Abbot, Fine Young Cannibals, Britney Spears, Sugarland, Bobby Brown and Rascal Flatts. Those are the ones I remember off the top of my head.
2) Do you have musical guilty pleasures?
Not guilty but Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett are absolutely amazing.
3) Cat or dog person?
Cat. We have the smartest kitty in the world. Coco actually woke us all up and prevented a fire right after we moved to Michigan a few months ago. Lassie has nothing on this putty tat.
4) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you and why?
Oh boy: A seaplane, a pilot and enough gas to get us back to civilization.
5) Favorite TV program of all-time?
"Quantum Leap." For obvious reasons, I'm LOVING "Journeyman" these days.
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