10 Questions with ... Colleen Jackson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WMGV/Greenville, New Bern-Jacksonville, NC - PD/Middays - 2000 to present

I've spent 17 years with Beasley Media...They sold to Curtis Media May 1, 2017 (This coincided with my 17th anniversary! I have worked in this market since 1996).

WJJO/Madison, WI - PD - 1990-1993

Prior to working in Madison, I worked at several stations in Las Vegas, including a spin-off of Orlando's "Rock AC" station, WMMO.

1. What Got You Interested In Radio?

I needed a job! Literally! I was waiting tables at Park Garden in Petoskey, MI.

One of my friends worked at the local radio station. He was always trying to get me on the air but I had no interest in giving up the tips or taking on a second job! When the restaurant unexpectedly closed for the winter, I quickly had a change of heart. I started in overnights, became hooked and ended up spending hours at the station learning from the PD and practicing everything and anything, including splicing tape! Remember that? :)

2. What makes the Greenville-New Bern market unique? How does this compare to other markets you have worked at?

I think everyone believes their market is unique, and they would be right. But this has certainly been the most challenging market I’ve ever worked in, mainly because of the sheer size of the market, one of the biggest geographically, and the very different features of the towns in our market, including a large university and several military bases.

3. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Staying local, being the heartbeat of your home. No other "music service" can provide that for the listener.

4. How do you stay in tune with your audience?

I am that working Mom just trying to get through the day and not drop any balls! We live this life together in ENC.

5. What is the most rewarding promotion you've ever been a part of?

There are so many! But one of the most memorable was "V103.3's Trans-Siberian Orchestra Experience." Our listeners chose two families in need. TSO provided front row seats to a show, meet and greets and swag. We transported them to the show in a limo and put Christmas under the tree for the kids.

6. Who do you consider your radio mentors?

Lou Patrick taught me so much when I got my first gig as a PD in Vegas. And working with Jeff Sanders when I first came to Beasley was amazing. They're both brilliant!

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

Always Kid Rock and Eminem. LANY, because I was obsessed with their song "ILYSB" within five seconds of hearing it for the first time. DNCE "Cake By The Ocean" because I'm still not tired of cranking it and it's summer time fun. Portugal The Man "Feel It Still" ... so cool! Ed Sheeran, that voice! Nick Jonas & Nicki Minaj "Bom Bidi Bom" which I listened to about 1,214 times on the way to a baseball game with my son's girlfriend!

8. What advice would you give people new to the business?

Pick a path. What do you want to do in this business? Then, work hard and take personal responsibility to improve yourself. Do anything and everything you can to be the best at what you want to do. And, it doesn't hurt to be a little crazy!

9. What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air?

I mispronounced "ship". Oops.

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

Passion! I love the music, being on the air, creating promotions that excite our listeners and community service! I feel lucky to have stumbled into this amazing career.

What do you do in your spare time?

I spend a lot of time at baseball fields watching my son play!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to work as a reporter for a newspaper. And write books, like Stephen King.

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

I'm really very sensitive!