10 Questions with ... Jay Kruz

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WTWR/Toledo, OH - On-Air/Imaging Dir. - 2002-2004
• WDRQ/Detroit, MI - On-Air - 2003-2004
• Vh1 Satellite Radio, New York City - Creative Services/On-Air - 2004-2006
• X107.1 Cayman Islands - PD/On-Air - 2006-2008
• HOT 104.1 Cayman Islands - 2007-2008
• WSWD/Cincinnati, OH - PD/On-Air - 2008-2009
• WREW Cincinnati, OH - PD/On-Air - 2009-Present

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

My high school radio station, WSDP sparked my love for radio. Station manager Bill Keith runs an excellent program and encouraged me to send my resume & demo to Alex Tear at WDRQ. I can't say enough about WSDP, along with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Michigan Association of Educational Broadcasters. They run great programs and awards competitions to encourage high school and college broadcasters.

2) How would you describe the imaging on your station?

It's creative and concise. Our production director Jim Blommel does a great job in keeping the station fresh with clever promos!

3) What do you like best about working in the Adult Hits format?

The positive energy coming out of the speakers! The music, promotions, events, charity work... everything we do is centered around "feeling good."

4) Besides your own, what format would you like to program and why?

Contemporary Christian. It started with doing voiceovers for a few great Christian stations and over the last few years, I've really been enjoying the music.

5) What do you believe will be the next trend in music technology?

In-car Internet connections.

6) What type of features do you run on the station?

"Class Reunion Lunch" - Our listeners send in their graduation year, school, and memories and we play the music from their high school days at noon.

"Rewind @ Work & Win $100" - Every Tuesday we giveaway $100 cash to say thanks for listening. We also do topical theme weekends and features based around Cincinnati events.

7) What format does not exist that should? Would it work?

A "24/7 Mix Show Format." The music would never stop, everything would be beat-mixed, and commercials would consist entirely of live reads and endorsements. It might be a little idealistic, but seems very PPM friendly to me!

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

It isn't one I've made, but someone who was in place when I arrived in Cincinnati. Our APD/Promotions Dir. Julie Evans a multi-tasking machine and probably the most organized person I've ever worked with and produces some nice sounding music logs!

9) How do you interact with your sales staff?

It's all about respect and honesty. Rewind has a great team of experienced sales pros who understand what our brand is all about. We work together to develop promotions that will be successful for both the client and station.

10) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

The Volunteer Fair was a great event for Rewind 94.9 and the Bonneville Cincinnati team. We connected 80+ non-profit groups with local residents looking to volunteer their time and talents.

1) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I take pottery classes and can make one heck of a toothbrush holder!

2) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)

I was on-air in Toledo during the week at Tower 98 and doing weekends in Detroit on 93.1 DRQ. During a Sunday afternoon shift, I had a quick, oh-so-simple break over 50 Cent where I proudly declared on 93.1 DRQ - "Here's 50 Cent... In Da Club...on Tower 98!"

3) Favorite artist you have met?

Safetysuit are without a doubt one of the nicest bands out there!

4) Who was your most memorable artist you've ever interviewed?

Brad Arnold from 3 Doors Down.

5) Please describe the best promotion you've ever been part of?

The first morning of the Cayman Islands Hospice Care Center's weekend fundraising drive. The morning show was live from a traffic Island in a busy intersection and posted volunteers with collection buckets at the stop sign at each corner. It was a rewarding feeling to raise about $5,000 in just one morning.