-
10 Questions with ... BJ Kelli
September 20, 2005
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:BJ KelliPOSITION:OM/Styles Media Group, Dothan and Mornings at WKMX (106.7 KMX)STATION:WKMX, WTVY, WJRL, WLDA & WBBKMARKET:Dothan, AL.COMPANY:Styles Media GroupBORN:LouisianaRAISED:U.C.L.A (Upper Corner Of Lower Alabama)
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
After a couple of college radio gigs,(more like gags), got a job at the hometown combo doing "Progressive Rock" on the FM and occasionally Country on the AM as "Kudzu Kelli." (Yes, I actually used that name). When the FM flipped to Top 40, I got the PD slot. The station was then bought by Jerry Newton, Wayne Newton's less successful (and even cheesier) brother. By the time I left, I was PD, GM, GSM, AE and pulling a six-hour air-shift. I left when the job of "Owner's Girlfriend" came open. Big mistake-that one paid better than all the others combined. I was lured away to cross-town rival KMX with the promise of equal pay and fewer letters before my name, where I lived out my days, romping in green pastures and giving little DJ rides at kid's birthday parties. KMX was then picked up by Styles last year, and I was put back to work pulling a plow.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
My dreams of becoming a meteorologist died when I flunked algebra for the third time. I asked my college guidance counselor what he had that didn't require any upper level Math skills. And thus another BA in Speech Communications/Mass Media was sent forth into the highly competitive world of Broadcasting.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Well, the definition of insanity is repeating the same behavior and expecting a different result, so I guess the answer is, "YES!"
4) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
Dothan is a totally unique market in where Clear Channel, Cumulus, Citadel, and Starbucks have not yet discovered our existence.
5) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
The current music is just as good as it was six months ago. In fact, it's the same music it was six-months ago!
6) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
KDAY in L.A. because I love the idea of Rap & Hip-Hop being old.
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?
We actually were doing the same thing back in the 90s, we just didn't have a catchy, trademarkable name for it. I wonder if I could sue?
8) What format does not exist that should? Would it work?
"Jill." It's like your boyfriend's IPod that he loaded for you on shuffle" Hey-that's pretty good! I'm trademarking this one!
9) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of? Giving away free prostate exams at a remote (TRUE STORY!) **VERY IMPORTANT
Giving away free prostate exams at a remote (TRUE STORY!) **VERY IMPORTANT NOTE** I just gave them away, the doctor actually gave them.
10) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
The charity concert we put on to celebrate my 20th year with KMX
Bonus Questions
How did you get your on-air name?
My cheesy station owner (see Jerry Newton in question #1) told me that he had picked out a new air-name for me and it sucked. It was "Dave Chapel." (NOTE: if your name is Dave Chapel I'm sure it's great for you). He said "Unless you've got a better one, you're fired!" I said, "as a matter of fact I do". All I could think of at that moment was the name of our cat, BJ and our first daughter who had just been born. So I said, "how about BJ Kelli?" He said, "that'll do for now, till we can think of something better". That was 26 years ago, and wherever he is, he's probably still working on it.
Who would be your dream guest on the show?
Dave Chapel
What is your favorite TV show?
The greatest TV show of all time, "The Simpsons!"
-
-