10 Questions with ... Justin 'Skeeter' Tyler

NAME:Justin 'Skeeter' Tyler TITLE:PD/afternoon personality STATION:WFGS Froggy 103.7 MARKET:Murray, KY COMPANY:Forever Communications BORN:Boston, MA RAISED:New Hampshire

Please outline your career so far:

WNCQ - Ogdensburg, NY - 1 year - PD/Middays
WMXR/WCFR - Lebanon, NH - 1 year - Production Director/Middays
WFFG-FM - Glens Falls/Saratoga Springs, NY - 4 years - PD/Mornings
WRWD - Poughkeepsie, NY - 2 years - PD/Afternoon Drive
WPKX - Springfield, MA - 1 year - PD/Afternoon Drive
WWGR - Fort Myers, FL - 2 years - PD/Middays
WFGS - Murray, KY - NOW - PD/Afternoon Drive

1) Congrats on your new gig at Froggy 103.7! Tell us how it's going so far.

It's been AWESOME. The staff has been fantastic, and my family is really enjoying the area. Plus, I have had Krystal burgers for the first time in my life. They are awesome! I can now finish a sack of them myself. Ha!

2) What are some of the biggest differences between this station and your last station, WWGR/Ft. Myers? What kind of challenges have you had to adjust to?

Well, I have moved away from the land of sunshine and beaches to a smaller market in the middle of the country, but I think this area is amazing! Ten years ago, you could say there was a major difference in medium market and small markets, but with consolidation and budget cuts, it has put all markets very close to being on the same playing field. What are the challenges? Getting used to the different names of the towns we serve. Did you know there are actually towns called "Possum Hollow" and "Monkey's Eyebrow"??

3) What did you originally want to be when you were a kid and when did you think about getting into radio?

I have honestly always wanted to be in radio! I started in this business at the age of 14 and never looked back, besides a short stint that almost got me into News Television. Even with all the changes in the business these days, I don't think I could make the change to something else.

4) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid growing up in Boston and why? Who were some of your favorite jocks?

My favorite station growing up was Kiss 108 (WXKS-FM) and 96.3 The Rose in Hyannis, MA, which just recently flipped to Sports Talk (which is a shame to happen to such a great station). My favorite jocks growing up? Matt Siegel at Kiss 108 and Dale Dorman, formerly at Kiss 108 and Oldies 103.3.

5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

If people knew me before my kids were born, they wouldn't recognize that this is the SAME Justin Tyler and they would be very surprised. My wife and kids come before everything, even this business, and I can't even remember what life was like without them!

6) You and your wife, Tricia, recently welcomed your third child, Landon. Congrats! It's a major challenge to re-locate with a family as it is - it must be extra challenging with a newborn. How has the transition been?

It's been quite a transition, to say the least. We have two other boys at home, and we are staying at a hotel in Murray until we find a permanent house - so you could say everyone is getting stir crazy, being in a hotel right now! But they are all making the best of it, and having a good time with it!

7) You mentioned in your bio that Lady Antebellum is the future of Country music - can you expand on that and tell us why?

Lady Antebellum's debut CD is the BEST album I have heard in the past couple years. From top to bottom on the track list, there isn't a bad song out of the bunch. They're the future of country music because of the way they harmonize, and the lyrics they bring to the table. Plus, they know how to get the crowd into their performances which is KEY these days!

8) Name three songs or albums that have influenced your life and tell us about them.

Meatloaf - "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" - This was my favorite song in my first full time radio gig. Many personalities know why.

Garth Brooks - "Friends in Low Places (Live)" - This is the first song I ever played in country music, and made me realize how great a format this is.

Def Leppard - "Pour Some Sugar On Me" - I heard Dale Dorman in Boston talk over this song when I was 10 years old, and I knew then that this is the job I wanted.

9) To say that there's been a lot of change in the industry would be an understatement - what changes would you like to see that would be beneficial?

Wow, where can I start? I think the main thing that I would like to see is radio getting back to what this business was all about - BEING LOCAL. We are the one medium that listeners can turn to instantly to get updates on the weather, news stories, etc., and some stations are failing in that regard. It's great to work with a company right now that gets LOCALISM, and how to capitalize on what you can offer your listening area. Syndication and voice-tracking can only get you so far.

10) You're from New England and have worked in Florida and now Kentucky. What has been your favorite place to live so far and why?

Every place has had its advantages, so it's tough for me to pick out a favorite place. I loved living in New England because of being so close to Boston and being able to watch the Patriots and Red Sox games when I want. Florida's advantage was the weather - there's nothing like 70-degree temps in the winter. And Kentucky is just a beautiful area with a great school system for my kids, which is a HUGE advantage!

1) What music would we find on your iPod or in your CD player at the moment?

You'd find Dean Brody's debut CD. Watch out for this guy in a couple years. He's a phenomenal artist and a great guy.

2) What are your favorite movies of all time?

The Departed, Major League and the NEW Friday the 13th.