-
10 Questions with ... Jim Daniels
March 5, 2012
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- KATY/Riverside-Temecula, CA - PD/MD/On-Air (2011-Present)
- KCXX Riverside/San Bernardino, CA - Marketing/Promotions Director (2008-2011)
- KSCF/San Diego, CA - PD - (2006-2008)
- Fox Sports Radio Network/Los Angeles - Middays - (2002-2005)
- Comedy World Radio Network/Los Angeles - Host/Producer - (2000-2001)
- KIKK/Houston, TX -MD/Afternoons - (1997-2000)
- KLSX/Los Angeles, CA - Middays - (1996-1997)
- WEZB/New Orleans, LA - Afternoons - (1995-1996)
- WYCD/Detroit, MI - Mornings - (1991-1994)
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I've been in love with radio since I was 10 years old, but I got started by winning a contest. Seriously! A broadcasting school in Anaheim held an audition contest, and if you won you got to take their course and they would place you in a working radio station upon completion. Three of us were chosen as winners and I was given the morning show gig at AM 1330 KHYT in Tucson Arizona. The first time I cracked the mic was in morning drive. I was scared to death!
2) Who do you consider your radio mentors?
I have learned so much from so many over 30 years that would be a long list but Harry Valentine from Sabo Media taught me how to develop from a DJ into a Talk Show Host. That opened major market and even Network doors for me.
3) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Survival! Pandora, the iPod, smart phones and the cloud are all playing a role in our doom. We need to re-invent ourselves as multi platform music/media/entertainment outlets. Our websites allow us to use a medium we have not been able to utilize until recently, VIDEO. We need to be producing pre-roll video for our clients and original content video with our programming teams in order to grow our brand.
4) What can we be doing with our station web sites to better our stations as a whole?
We need to merge our terrestrial product with our digital product to become multi platform outlets. Right now we are terrestrial radio stations with web sites but soon we will be media/music/entertainment websites supported by a terrestrial radio signal. Then our positioning will be "how many websites have their own broadcast signal?"
5) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
Scott Farrall. I worked with Scotty at KLSX in Los Angeles and he is an amazing talent! Some call him a nut, a whack job, lunatic. I call him a genius!
6) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Video editing. We've been shooting digital content for the past few years wanting to put it on our websites but the lack of equipment, software and post production tools at our radio stations have been a roadblock.
7) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?
For Arbitron to spend the money on gathering a sample we all agree is the proper size for reasonable and accurate results. But don't hold your breath!
8) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
Radio? Web based first and terrestrial second. Myself? Right here in wine-country running a well oiled radio/music/entertainment machine.
9) What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
Something that my PD Al Casey in Detroit once told me regarding big production content on our morning show: "Don't over think content. Don't try to feed them steak when all they want are hot dogs." Translation: "Keep it simple stupid."
10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?
The only constant in radio is change, and you must change with it or be left behind.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Music, live shows, recording studio sessions, music collectables, artist development, and my vinyl collection.
What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I was front man for an LA hard rock band in the late 70's early 80's.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Robert Plant!
What is your favorite TV show?
I love the cooking shows. We have created some serious sh#t in the kitchen thanks to those shows.
What is your favorite TV commercial?
Direc TV "Don't wind up in a ditch. Get rid of cable."
What do you consider the key to your success?
Timing, talent, and luck. You need all three but sometimes it's a willingness to go where the job is.
Tell us what music we would find on your MP3 player right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
Bruno Mars "Talking To The Moon." This is one the label missed from Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Everyone I play this song for loves it!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doo-Wops_%26_Hooligans
What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I'd either be a musician, a roadie, or driving one of the trucks on tour. I've been involved in music my whole life. It's all I've ever wanted to do.
-
-