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10 Questions with ... Jack Aponte aka Captain Jack
November 9, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I spent most of the last 28 years at the Jersey Shore, at stations like Jersey Shore Country WJRZ, WJLK AM & FM (when Press Communications owned them) and WWZY. I launched our sister station The Breeze in 2002, and for the last four years I've been at WKMK. Country is what I love most; unfortunately, there was not always a Country music station in the market to work at. That has all changed now, thanks to Press Communications. I've been with Press now for 10 years, and that is where I will remain. It's a great place to work.
1) How did you get your start in radio? Did you always know this is what you wanted to do for a living?
I started answering phones at a New York radio station. When I was growing up I dreamed of the day that I could be on the radio. I was in love with it at a very young age.
2) You've been in the Jersey Shore area for more than 25 years. What do you like most about living in your area? Do you think Jersey gets a bad rap sometimes?
I LOVE EVERYTHING about New Jersey. I live at the Jersey Shore where thousands flock every summer for vacation. I get to enjoy it all the time. Ocean County without a doubt is the BEST part of the state - the people are great and it has everything. As far as New Jersey getting a bad rap, we seem to be the punch line for a lot of jokes, but we have a lot to be proud of. New Jersey is the home of some of the most talented people in show business, but we all take all the ribbing in stride. We are truly a dysfunctional family, but, nonetheless, a family.
3) What makes your station unique, compared to other Country stations in the area?
I am truly blessed to be working at a company, Press Communications, which encourages everyone to be unique. Press has been an innovator of unique and one of a kind radio and TV stations for decades and has owned the most successful properties as a result. Our GM, Rich Morena, and I were on the exact same page with our vision of what we thought Thunder 98.5 should sound like - rockin and crankin, with lots of attitude. We are aggressive when it comes to Country music, we love breaking new artists and introducing our audience to music that's not available anywhere else. We are not a Top 40 Country music radio station - our playlist is considerably larger than most and repetition is not an issue.
4) Country music is very popular where you are - does that surprise a lot of people?
It does, but not to me. I always knew Country Music had this following - it was just a matter of tapping into it. The people in New Jersey are just as passionate about Country music as anyone else anywhere in the country.
5) We all know times are tough all over right now, including in our industry, with the consolidation, budget cuts, smaller staffs etc. Are you seeing a light at the end of the tunnel?
Most definitely - this is the USA, we CANNOT be kept down for long. We are a resilient bunch who will claw our way out of ANY hole.
6) What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work? What do you like to do for fun when you are not working?
I have two of the most beautiful grandchildren. I have a 2-year old grandson, Harrison, and a newborn less than a month old named Cole, with whom I spend most of my free time. My wife and I have been married for 37 years and enjoy traveling and taking day trips with the family whenever we can.
7) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
As I look back and reflect on all the different types of music I've been involved in, nothing compares to what I am a part of at this time, Country music IS my first love and the part I play in the format excites me continuously.
8) Of all the new music out there - and there's lots - what are some of the things that you are high on right now?
I love the direction Country music is heading. Groups like Williams Riley, LoCash Cowboys, Fast Ryde, Jason Aldean and Eric Church are just some of the artists reinventing the sound. I like to call it Rock Country - it's a driving sound, like Travis Tritt said in the song, "Put Some Drive In Your Country."
9) What is one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
The most important part of what I do is respecting my listeners - they are what keeps this ship afloat. I love to interact with them, and I always listen to what they have to say. I am loyal to them like they are to me.
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
This is the craziest business you will ever love. You need dedication, passion, and most of all patience - enjoy it.
Bonus Questions
1) What was the first concert you ever attended? First record you ever bought?
My first concert was Grateful Dead with New Riders Of The Purple Sage. My first album was by a Rock group by the name of Seatrain (GREAT fiddle playing by Richard Greene).
2) What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Back in the mid '70s during the disco fad, I was a club DJ with the big collars and platform shoes. (I can't believe I did that, considering how passionate I became for Country music!)
3) Where did the nickname "Captain Jack" come from?
No big story there - I had a manager back when I started who suggested the name and I liked it.
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