10 Questions with ... Jay West

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Mostly Top 40 & AC stations. Markets include Albuquerque KIVA, Milwaukee WLUM, Buffalo WKSE, Houston KNRJ & KLTR, Philadelphia WIOQ and WBEB, Norfolk WNVZ, WNOB and WVBW

1. Is the staff back in the building at this point, or is there still some sort of combination of protocols still in place?

Happy to report all staff (programming, sales and support) are in house. Can we delete ZOOM now?

2. What did you learn about yourself as a programmer navigating through the pandemic?

In a word…resilience. I was hired 2 months prior to lockdown and launched a morning show from scratch during COVID too. Under our GM Keith Barton's leadership we have come out stronger as a cluster by adhering to protocols put in place well over a year ago. Overall I feel we as programmers over-think much of what we do. Our goals should always be to provide company to our listeners, inform the community, and elevate moods with music and entertainment. Other than that, we have a responsibility to help our sponsors be successful and grow their business. Sounds fairly easy, right? Let's not over complicate the basics. 

3. You’ve been driving folks home in the Hampton Roads for over 20 years now. How important to you is it to still be able to get into the studio to do your afternoon show every day?

Great question. I wouldn't want to work from home…at least not entirely or daily. Max Media owners including Gene Loving (a legendary air talent in Virginia) have recently committed to improving our broadcast facilities in Q3 of 2021 with new air studios and state of the art equipment.

We have a great group of people here as well, I would miss the camaraderie and the cool new confines of the upcoming Wave studio.

4. No two Mainstream AC stations sound the same these days. When do you know that a new song is right for The Wave?

No hard and fast rule, however gut and feel do enter into the equation. I talk tunes with my OM Eddie Haskell and our Top 40 PD Paul McCoy regularly. Research is important of course, but other factors motivate me to put a song in the mix. We are currently the only AC station in America playing Nick Jonas’ “This Is Heaven.” I believe this is a hit. Go listen to it and give it a spin.

5. What social media platforms are working best for you and the staff these days??

Facebook dominates for us with Instagram and Twitter a distant 2nd and 3rd choice with our audience.

6. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How were you able keep your station visible and involved in the community? How’s it looking these days for live events and station appearances?

We are fortunate to have Jen Lewis doing middays live for us. She has many years of radio and television experience in this market and provides a local connection to the (757) using her endless list of contacts. Jen has a 'Be My Guest' feature on-air and online which helps support our local charities and organizations. As for remotes (we call them Roadshows)…our first post-pandemic foray is June 5th for 92.9 The Wave. Fingers crossed and hands washed.

7. How would you describe your first radio gig?

Chill and extremely laid back. I hosted 'Candlelight & Crystal' on EZ103 (KEZN) Palm Springs, CA. Playing music for the dinner hour off of reel-to-reel tape and it definitely enhanced my appreciation for Vic Damone, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. 

8. What led you to a career in radio?

Proximity (growing up in Chicago, San Francisco, LA/Orange County areas) combined with a love for listening to and playing music. I heard a bunch of amazing radio as a kid and was likely drawn into it early on by the introvert/extrovert nature of the biz.

9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?

KHJ, KTNQ, KKHR, WLS, KFRC, KROQ, KLOS, KMET, KGGI, and KIIS

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

I borrowed a lot from many talented people along the way including the late John Roberts who hired me in Philly, Mark Hamlin, Mark Driscoll, David Jay, Steve Smith, Steve Hegwood, Michael Newman and Ed Scarborough. Jocks who taught me and/or shared with me (knowingly or not) include Alan Kabel, The Slim One, Jackson Armstrong, and Broadway Bill Lee.  Whether I learned brevity from one or how to construct a break from another, they all made me a better on-air personality and I do my best to pay it forward daily.

With the Norfolk Scope Arena at your disposal, and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a Post-COVID Welcome Back station show?

Oh you mean 'WaveBlast 2022' a charity concert for Save The Chesapeake Bay? Norfolk Scope and WAVE listeners would be consumed by a Tidal Wave hearing Madonna, Pink, Ed Sheeran, Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift all in one great night. Can you even imagine the concert riders necessary to pull that off?  Let's make this happen Tom, c'mon!!