10 Questions with ... Justin Case

NAME:Justin Case POSITION:Program Director STATION:WZZK, WNCB & Legends 1320 MARKET:Birmingham COMPANY:Cox BORN:7/20/63 in Indianapolis, Indiana RAISED:Decatur, IN

1. Justin, you just moved from a very Blue State radio station (WWYZ/HARTFORD), to a very Red State combo, heritage Country WZZK and the brand new WNCB "NEW COUNTRY BIRMINGHAM." What adjustments have you had to make personally?

Well, I'm back on Central time- I've never dealt with heat like this. As for Red state vs. Blue State... I've always believed that 'Country' was a musical preference. Connecticut had more little county fairs with Country performers than anywhere else I've been. I would say that people in Alabama are more conservative in their views and much more open about their religion than the Northeast. However, I grew up with Midwestern sensibilities, so I'm able to get along with folks anywhere.

2. Can you tell us about the different approaches to programming on your two stations?

We play the hits on both stations. WZZK is conservative. WNCB will take a few chances and is generally earlier on songs than the market as a whole.

3. Launching WNCB has to be very exciting, can you tell us how it's going? What stage you're at in evolving the station and without giving away secrets, what great things you have planned?

The station is actually almost a year old. It has a 'conservative' anti-radio approach.

My task is to evolve the stationality further. I'll be looking at talent and promotions going forward. But it plays a lot of music... without a lot of interruptions... and provides an alternative to WZZK and our Clear Channel competitor.

4. What is the secret to WZZK's success for so many years? Does the station have a great local presence?

WZZK is a heritage brand... and the call letters are well recognized. The challenge is to earn listening daily. WZZK must find ways to be relevant to the younger audience who may not have been with WZZK for twenty-five years. WZZK has always been active in the community. I want to continue to have WZZK be an important part of life in Central Alabama.

5. Cox has a reputation for being tremendously "research driven," any big changes in how you have to look at things now?

I've always been research driven, so in that respect it is a good fit. I occasionally would go out on a limb... but I've always been conservative in my approach to programming. But any time you change companies - and it seems I've worked for them all - you have a period of adjustment to the new culture.

6. What time of day do you tend to listen to new music and with all of your OM duties is it possible to listen to everything?

I listen at my desk with music playing in the background. Listen a lot on-line. Also will throw CD's in while I'm driving home. My wife complains that I never take CD's out. There is quite a collection in the door, in visors, glove box, cargo area, and even under the seat.

7. There sure seems to be a wonderful problem in Country, there's a ton of great new music out there. What new artists are you excited about?

I have a dual answer, I'm more excited about the continued development of artists that are still "new" for listeners. Rascal Flatts, Craig Morgan, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley are some examples. As for new music... I'm sort of song driven... but I'm impressed by Dierks, Jason Aldeen and Blaine Larson.

8. How do you manage to juggle all of your radio responsibilities and keep the family in-tact? Any advice for all of us fellow workaholics out there?

Nope - wrong person to ask. My priorities are still messed up. I love coming to work and getting that late night call to come and fix something. It's sick! If I get to the point where I actually take my vacation time - and dedicate that time to my wife - that would be an achievement. I'm working at being a better husband. My daughter is a junior at EKU now. I think I did okay there. My family has been very supportive.

9. How do you think radio is holding up these days with so many choices do you think local radio is holding it's own? And in your opinion, as you listen around what is your opinion on local radio, is it able to be local? Especially with smaller staffs etc?

Wow! Answers in no particular order. I think as long as radio delivers results for advertisers we'll do well. So, radio is holding its own.

Radio is able to - and is doing a good job - of being local. The challenge for radio is developing a mindset of constant innovation. Consumers and technology evolve. There will continually be new choices. Radio has to move when the consumer does. "Adapt, improvise, overcome," to quote a line from a Clint Eastwood movie. I think some companies are really looking ahead now and that is exciting.

Smaller staffs - that's reality, more of a concern. Finding people who really 'get it.' Radio is not the career choice it once was.

10. Are you settling into Birmingham? What do you miss most about the NE? If you've even had time to think about it?

I have not had a bad experience in Birmingham. People are friendly and open. People say, "hey" and smile. It is a great area.

What do I miss about the NE? Of course I miss my old air staff, but mostly that cities and states are closer together. You could drive five hours and go through four states. Not down here.

1. You and I have in common one major thing, we both worked with my favorite APD/MD Jay Thomas. Aside from having the neatest sock drawer on the planet, he's a great APD, he was in 1990 and he is now. Why hasn't a major market snapped him up yet?

Great question. I think that Jay is one of those, "if you do a great job - people will notice" guys. He is not a shameless self-promoter. I love Jay because he can solve problems... has a calming influence in all situations... and 'cares'. I know he has moved to Tampa. Clear Channel or Infinity there would be fortunate to have him.

2. What CD is in your car/truck right now?

Lets see. I try to stay current... so I've got a few NOW CD's. System Of A Down... Greenday... Sinatra, Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. recorded live in Chicago. Keith Urban, Faith Hill and Toby.

3. What SE Record Promoter really stands out as a superstar as you take on this new region?

The person I've developed the quickest friendship/relationship with is Tony Morreale. He just left BNA, but will have a new soon-to-be announced gig. But everyone's been great.