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10 Questions with ... Jerry Woods
November 8, 2005
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NAME:Jerry WoodsTITLE:Program Director/Morning Show HostSTATION:89.5 FM, KTSY - 88.1 FM, KTFYMARKET:Boise, ID (KTSY) - Twin Falls, ID (KTFY)COMPANY:IndependentBORN:San Diego, CARAISED:All over SoCal
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Let's see, I never really planned to be in radio. I wanted to replace Peter Jennings on ABC World News Tonight. Followed a girlfriend to college, then she dumped me. A friend who was a couple years ahead of me in college was dating the manager of the local Christian inspo, KGTS (Tri-Cities, WA), that was based on campus. He hired me to do news. Later I decided the DJs were having much more fun, so I started hosting my own show. When I graduated, I briefly managed KYPL (Yakima, WA) before it was on the air. It got tied up in some building issues. I heard that KTSY was hiring and I came on board as the APD/Morning Show Host in 1997.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job in radio was anchoring the PM Drive news for the Positive Life Radio Network in Eastern Washington. I grew up in SoCal listening to Rick Dees on KIIS-FM and Scott Shannon on Pirate Radio. I always liked Robert W. Morgan on KMPC. I didn't even know that Christian music radio existed until I was 18.
2) What do you think is the most important topic facing the Music Business and Radio right now? Why?
Our inferiority complex. In radio we spend a lot of time talking about all the things we can't do, how we don't have any money and how we can sound more like the competitor down the street. We need to concentrate on the resources we do have, and how we can best use them to serve the people we do reach. The Bible talks about the principal of being faithful in little things before God gives you much. If we're faithful in the little things, we'll grow. In music, I think it's just being innovative. We're starting to see more artists that hone their own craft, as opposed to just following whatever was popular in secular music six months ago. We need more of that.
3) What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
We need to show that we are more than just radio stations. People need to know that we honestly care about them. It's not enough to just play different music. We need to be beacons of hope in our communities.
4) Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why?
My wife-Crystal. More than anyone I've ever known she's taught me to have compassion. She exemplifies that there is more to life than bigger ratings and more success at work. She honestly loves people and puts her family and her God first. I love that about her. That's why I married her.
5) Who is your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
Lisa Williams at Z88.3 in Orlando. I spent some time in the studio just watching her earlier this year. She had just started a contest of some sort, and I'll never forget how she said "Father, please send me the right caller." She did it like Jesus was standing right their next to her. And then it occurred to me. He was! Lisa demonstrates that you can be a real Christian in radio, and she does it without trite phrases or speaking in "Christian-ese."
6) What is your favorite radio station outside of your own market?
Again, I have to talk about Z88.3. They are committed to their listeners. They're committed to superserving them. They are the place that people turn to when the weather gets ugly in Florida. There studios and transmitter are probably more secure than the Pentagon. They put their hearts and even their skins on the line when it matters.
I also love Johnny and Stacey and Star 99.1 in New York. They are two wonderful people who open up their hearts on the air every morning. They also take the time to mentor the young talent in our business. (Thanks guys!)
7) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
I'd be an actor. I did a little stage and TV when I was a kid. I loved every moment of it. I gave it up to follow a girl to college. (It's a long story. ;)
8) Which character in the Bible do you most relate to? Why?
Peter-Despite his talk first, think later reputation he actually had a lot of faith. You don't hear any of the other disciples saying "Lord, let me out of the boat so I can walk on water with you."
I want to be a risk-taker for God.
9) What is your favorite passage of Scripture?
Phil. 4:6-7 --"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
--This is a great reminder for all of us who are "Type A" personalities in radio that Jesus offers peace. We don't have to worry about it.
10) What is the most precious memory of your life so far?
Meeting my wife on a boat in Mexico. I asked her to go ballroom dancing with me, and she said yes! We've been dating ever since.
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What is your favorite reading material?
I read three newspapers everyday and tons of "women's" magazines, so I can get to know "Jane."
2) Describe your favorite meal?
I love Italian food. Anything pizza, pasta, if it's loaded with cheese and cholesterol, then I probably love it.
3) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you want with you and why?
1. A beach umbrella
2. A lime in a coconut
3. A helicopter4) Favorite TV program of all-time?
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (It has a lot of heart.)
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