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10 Questions with ... Aaron James
January 3, 2006
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NAME:Aaron JamesTITLE:PD/MD/AfternoonsSTATION:WMXO-FM & WOEN-AMMARKET:Olean, NYCOMPANY:Pembrook Pines MediaBORN:8/29/82, North Tonawanda, NYRAISED:North Tonawanda, NY
Please outline your radio career so far:
WTSS-FM/WGR-AM/WBEN-AM/WWKB-AM Buffalo, NY 2001-2004
WYRK-FM/WBUF-FM/WJYE-AM Buffalo, NY 2004-2005
WMXO-FM/WOEN-AM Olean, NY 2005-Present1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first full time job in radio was morning show producer for Rob Lucas at WTSS in Buffalo. I was in the right place at the right time. My early influences were and still are Sue O'Neil (PD) and Rob Lucas. They both taught me so much about the business.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I left WTSS Buffalo in June of 2004, to go and work in the airline industry for Independence Air as a supervisor out on the ramp loading bags on the planes. All it took was one cold day and I remember telling my employees "I need to get back in radio, this sucks!"
3) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
WMXO-FM, the station that I am currently at is in a smaller market (Olean #210). I find it unique because I came from a bigger market (Buffalo #52) where there were like 80-90 people on staff. Here we have seven people on staff. Sometimes I don't know how we do it. But we are a dedicated bunch! In June of '05 we did 35 remotes in one month!
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
The Industry? About the same as it is now. Me? Programming a station in a top-fifty market, hopefully in the south, I can't take Winter anymore!
5) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
Alternative Rock.
6) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
Green Day! Those guys helped me get through middle and high school, I saw them in Buffalo for the first time, it was an unbelievable show, Billie Joe had the crowd in the palm of his hand throughout the show! Whatever he said the crowd did!
7) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
I think I have the latest CD from Switchfoot in there now (Nothing is Sound). Of course, when an artist comes out with a new CD in the Hot AC format, I listen to them all just to stay on top of things. I like Switchfoot especially because they mix AWESOME lyrics with great guitar riffs.
8) What is your biggest pet peeve with your airstaff?
When they say "How's everyone doing today?" No, No, No!! Don't ask a question, because you're not gonna get an answer! And don't use everyone, talk to one person!
9) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep and what sources do you use?
For me, juggling PD/MD/Afternoons is tough… when I go on the air at 3pm and I'm in the studio, I just flip through the prep really fast and pay a visit to E-Online, MTV.com, VH1.com, and any other web sites to see what's happening with our artists and celebs in Hollywood.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
"Remember you're not in it for the money, you're in it for the love of the business!"
Bonus Questions
What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)
Very early in my career… I was back at the station running the board for a guy doing an automotive show at a Pontiac dealer, he liked it when I chimed in on the show. Well I chimed in as he was talking about the Pontiac Aztec, and I said "What an ugly piece of crap"! Again he was talking about the PONTIAC AZTEC at a Pontiac dealer, and I chimed in with that lovely opinion of mine! I think my face and his turned beet red immediately!
Besides your own, what format would you like to program and why?
I would love to program a Rock station. I've always liked music that keeps you going and kicks your ass, plus I feel like rock radio has a little bit of freedom, you can be a little risky, with Hot AC you have to remember the whole family is listening!
What do you do with a song you don't like?
Play it anyway! We target women... they'll love it, I'll probably hate it.
How did you get your on-air name?
When I was born back in '82 (youngster I know) my grandma wanted my parents to name me AJ or Aaron James, my parents did not agree, so all my life she called me AJ. She passed away in September of '04, as a tribute to her I am now Aaron James on the air.
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