10 Questions with ... JJ Morgan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Mornings on Dial Global/Local (Satellite), PD/mornings on KHUB/Fremont, NE (terrestrial News-Talk), and PD/afternoons at www.KKRDonline.com - Wichita, KS (Infinite Dial Hot AC)

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

Hearing my LIVE (yes, live) phone call requesting George McCrae's "Rock Your Baby" on the legendary KOIL/Omaha, NE.

2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?

When I saw my first computer in 1975, I said "I'm not gonna need it, I'm going to be in radio!" What the hell was I thinking?!?! I continued in radio, but I dove into every technical aspect of what now runs our business in so many ways!

3) Describe a typical day in your position?

I get up at 3AM. I do News/Talk in the mornings. Then I go straight to Dial Global local and do mornings on the AC Pure format, and then I get afternoons rolling on www.KKRDonline.com.

4) How do you prep yourself for your radio shift?

Every minute, every observation, and every experience is prep. That's where it all starts! But it never ends.

5) What do you like best about your job? Least?

Best? The challenge! Least? Did I mention I get up at 3AM?

6) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?

Ultimately, the record labels need to realize that there are truly more outlets for music and promotions than STRICTLY the Mediabase reporters!

7) Your thoughts on Syndication and Voice-Tracking?

I am very fortunate to be involved daily with the local satellite product from Dial Global/Local which is the absolute best satellite product in the business. I'm on close to 30 AC outlets nationally, and on the weekends I'm on as many as 60 stations and various formats at any one time. So, I have a unique view on the subject of voice-tracking which is lacking in the vast majority of markets.

Our product makes you be GOOD. It makes you be brief and entertaining. You cannot slack with this product. Ultimately, it's up to the affiliates to give you the additional pieces of the presentation for the particular market. But when you can customize up to five breaks an hour for each station, then you have to work at being good, not only with voice-track shifts but live shifts as well! It's cool and challenging at the same time. Localization and customization is available for EVERY market!

8) How does satellite radio or Internet radio compare to what we're doing on the commercial side?

The great terrestrial-based commercial stations connect with their audience on many levels, far beyond music, and with social media ever-evolving that will certainly continue. Internet radio will be able to do the same. But in the local markets it will still be a challenge as the vast majority of listeners still connect radio to a dial position. Real people think like that and that will be the challenge.

As for satellite, the challenge that Internet radio is facing isn't there as it is still a "dial position." Ultimately what it comes down to is what real people perceive and what has been ingrained into their psyches over the decades. The satellite product is the key, and I'm fortunate to work with Dial Global/Local which is leading the way in this technology.

9) What's the best hire you've ever made?

Easily Chase Murphy who is currently an Entercom OM in Greenville, SC; followed by Amanda Valentine, Producer for Slacker & Steve on KALC/Denver.

10) What should radio be doing now to secure a role in the future of the ever-changing media landscape?

We should all be developing the mindset to work within the ever-changing landscape.

1) Who were your early influences?

Roger W. Morgan, a KOIL radio legend and John "Records" Landecker from WLS/Chicago.

2) For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?

It definitely would be the Henry Doorly Zoo. It's one of the world's greatest! That and the brand new pedestrian bridge linking Nebraska and Iowa and spanning the Missouri River!

3) What stations do you have on your car radio pre-set buttons?

KQKQ/Omaha - Nevin Dane does a great job programming! Plus "96.1 The Brew" in Omaha. That station that is imaged exceedingly well. And Sports-Talk "1620 The Zone" Omaha.