10 Questions with ... Jess Jennings

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Jess Jennings is the PD/midday host for Saga Communications Country WCKN (Kickin' 92.5)/Charleston, SC. Jennings joined the cluster in October of last year following time with Sandhill Media Group Country KUPI/Idaho Falls, ID where she handled morning co-hosting duties. Her previous career stops include MD/midday duties for Alpha Media Country WUBB (BOB 106.9)/Savannah-Hilton Head, GA and on-air roles at Riverbend Communications Country KTHK (105.5 The Hawk)/Idaho Falls, ID. Jennings is a mother to her "Farm Family" and wife of "Farmboy," and has also joined the CRS Agenda Committee to help plan the educational agenda for the forthcoming CRS 2019. Jennings took time out of her busy schedule to chat with All Access this week and answer "10 Questions."

1. Jess, thank you for taking the time for 10 Questions! Let's start at the beginning -- where did you first find a passion for radio?

It stems from my childhood, I think. My parents were radio and music junkies. We'd be cruising in the car, and they'd quiz each other - a bit like the Kennedys, but it was artist names and song titles instead of politics and American History. My favorite part was the anticipation of waiting until the end of the song for the DJ to tell us who was right or wrong. And, the winner got to humbly sit on their throne until the next song came on. We'd also listen to "A Prairie Home Companion," almost religiously. I loved Garrison Keillor's stories about Lake Wobegon! I believe that he's one of the best story-tellers of all time. And, if you'd have told me that I would one day work at a station that aired his show, I wouldn't have believed you.

2. I know you have previous experience in the NPR realm; what lead you to Country radio, specifically?

I worked for NPR in college. I enjoyed it a lot; feature stories were my favorite. The most challenging - and, not surprisingly, the most valuable - thing I learned from doing news was how to edit. It's an invaluable tool, especially when fitting bits into intros of songs! As far as Country, I have always been a fan of the format! I grew up just outside of Orlando listening to [Cox Media Group Country WWKA] K92FM. I got my foot into the Country music door by interning for a locally-owned radio station. I sat in on the Country morning show, was invited to participate in bits on air, and after 5 months, I was offered a job. Four years down the road, I was APD/MD, and I am now programming in Charleston, SC.

3. After successful tenures with WUBB/Savannah-Hilton Head, GA; KTHK/Idaho Falls, ID; and KUPI/Idaho Falls, ID; you've found yourself with PD duties at WCKN/Charleston, SC. As a relatively new programmer, how have you adapted to your new role while also adapting to a new market?

WCKN is blessed to have a team that works and live here in the Lowcountry. Our morning show host, TJ Philips, has been a radio staple in the market for more than 25 years. Jessica Chandler, morning co-host, has been in Charleston for 15 years, and they have both been involved in the community as it has grown and changed. We are live and local from 5am until midnight, with Jeff Cash in the afternoon and Thomas at night. We have a fantastic team, and it's been a pleasure working with them and the Saga family to create great radio in the Lowcountry.

4. As a female programmer, specifically, have you had any mentors along the way who have helped you find your voice as an on-air talent and programmer?

Oh, absolutely! I hesitate to laundry list them, because I know I'd forget someone, but my first OM - who had the patience of a saint while working with me through my "growing years" - as an intern, to morning show co-host, and APD/MD. Christie Matthews, former PD of 104.9 The Fox in Jonesboro, is also one. I was fortunate to meet her several years ago at CRS. She is a brilliant programmer, and there's no way I'd be where I am today without her.

5. What advice would you offer to other young females who may be curious about venturing in to a career on-air or in programming?

Observe. There is SO much you can learn by observation. Ask questions. If you don't know something, ask. I've yet to meet a programmer that hesitated to give advice. Listen. When a PD says, "I wish I'd have known this 20 years ago," pay attention to the words that follow. Learn the lesson now. Introduce yourself. People don't tend to come to you; you have to go to them. Be brave.

6. Back in January, your station was faced with an unusual event -- a massive winter storm in Charleston. How did you handle coverage of a weather event on a music-intensive station that isn't typically slated for heavy winter weather?

I'm blessed to work for a company that thrives on being live and local, and situations like Snow Storm Grayson allowed us to shine! Charleston traffic, without snow, can be trying... and when it hit during the mid-morning commute, we opened the phones and let listeners tell us what was happening. We reported bridge closures and alternate routes 20 minutes ahead of TV and kept listeners updated during the three days of ice that followed. It was a FUN week for radio! We were able to empathize and serve our community, because we were living through it, too.

7. As someone who has programmed both Country and Hot AC, you've worked in two differing formats with similar broad appeal. What do you think the strengths are of our format currently, musically? Do you like the direction we are headed?

Having programmed both, my favorite thing about Country is that artists are relatively accessible. And, I'm super excited for where the format is headed. We have such an eclectic sound right now, which makes it fun to listen to and program! The music is real, it is relatable, and completely Country to the core.

8. You are not only an on-air talent and programmer, but you are also a super-mom and wife to your "Farm Family," as you call them. How have you maintained a work/life balance, and what advice would you give to other women looking to rise through the ranks while continuing to grow their families?

I'm not sure about the whole "super-mom" part of that question; we all do our best. Our Farm Family rock is my husband, Farmboy. He's always been incredibly supportive of this radio dream. We constantly joke about how our "roles" are reversed. He makes the kids' school lunches, helps them with their homework, and usually has dinner made. I don't know a woman or a man on the face of the planet who wouldn't love that. I'm blessed.

9. Let's talk about the future of your career. This year, you joined the CRS Agenda Committee for the first time and have already experienced the planning sessions. How do you feel participation in this industry event and its planning will benefit you at a station level?

The chair assembled an incredible CRS Agenda Committee team, and it was such an honor to represent Saga. The one thing we focused on this year was that each panel had a take-away that could be used and implemented on a station level immediately. I hope the Board finds it difficult to trim the panels presented this year.

10. As a regular CRS attendee, you are very familiar with the organization and the event. For those small market programmers and on-air talents who have not attended, what would you say to encourage them to attend CRS? How has it benefited you and your career?

I instantly think of the saying, "You're only as good as those you surround yourself with." CRS is the industry - concentrated. I've felt that CRS has helped me grow and provide tools to succeed, whether it be air-checking/coaching, music scheduling, imaging, promotions, or sales. There is something for everyone, no matter market size. When you get down to the brass tacks, we all do the same thing.

You are a Lee Brice super-fan and an admitted lover of "Big, Hairy Men." Who are some of your current favorite "Big, Hairy Men" of Country music?

I'm blushing! I do love me some Lee Brice! And, Chris Stapleton! BUT, I did get to hear some new music from Randy Houser, recently... and, it's gooooood!