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10 Questions with ... Jayde Donovan
July 15, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I have a lot of respect for Ellen K, who has evolved so much in her career, and now owns L.A. radio. Going from a co-host for decades into a lead position, that isn't easy. More women need to do the same so little girls can grow up with female mentors. We have to continue to pave the way for women in our industry. Angi Taylor in Chicago is another woman who I admire and call anytime I feel like throwing a Molotov cocktail through a Burger King window
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
To add the show contact Todd Alan in affiliate sales: 212.735.1107 or talan@westwoodone.com
1. Have you gotten used to the idea that you're not getting up early every morning to co-host the WPLJ morning show following the station sale?
I'll tell you what -- after spending nearly 15 years waking up before the sun, not only does your body and brain start to function better when you actually get sleep, but you even start to look younger. I went from looking like Merle Haggard to Miley Cyrus in three weeks.
2. For three-plus years, you plugged in across from Todd Pettengill. On the day before the final 'PLJ sign off, Scott Shannon said that Todd was the funniest person that he ever worked mornings with. That's some compliment. What was the experience like for you?
Todd and I had a lot of fun together. We are different in a lot of ways, but similar in many as well. He's such a professional, and I learned a lot from him. We shared the same sick sense of humor too, which made the dark, early hours more bearable. He's a good dude. We still keep in touch.
3. In radio, we never usually get to do a "last show" or a proper sign-off/ What did it mean to you that Cumulus let you folks give such an iconic station a proper farewell?
That was one of the things I had to mention on our very last show. You're absolutely right. Typically in radio, we don't get to say goodbye. It was powerful and definitely way more emotional than I think any of us anticipated. It was pretty incredible to have that opportunity to let our audience know how much they mean to us.
4. You grew up in L.A., which is as good a close-up of the entertainment world as one can ever hope to see. What is it like for you to live and work in New York City?
I absolutely loved my experience in New York City. There's such a great vibe and pace. It's a melting pot of people from all over the world, eclectic food, and there's always something cool to do. New Yorkers are hard working, blunt, and when you're one of theirs they'll have your back through anything. I love that. You always know where you stand, for better or worse. While that might be harsh to some, I thrive in that environment. As far as working in NYC? I mean, WOW! For any nerdy radio kid like me, being on-air in the biggest and most beautiful city in the world is an absolute dream. Years from now when I'm old and senile, I'll be bragging to everyone in the nursing home about my office that had a view of Madison Square Garden. It was such a big chapter of my life and I'm happy we made the most of the experience. I will always be grateful to the tristate area for loving and embracing my family.
5. A year-and-a-half ago, you partnered with Westwood One for the syndicated weekend show The Jayde Donovan Show. Congrats on just securing Tampa Bay, a market that you worked in ... across the street from your old stomping grounds (WPOI) on WMTX! What's the formula for those three hours every week?
Thank you! Yes, we are pretty stoked about adding WMTX to our growing list of affiliates. I've got such a great team here at Westwood One. Each of us works super-hard to make sure we put out a great product and we've really hit our stride. There aren't a lot of shows out there like ours and we are very proud of that.
6. You're also on in Orlando, another city where you had great success. It must be cool to be on the air in that kind of situation. Are your old listeners re-connecting with you?
Being on the radio in multiple markets where I've built relationships is so damn cool and so rare. It is such a privilege to be able to connect with friends and fans in cities all across the country! It's a dream. As for Orlando, I will always have a special place in my heart for WXXL. I came to that station with nothing. No money. Not enough experience. I was just a 22-year-old with a brazen attitude and stalker-ish tendencies who wouldn't take no for an answer. I had nothing to lose and I gained everything. I grew up a lot during that time, some of which was painful for me and everyone around me, and I have much to be grateful for. The station, the listeners, and the team there (shout out Johnny & Brian!) will always be family.
7. You've got a ton of television under your belt. Will you continue to seek out opportunities there as well?
Never say never, but I will say there is so much joy in not wearing makeup or worrying about carbs.
8. Do you see yourself back on the radio on a daily basis?
Yes. How much you got?
9. Who have your mentors been as your career has progressed and who were your radio heroes growing up in market # 2?
I grew up listening to Rick Dees and Ryan Seacrest and I wanted to be them. I have a lot of respect for Ellen K, who has evolved so much in her career, and now owns L.A. radio. Going from a co-host for decades into a lead position, that isn't easy. More women need to do the same so little girls can grow up with female mentors. We have to continue to pave the way for women in our industry. Angi Taylor in Chicago is another woman who I admire and call anytime I feel like throwing a Molotov cocktail through a Burger King window.
10. What would you say to potential client stations for the weekend Westwood One show that would make them stop reading this and call your reps?
Our show is all about feel-good weekend listening. We've got your celebrities and favorite musicians on every weekend, but we also highlight some pretty badass women and children who are changing the world as we know it. Inspiring content delivered with some spice, fresh genuine moments with celebs, and a weekend playlist full of good vibes. You can't beat it.
Bonus Questions
Who has been your favorite all-time guest and who would you love to sit across down the road?
Lady Gaga might be one of my favorite people in the world. She's the real deal. A true artist and a genuinely good human being. If you see her, tell her she still owes me a glass of white wine.
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