10 Questions with ... Jeremy Ratliff

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I graduated from North Central University with a BA in Broadcasting, started on-air at WTMJ, and after that I began my career at Cox Media Group in 2007. While working for CMG, I have anchored, hosted, been a program director, and more. I also have reported for SiriusXM NFL Radio and WFAN, and have anchored for the Jaguars radio network.

1. How did you get into radio? Why radio?

I gained TV and radio experience in college, and interned at a TV station (FOX 6 in Milwaukee) and a radio station (KFAN), but I ultimately chose radio due in part to the fact that my first great job opportunity (not requiring me to move) was in radio at a station I grew up listening to (WTMJ). I’ve loved radio since I was a kid who listened to Bob Uecker call Milwaukee Brewers games on my boombox.

2. In an era of remote work and in an industry in which broadcasting from home became common during the pandemic, you stand out as being in a particularly notable remote-broadcasting situation. How did your move to North Dakota come about, and how do you keep in touch with what's happening in Jacksonville from a distance? What are the pros and cons of working far away and in a different time zone?

The move to North Dakota was a difficult family decision, but one that was needed for our family. It was a pleasant surprise that working remotely has played out so well. I stay in close touch with what’s happening in the Jacksonville market online, with our news team, and with connections that I have made in the market over the years I have spent living and working there. I also have a direct flight option from ND to FL if I need to be there in-person for any reason. Using that option, I hosted the morning show in Jacksonville recently, spending two weeks in the market. While the cons of working remotely include not being able to enjoy some of my favorite things about the Jacksonville community and having to start an hour earlier due to the time zone difference, the pros include me being able to be very close to family here in the Midwest, which is a massive help since my wife and I have kids. I also find it a lot easier to concentrate on work while working remotely, with less office/studio related distractions and a much more simple and short commute.

3. Staying with the remote thing for a moment, how do you think having remote workers affects the culture of a radio station? What can a station do to maintain culture and collegiality while not always in the same building?

I think it depends on the station and it depends on the employees and leadership. WOKV has a fantastic team. Our morning show employees are all friends, and we work together great, while in constant communication. I have been friends with (and have worked with) our morning show host and news director for years, and our program director is also a good friend of mine. Also: WOKV has taken the pandemic very seriously, and with me working remotely, it’s one less person working in a studio setting, which can only help with social distancing.

4. You've been a Program Director, a producer, and on the air over the years; which role do you think you're most comfortable doing? Do you think of yourself primarily as an on-air person or a manager or both?

I feel most comfortable anchoring, though I feel as though I have solid strengths related to the other positions as well. I love being an on-air person, but also as someone that can pivot into a leadership role when needed. I’ve learned that what makes me the most happy in this industry is being able to write and produce content, and then delivering it to the audience in an impactful way.

5. You pull an early morning shift made earlier by the time zone. How do you do it? Are you the very-early-to-bed type, do you take naps during the afternoon, do you drink a lot of coffee or Red Bull? How do you manage your time?

I take an afternoon nap so I don’t have to go to bed too early (and I can then spend more time with my wife and kids), and I drink a lot of coffee during my work shift. Coffee is my BFF.

6. Who have been your influences, inspirations, and/or mentors in the business?

I have a long list of mentors and folks that have helped me with advice and/or opportunities. That lists includes Joe Scialfa (WTMJ), Rich Jones (WOKV), Jon Byman (WTMJ), Levi May (KRMG), Drew Anderssen (WSB), Greg Moceri, Pete Spriggs (WSB), Steve Smith, Tim Clarke, Bill Hendrich, Kim Guthrie, Jamie Dupree, Jackie Roberts, Nancy Wilson (WHKO), Jeremy Rice (WBLI), Nick Roberts (WHIO), Dave Bennallack (WHIO TV), Chris Camp (WSB), Nick Figueredo (WOKV), Mike Dorwart (WHO), Jana Collier (Dayton Daily News), and Rob Rohr. As far as inspirations: Bob Uecker is my absolute favorite on-air talent. I could never do what he does, especially at the high level in which he does it.

7. Of what are you most proud?

I’m most proud of the relationships that I was able to keep over the years that I’ve worked in radio. I’ve tried very hard in my career to avoid burning bridges, to invest in building up others and to stay in touch with friends in the industry that I no longer actively work with. As you have seen in my answer to the previous question, I have been blessed to work with a lot of fantastic people that have taken the time to invest in me. Ratings and awards come and go, and the people you work with should be of high importance.

8. Okay, say radio ceases to exist. What other things would you be interested in doing for a living? What would be your Plan B?

I absolutely love podcasts, and would love to produce/host in that arena.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________.

...coffee.

10. What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

Family should always come first. The industry changes, jobs come and go…but your family is always there when you get home, and time with them should be a major priority in your decision making.