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10 Questions with ... Jim Hays
May 1, 2006
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NAME:Jim HaysTITLE:Operations ManagerSTATIONS:KHAY/KBBY/KVYB/KVENMARKET:Oxnard/Ventura, CACOMPANY:Cumulus MediaBORN:Shamrock, TXRAISED:Jal, NM
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Westwood One Formats/Los Angeles PD 1998-2006; WWFG/WOSC Ocean City, MD - OM '97; WHOK/WLLD Columbus, OH-OM '96; KHEY/El Paso, TX-PD '93-'95; KWES/Odessa, TX-PD '89-'92; KISJ/Brownwood, TX '84-'88; KFIG/Fresno, CA-Mornings '82-'83; KGEO/Bakersfield, CA-PD '81; KRBC/Abilene, TX Nights '78-'80.
1. What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Nights at KRBC/Abilene, TX, a 5KW AM Top 40 station. I was hired by John Frost who's now at Goodratings Media Strategies. Our consultants were Dwight Douglas and Bob Elliot of Burkhart/Abrams, so I learned great radio early on in my career.
2. Of all the skills that you've gained as a programmer, which area are you NOT as strong as you would like to be?
I wish I had the ears for music that a female has. Women listen more deeply than men. All I care about is a strong hook that you can sing along with. I've always had women in my music meetings. I think it's insane for a bunch of guys to sit around and pick music for a female-targeted radio station.
3. Will the advent of Satellite Radio affect our biz? Explain!
I think it's already had an effect because we've seen some talent move to satellite. Satellite will be around and will fight for its share of people's discretionary time, just like iPods and video games. We must remember that content is King.
4. Who are your programming mentors?
For the last 17 years, I have studied at the feet of Charlie Cook, now Senior Programmer for Cumulus. He taught me everything from sorting music tests to crunching Arbitron numbers.
I owe Charlie the world.
Other programmers I learned from include John Frost, Dwight Douglas, E. Karl, Bill Moyes, Tom Owens, Greg Ausham, Jaye Albright, Kevin Metheny and Bob Lowry. John Candelaria, the PD at KBFB/Dallas, taught me the importance of knowing your audience. And although I've only met the man once at an R&R convention in the 80's, I think Guy Zapoleon is a genius.
5. Who's your favorite air personality not on your air staff?
I love John & Ken, the afternoon guys on talk KFI/Los Angeles. Some of the most compelling radio I've ever heard has come from them. They did an interview with Gloria Allred that was amazing. I had to pull off the road I was laughing so hard.
6. What is your favorite radio station outside of your own market?
KPLX/Ft. Worth-Dallas. They sound like their market and Amy B, the afternoon gal, might be the best female jock I've ever heard.
7. In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?
There are so many. But the latest was "Restless" by Alison Krauss and Union Station.
8. What's the biggest record that you completely missed on?
"Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy". I didn't see any way for that to be a Top 10 record.
9. Most surprising record of the past 12 months?
Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles. Who knew a rock star could have a #1 song in country?
10. Next Superstar Programmer?
In country, Buddy Van Arsdale at WSM-FM/Nashville or Casey Carter at WROO/Jacksonville. And keep your eye on James Baker at Hot AC KIOI/San Francisco.
Bonus Questions
1. Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
Bluegrass. It's the most honest music on the planet.
2. You are on a desert island...what 5 CDs are in your portable disc player?
Soundtrack from "O Brother Where Art Thou", Fleetwood Mac "Rumors", George Strait "50 #1's", Def Leppard's Greatest Hits and Alan Jackson "Precious Memories."
3. Describe your favorite meal?
Chicken Fried steak, mashed potatoes with cream gravy, corn on the cob and for dessert, pecan pie. Now that's Texas.
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