10 Questions with ... Jay Steele

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WKSE/Buffalo, NY; WNKI/Elmira, NY; WBZN/Bangor, ME; WWYL/Binghamton, NY; WPXY-WZNE/Rochester, NY; KMXF-KZBB-KEZA/Fayetteville, AR.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Definitely a learning experience. I did everything and wanted to learn, which is probably the only reason I'm still in the business today. I did promotions, production, remotes, I was on the air...I think I was making about $0.80/hr, but it was great training for the next 20 years.

2) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

A few, but I came up in the late 90's when we all started to do a lot more, so multiple titles have always been a part of my life. I'm PD for our AC and Top 40; I do AC mornings and Top 40 afternoons...I'm usually busy enough to stay out of trouble.

3) Who handles your imaging, and what voices are you using?

I do a lot of it, but I also use The Mix Group...they're great. They can usually turn stuff around in a day or two and it's really good. I handle most of the promos and anything I need NOW. We use Chad Erickson pretty exclusively, and he's probably the best voice I've ever worked with.

4) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

I'm fortunate to have a station with decades of heritage, so most of the market has grown up knowing us as their local station. We're always around town with remotes and fundraisers. Our jocks emcee a lot of charity events. We just did our annual radiothon for our new children's hospital, and that's become a signature community event for us.

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

People. I love the people I work with, and it's always great meeting listeners, business owners, community leaders, etc. It's all about people and relationships at the end of the day.

6) What is the most challenging part of the job?

Time...I've never had enough of it. I don't think I've ever left the building without thinking I should have gotten more done. And my kids are two and four, so they keep me pretty busy off the clock.

7) What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?

I think you'd probably raise an eyebrow at the entire playlist...I've got everything from Mozart to Miles Davis to Metallica. There isn't much I don't like. Most people are usually surprised to find out how much I like jazz. Maybe Wynton Marsalis.

8) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?

Probably a digital/social media/promotions person. Those aren't really my strongest skills (I'm working on it) and they're so important in the industry today. The ability to track a shift and do remotes would help, too.

9) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

Fitness. I really like to stay in shape, but I've got about 40 minutes a day. I do the best I can with a pair of running shoes, DVDs and a few $1.99 iPhone apps.

10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Versatility. I haven't been afraid to learn or try something new. Honestly, when I started I never wanted to do music or be a PD...now that's 75% of my job and I love it. If I hadn't kept an open mind over the years I would have washed out and been an insurance salesman by now. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

What was your last non-industry job?

I've stocked grocery store shelves, drawn Trip Tiks for the AAA (ha, remember those?)...I think the last one before I went fulltime in radio was driving a forklift in a food warehouse. It didn't pay well, but we got to eat the damaged cookies. And I damaged A LOT of cookies...