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10 Questions with ... Andrew "Jaye" Cannon
August 2, 2005
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NAME:Andrew "Jaye" CannonPOSITION:OM/Head fire-extinguisherSTATION:WAVK (Hot AC), WWUS (Classic Hits), WWWK (Oldies) [zip 33050], WCNK (Smooth Jazz)MARKET:Florida Keys [Reaching From Key Largo To Key West]COMPANY:Vox CommunicationsBORN:Marietta, OhioRAISED:Williamstown, WV
Please outline your radio career so far:
WCMO-FM, MARIETTA OH ['84-'86] On-Air
WXKX-FM/WKYG-AM, PARKERSBURG, WV ['86-'87] On-Air
WXIL-FM, PARKERSBURG, WV [ON & OFF '87-'96] On-Air
WEYQ-FM, MARIETTA, OH ['88-'90 & '91-'92] On-Air APD
WMOA-AM, MARIETTA, OH ['90-'91] On-Air
ZFZZ-FM, GRAND CAYMAN BWI ['92-'95] On-Air, PD
WRZZ-FM, PARKERSBURG WV [95] On-Air
WIIS-FM, KEY WEST, FL [96] On-Air, MD
WEOW-FM, KEY WEST, FL ['96-'99] On-Air, PD
JONES RADIO NETWORKS - Adult HOT AC FORMAT ['00-'04] On-Air
WAVK-WWWK-WCNK-WWUS - VOX COMM., FLA KEYS [PRESENT] OM, On-Air1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I was doing a weekend on-air shift on a college station when I was only in 9th grade. I was influenced mainly by the local air-talent at the time. I was just trying to establish my own personality.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I stumbled into it. I went on a tour of the place in high school, and I sort of fell into the job. Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"? That night of my first shift.
3) If you are wearing more hats this year than last, what area is suffering and how are you handling that?
When I moved up from just PD of two of our stations to OM of the entire cluster. I found it more difficult to really keep as close of an ear on all four of our stations as I would like. The main cause of this is that the stations are separated in two buildings, 30 miles and several islands apart. This fall we will be putting all four under one roof, but in the meantime to handle the issues, we're doing lots of IT networking between properties, and I've had to learn a whole new skill of IT tech work.
4) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
Everyone was in such a panic when satellite radio came out and that terrestrial radio was actually running advertisements for it. I own an XM radio myself and really enjoy it. I feel there will always be a need for local terrestrial radio for local news, weather and information. XM does offer some local weather and traffic news, but only for very limited major market areas. When XM or Sirius starts doing the same for every small market in the country, THEN I'll start to worry.
5) What can we be doing with our station web sites to better our stations as a whole?
Cross promote, cross promote, cross promote. This Internet thing isn't going to go away, and it's rapidly invading not only our computers, but now our wireless phones. We need to come up with more fun/exciting ways to get our listeners going back and forth from us on the radio, to our sites.
6) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Keeping your programming LOCAL and ENTERTAINING. We need to find ways to keep things on budget, without sacrificing our programming to too much syndication.
7) Just about every market has a station flipping to "Jack," "Bob," "Max," etc. What are your thoughts on this new format? Will it go the distance? Or is it just a fad? The
The numbers so far, are impressive. But if I remember correctly, it was the same for the ARRO [All Rock n' Roll Oldies] formats back in the early 90's. I like the concept of the format, but I feel it's a bit of a fad. There's an audience for it at the time being, but after a while, I think it may die off a bit.
8) 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'm a huge dance music freak. Everything from disco, to drum & bass, house music, to techno. The dance club scene has always been a second home to me. That's why I started my dance music webcast WE DANCE AS ONE http://www.wda1.com. It's a great place where DJs from all over the world who may never have the opportunity to play for a big crowd can come and get some stage time.
9) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
I'm still a huge fan of Scott Shannon. Always have been since I worked a small market station years ago that ran his Countdown Show. The man basically ushered in the "Morning Zoo" craze, and that's something no one can ever take away. When he showed up completely unannounced at the station I was managing in the Cayman Islands, and hung out for a couple hours I was totally blown away. [he even did some production!] He's got a great personality, and a sharp wit... and has just the right amount of "cheese" factor that a good air personality should have.
10) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
In '92 when Hurricane Andrew came through South Florida, I was at ZFZZ-FM in the Cayman Islands. We did a huge food/clothing drive and had it all shipped back up to Florida to help the victims. That part of Florida is the lifeline to the Cayman Islands. Was great to be able to give back.
Bonus Questions
Most of us have known or even worked for a "colorful" owner/GM/air talent. Care to share a story?
I worked for a station owner that "traded out" his own mother's funeral and burial expenses.
What's your favorite fast food?
I still cannot resist McDonald's Fries. Wanna learn all my programming secrets? Bribe me with super size McD's Fries.
What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?
"Surreal Life." 'Cause I think I'm about just as f*cked up as the rest of those that appear on that show.
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
I'd offer to buy into the company. Become a partner. I actually get along great with the owners. Radio is my life, and always will be as long as they let me near a microphone. I think this company has a great future ahead of it, and I'm glad to be a part of it.
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