10 Questions with ... Jen Carter

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I got my start in radio as an undergraduate at Gannon University at WERG (Energy FM 90) in Erie, PA. I did the morning show and I was the newsperson. From there I went on to get my Master's Degree at Emerson College and while there I worked at the student run radio station. After graduating in 1993, I was hired by EAGLE 93.7 in Boston where I worked as a marketing/promotions assistant until I was able to move over to their sister station Mix 98.5. I worked at Mix until I moved across the country in 1996 to work for another Mix in Las Vegas (Mix 94.1) in as their Promotion/Marketing Director. I was there until 2000 when I moved back east and have been doing mornings at WXLO-FM ever since.

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

My grandma says I used to interview people with a wooden spoon when I was a kid. I've always loved to talk to people, and I think I really got the "radio bug" when I was an undergrad at Gannon University. Even as a college student, I would get up at 4:30am to be at the station by 5am to do mornings. I still can't believe I get paid to do what I do every morning!

2) What makes the Worcester market unique? How does this compare to other markets you have worked at?

People in New England are very loyal. If they like you and you are a part of their "team," they will go to the ends of the earth to be there for you. We've found this to be true in situation after situation when we ask listeners to come out to support a cause we believe in. As compared to a market like Las Vegas, I think the main difference is that there was definitely more of a laid back attitude in Vegas, while on the east coast it's more fast-paced.

3) What is it about your show that you feel really makes it cut through?

Frank Foley, my co-host on the show, is really the big brother I never had. We worked together originally in 2000 when I was new to XLO, and we were just reunited two years ago for our second run as a morning team. I think that chemistry shines through on our show. I can poke fun at him and he does the same with me ... always with a loving tone. We always can push the other person on an issue because we know where the line is.

4) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

The fracturing of the audience. We know how busy people are and they are doing so many things while listening to us ... including social media. We are constantly trying to figure out how to blend social media with radio to give people a complete picture of what we do.

5) How are you using social media to market your radio station?

We try to come up with as much original material as possible and lean on that. The other day it was "National Pickle Day" so I bought pickle flavored candy canes and made Frank eat one on the show. Our producer Kyra was there to hit FB LIVE and capture his reaction. I think people are still trying to figure out how to get new listeners involved in the show using social media. We also just started doing a daily podcast called "Show Behind the Show."

6) What type of features do you run on your show?

Our audience weighing in is really the life blood of our show... We take calls constantly off of things that happen in our real lives. We have some bench marks (including my grandma) appearing on the show every Thursday morning. She recites a funny lyric to a song and listeners have to identify the song. Hearing an 89 year-old woman recite the lyrics to the "Thong Song" is generally funny. Friday is "Free Advice Friday" where listeners can send us a problem they are having and listeners weigh in. That is really starting to take off.

7) How do you prep yourself for your radio shift?

Real life. My three year-old daughter is potty training and won't go #2 on the potty. Talk about it. The more we expose our true lives, the better the show gets. We do get prep services in the morning for the Hollywood news, but as far as topics, most come from just living. We also can communicate with listeners through text so we get some prep from that channel as well.

8) How are you using new technologies in your personal life to listen to music, and what observations have you made about how today's listeners use technology?

Ha! Ha! I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm a news talk junkie and I listen to that over music when I'm not working. I have a teenage son, so I know his phone is attached to him and he uses it for just about every application in his life ... to get music, news, headlines, etc. Listeners are doing the same.

9) What is the most rewarding promotion you've ever been a part of?

There are so many having worked as a Promotion and Marketing Director for years ... but a couple do stand out.

In Las Vegas, I was on the team that came up with "A BITE OF LAS VEGAS". It started out in the parking lot of the Fashion Show Mall and just grew into a huge event from there.

Also, we did a promotion at XLO years ago called "Operation Santa Claus." We set up in an RV in front of a local business and asked listeners to drop off a toy for a location charity. We had the RV packed by the end of the day and made a lot of kids very happy.

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

If radio is really your passion, just get your foot in the door and do anything you can at the station. I have seen it time and time again. Someone will leave and a position will be immediately open. Generally speaking the person that is already in the building has a great shot of getting moved right into the slot if you're qualified. It happens!

What do you do in your spare time?

I love Pinterest and love finding new recipes to cook. I binge watch shows like "American Horror Story", "The Affair" and "West World."

Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?

There are so many to name ... Chris Zito sticks out as one of my favorites. He's just a funny man with a passion for radio. I had a blast working with him for five years. Kevin "Koz" Koske in Chicago is another amazing on air talent.

Who do you consider your radio mentors?

Well, Frank Foley really taught me how to "DO" a morning show as my first partner, so I am forever grateful to him. Cindy Schloss hired me in Las Vegas and she is a strong woman role model that I really admired and respected.

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

Probably the fact that I have a Master's Degree, because you don't need one to be great in this business. I always tell people I essentially paid for the degree to meet my husband Kevin.

What is your favorite TV show?

I loved "Breaking Bad" and still can't believe there are people that haven't seen it. I also love "Homeland." I'm in love with Mandy Patinkin.

Tell us what music we would find on your playlist right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

I'm loving the new Fitz and the Tantrums we are playing here at XLO. It's just upbeat and fun!

What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?

Be honest about what's going on in your life. Someone will relate to it and you'll have that bond. Our boss Lance Ballance is a big believer in "bearing your soul." It might be scary but that is how you will connect to the audience. And don't try to please everyone ... some people just won't like you. That's okay.