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10 Questions with ... Jennie James
August 30, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started as an intern in Houston at KLOL, then got a part time job at KJNE in Waco during college. I went on to work full time at KTKR (Waco), KTTX (Bryan/College Station), KAJA (San Antonio), KCYY (San Antonio), and now I’ve been at KQXT since 2007.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
I was an intern at 101 KLOL/Houston. I called every week for months to see if they’d filled an open position. I think they gave it to me just to get me to stop calling.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I grew up on MTV and thought I wanted to be a VJ until I realized I’d have to be on camera, so no. Radio seemed like a better fit.
3. What did you learn about yourself as a programmer navigating the pandemic?
I thought it would be a lot harder. There are some things that are harder or take longer, but I can get my work done in a timely manner, and I actually see my co-workers more now on Zoom and Teams and keep in contact with them through email and text more than I did before, so I think we’re even closer.
4. You’re a warrior multi-tasker. Have any secrets to share about how to make sure that everything gets done when it’s supposed to?
You’re sweet to say that, but I’m not. I have a schedule and I do believe in an elaborate to-do list, though.
5. You continue to crack the mic daily on your midday show. What does that time in the studio mean to you?
As an introvert, I like that alone time, that one-on-one time with the listener.
6. You follow The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show. How do they set the table for the rest of the station’s broadcast day?
They’re really good about keeping listeners company in the morning. They make listeners laugh and let them know what’s going on. That’s what I try to do, too.
7. No two AC stations are close to being the same these days. What are your thoughts on how current songs fit into the picture at Q and how hard is it for a “new” song to crack the lineup?
I personally love new music, but they don’t work on our station until at least 6 months to a year after they’re released. It doesn’t have anything to do with how great the song is. It’s all about familiarity for us.
8. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra and you’re known for being uber-involved with many charitable causes. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community? Have you been getting back out there yet?
No, we haven’t been able to get back out there. COVID is pretty bad here right now, so we just try to stay as local as possible.
9. What were your favorite stations growing up as a kid? Jock(s)?
I grew up in Houston so 93Q (before they went Country), KRBE, 101 KLOL, Z-Rock. And my favorite jocks would be the ones I interned for on KLOL: Stevens & Pruitt, Dayna Steele, Lanny Griffith, Allison Mars, Scary Gary, and Outlaw Dave.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I’ve been lucky to have many PDs over the years who really helped me better myself. Tony Travatto, Chase Murphy, Chuck Knight, Marc Stevens, George King, Keith Montgomery. Each one believed in me, probably more than I did in myself, pushing me into getting better.
Bonus Questions
With The AT&T Center at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a Q101.9 welcome back station event?
Hmmm…it’s hard not to pick my personal favorites but I’ll try. P!nk, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Timberlake. Can we make this happen?
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