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10 Questions with ... Jesse James
November 29, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at Z104 in Madison, WI doing weekend overnights and taking out Mr ED’s garbage (literally). Hit a few mid-size markets doing nights, (Springfield- Peoria…) and then back to Z104 to do mornings. Then to Milwaukee on FM 106, then I did mornings and afternoons live for 7 years in the Green Bay/ Appleton- Oshkosh/ Wausau/ Stevens Point/ Sheboygan markets, and then to Denver for four years until CBS sold us, and we went to San Antonio for two years and here for the last 8 years.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
A dream come true! I was working 7 days a week, 12 hour days on the weekends, but I loved every second of it!
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I was DJ’ing in the clubs when I met a guy who came in one night (doing a remote), and I fell in love- not with him, but with radio! He’s ok too…but…it was radio.
3. How does your morning show with Amanda and Gordo set the table for the rest of the station’s broadcast day?
We have a lot of fun! We’re upbeat, we’re informative, we’re in the community and the station stays upbeat and fun all day and night! People need that getaway, especially now, and that’s what Big 98.7 is!
4. Who would be a dream guest to come in and sit in with the morning show?
Tom Cruise. Nobody knows much about him, his story (what we do know) is fascinating and if he was answering questions honestly, (ex’s- kids situation- Scientology…) it would be gold.
5. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
We are out every week! We still do listener lunch live every Monday. We do BIG Happy Hour live every Thursday, and we host parades and charity events. You can’t work here and not love getting out and seeing the people that make this all possible. How are things looking post-pandemic? Here, good. We’re having staffing problems (restaurants/ bars…) like everywhere else, but it’s back strong here!
6. What is your favorite part of the job?
My show. I love being on the radio as much today as I did on day one!
7. What is the most challenging part of the job?
Managing the different hats.
8. What advice would you give someone looking to break in to the business in this current climate?
Don’t give up. It’s hard to get in, but be willing to do whatever you have to do to get in! I dressed as a gorilla at station events, (The Z104 Wild Thing), just to get in the station door. Once you do get in, don’t be afraid to change with the climate. “That’s the way we’ve always done it” is a fast track to losing.
9. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
Z104- KS 95- KDWB- B-96…I liked to listen to Kevin Matthews when I could pick up the signal. Bob and Brian in Milwaukee, old California Airchecks were awesome!
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I have a lot! Bill Gamble- Kerry Wolfe- Keith Abrams, just to name a few. Bill Gamble has had the biggest influence on me when I was at CBS in Denver. He’s the most out–of-the-box thinker, most creative guy I’ve ever worked for. He constantly pushed you to be your best (in his own way lol), we did some great radio there!
Bonus Questions
If you had an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a station show?
Right now- Harry Styles- Marron 5 and Adele.
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