10 Questions with ... JJ Morgan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've been everywhere... at least it seems like it? Dallas, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Tucson, Albuquerque, Omaha, Wichita, etc... And as to how long? I remember playing records... And yes, kids... there were actual music products long before digital!

1) How do you position the station musically on Lazer 105.9?

The music on Lazer 105.9 is cool, without being "too cool for the room." I'm very picky about having fringe sounds on the station, no matter whether it's Rhythmic, Rock or Country.

2) What is the biggest misconception about your station?

The biggest misconception about Lazer 105.9 is at because we're in Lawrence we're in a smaller market. This is one of the coolest, most vibrant live music markets in the country. Everyone has played here at one time or another.

This is an amazing city, and because we also reach into Topeka and Kansas City, the opportunities are immense. I believe that Lazer 105.9 and Lawrence are underestimated by the labels.

3) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

We have a unique situation, reaching three distinctive markets, Topeka to the West is as conservative as it gets, Lawrence, where we're located, is as liberal as it gets. And we blanket Kansas City as well. Dealing with all three cities has its challenges, but it also has amazing opportunities as well. I feel it's one of the most unique situations in the country!

4) Your thoughts on Syndication and Voice-Tracking?

Syndication and voice-tracking are both in the fabric of what we do now. 'Nuff said. But when it comes to voice-tracking... give me one reason why you cannot be local when you are being PAID, to actually do something local? Do you not know how to read or do research? Do you not know how to actually do something besides saying, "Go to our website... coming up is next is (insert artist) next on (insert station)?"

Really, come on! If you are a programmer that utilizes voice-tracking, then make it your mission to make MAGIC come out of the speakers when your staff opens their mouths. OK, I'm off my soapbox.

5) Is Arbitron's Personal People Meter (PPM) currently available in your market, or in a neighboring market? What are your thoughts on this new ratings technology?

With our unique situation being in three markets, we deal with PPM in Kansas City and the traditional diary platform in Topeka. I'm a fan of the PPM in general. I have never been major fans of the diary process.

6) Are you seeing more Rhythmic and Top 40 records take hold with today's Hot AC listeners?

Of course the Pop and Rhythmic records are finding their way onto our playlists, but ultimately (as it always has been) it comes down to YOUR individual station and market.

Record people ask me "why?!?!?!" when I tell them I can't play an extreme song on Lazer 105.9. I don't really care what track record an artist has had in Top 40/Active Rock/Alternative, etc., and what stations are playing them. The average listener doesn't care about those stats.

7) What other stations and markets do you like to monitor?

I'm a huge fan of KQKQ/Omaha, where Nevin Dane has a great sounding station doing their own thing musically. They have a great staff as well! When you turn on Q98, you know what you're going to get. I'm also a big fan of KALC (Alice 105.9)/Denver. Another great station as well!

8) Do new technologies like on demand music, videos, TV, streaming, and mobile smart phone apps enhance consumer's interest in traditional media such as radio, the CD, or even the MP3 player? Or are they being replaced?

I may be in the minority when saying this, but even as the new technologies are truly enhancing the usage of media, but at the end of the day, STILL, if we were to offer the average winner an actual FULL CD, or an access code from a website that will give you 4-5 songs off that same CD, they will take the physical item versus "air" every time. That will change, but it will take time.

9) How much leeway do you give your jocks to talk between records?

I don't use liners for the most part. I give notes and guidance as to how their content should be sounding. Jocks get input on a daily basis.

10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?

I've taken no shortcuts. I have worked incredibly hard. And I've always treated people fairly.