10 Questions with ... Jay Michaels

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Began at KHFI/Austin, Alt KDGE/Dallas, KRBE/ Houston, KYSR/Los Angeles, Republic Records, Hot 933/Austin, KDMX & KDGE/ Dallas, KVIL and Jack FM/Dallas and Larry Rudolph management.

When you look at the line-up of legendary programmers who have piloted Sweet 98.5 over the years, it reads like a who’s-who! You have been in Omaha since the fall, how is it going for you?

I absolutely love working with this incredible staff and reconnecting with Mark Shecterle my GM from our days at 104 KRBE, who is one of the biggest inspirations in my life. I am so grateful that he gave me this opportunity to program such awesome radio stations. Sweet 98.5 had its best fall book in years, Power 106.9 continues to be a top five station and now our move with 101.9 The Keg to Adult Hits has added to the excitement. I love the four seasons and NRG is a great company led by the amazing Mary Quass.

It seems like we all wear more hats than we used to—you also helm Rhythmic sister station KOPW (Power 106.9) and Adult Hits (1019 The Keg)…what’s the secret sauce for keeping all the balls in the air?

I am in early and leave late. I love radio. In addition, organizing my day is key. But honestly, I love all three formats and am so passionate about our brands. It doesn’t feel like work.

You’ve just debuted a new morning show on KQKQ, notably with two women hosts—Nikki & Laura. What was the impetus for going in that direction?

This is something our GM Mark Shecterle had been discussing behind the scenes prior to me getting here. He wanted to wait to make the move until a new PD was hired and since I got here it was a no brainer. Nikki and Laura were the two best choices and we love breaking down barriers--just like I did in Dallas. The show is on fire and the chemistry between Nikki and Laura is all natural and organic. It also helps they are good friends.

How would you describe your first radio gig?

Enlightening, exciting and a blast. I knew radio was always going to be the job that I was destined to do since the age of seven when I had a subscription to Billboard magazine.

What led you to a career in radio?

Passion for music. I cannot get enough of it.

How do you take advantage of KQKQ’s great heritage in the market?

It is an iconic brand in the market that in the past maybe strayed from what we do best. Now we are focused and will kick butt. Taking advantage of our huge cume and taking it back to its Hot AC heritage resulted in an incredible fall book, not to mention incredible momentum.

How does social media augment what comes out of the speakers?

I am a social media advocate. It is an extension of all our brands daily. The team also grasps it, which is so important. If only the PD believed in it, we would not get the results. But, we have a team that gets it, cares and wants to use social media to our advantage.

“Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

It all starts at the top. Mary Quass and Mark are huge believers in local radio. It is what we do. It is what we do best. It is why we are here. I am so blessed to be able work for a company that still believes that radio should be done locally. It is fun to do local, live and successful radio while giving back to the community and giving them what they deserve.

What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Favorite jock?

Top 40 KIMN-A/Denver and my favorite jock was the host of Future Hits—the one and only Joel Denver!!!!!!!!!!!

Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

John Peake, Mark Shecterle, Patrick Davis, Tom Poleman, Brian Purdy, Kelly Kibler, Richard Rees, Joel Denver, Joel Folger, Monte Lipman, Brenda Romano and Jeff Winfield, Mary Quass and Nancy Vaeth-Dubroff.

Omaha is known for having an amazing restaurant scene. Have any places rocked your world yet?

It’s such a cool and vibey city. Absolutely love the restaurants, weather, kindness and beauty. It is an incredible city to work in and raise my son. And yes GREAT food!