-
10 Questions with ... Jonathan Unthank
December 6, 2005
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Jonathan UnthankTITLE:Program DirectorSTATION:WYLV Love 89.1FMMARKET:Knoxville, TNCOMPANY:Foothills BroadcastingBORN:12/01/77RAISED:all over the place... Chicago, Cleveland, St. Louis, Knoxville
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I have been with Love 89.1 for 8 years now. Started as an intern in 1997, moved up to Music Director in 1999, and Program Director in 2001.
1) Can you be a boss and also a friend to your employees?
I think you can, but you have to weigh it very carefully. If you're too bossy, your staff may think that all you are is their "boss." There's nothing more to you. If you're too friendly though, then nothing gets accomplished because your staff thinks they're with their buddy, so let's just hang out. I think being a friend to your staff helps in understanding each other better, which in turn helps you work better together. As long as the lines are drawn and understood, I think it works. To prove it, try spending time away from the office together, you'll see a whole different side to some of your staff.
2) What do you like best about your job? Least?
I enjoy coming in to an environment where I can use my gifts and talents. I am the type of person that if I know what I am doing is going to impact someone or make a difference somewhere, I'm going to love it. I'm driven by jumping on board with what God is already doing, and seeing where it takes me and the radio station. I guess the least favorite thing about my job would be the paperwork and intense organization required. I'd like to be messy sometimes you know.
3) Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why?
Personal- Parents and my Wife (Melanie)...They always know where you stand, can read you like a book, and know just the right thing to say to make it all better
Professional- David Wells (my GM), John Maxwell, Mark Sanborn, Dave Ramsey...experience everything you can, learn to grow in your gifts and talents, and be the example...just a few of the things I've learned from these guys
Spiritual- Parents and Grandparents...I have a Godly heritage to be thankful for, and something to pass on to my kids; it's my foundation...
4) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget, with no questions asked, what would it be?
I would add a full-time marketing position. I think it would add so much more to our product, and create a bigger buzz in the community. We currently do some grassroots marketing, but to have someone hit it full-time would be sweet...
5) If you were just starting out in radio toady, but you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
Yes. It's the only medium, at least until now, where you can get a message out and it can literally grab a hold of a person, wherever they are...in the car, at home, in the shower, at work, etc... It's powerful. I would prepare for ups and downs, just like in any career. Most of all this is something I love, and I've always been told if you love it, you'll never leave it.
6) What are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of the Christian format's growth and changes?
Radio and Records Magazine
CRW
CCM
CMCentral
Billboard
AllAccess7) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
I would probably be a children's pastor. I love kids. I love to see the sparkle in their eye when they "get" something, whether it's learning about God, understanding more about life, etc...I love it when they act like kids do. It makes me want to do it all over it again. I'm really a 10 year old trapped inside a 28 yr. old body...
8) Which character in the Bible do you most relate to? Why?
David- He went through it all, but never lost his faith in God. He always seemed to know where to turn to when life had him in a spin.
9) What is the most precious memory of your life so far?
Just one? Man, first of all getting married to my wife Melanie was unforgettable. Secondly, being in the room when my grandfather went to be with the Lord.
10) What is it that motivates you to be 'All You Can Be?'
First of all, I look at Who I am working for, and it's pretty easy from there. Check out Colossians 3:23..."In everything you do, do it with all your heart as unto the Lord, not for men..."
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What is your favorite reading material?
Sunday newspaper and all the shopping ads
2) What's in your CD player right now?
Toby Mac, Seven Places, WOW Christmas
3) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
Disco and Funk
4) Cat or Dog person?
Dog...Mocha is our 4month old puppy...
5) Describe your favorite meal?
Anything my wife cooks...She can cook, just check out my kitchen and all them cook books...
6) Favorite TV program of all-time?
Cosby Show
-
-