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10 Questions with ... Jamey Karr
July 9, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Radio isn't what it was when I got in at age 14, but what is? I'm aware of what most radio is these days, and it fascinates me. I've seen radio do great things for the communities it serves. That can still happen, and I want to be part of that
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Grew up in El Paso, got my first gig at 14. Moved to Amarillo to attend West Texas State Univ. and stayed. El Paso stations include KTSM, KELP, KHEY, and Xerok. Amarillo stations I worked for include KPUR, KACV, KXGL and KMXJ. Formats I've done include Top 40, AC, Alternative, Country and Classic Hits.
1. What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
I'm staying in touch with positive people. I'm still involved with BossBossRadio in Los Angeles, so I'm still motivated.
2. How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Honey-dos. Sleeping past 5a after 20 years. Reconnecting with friends and actually listening to albums, front to back.
3. Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
Yeah, there is some of that. Radio isn't what it was when I got in at age 14, but what is? I'm aware of what most radio is these days, and it fascinates me. I've seen radio do great things for the communities it serves. That can still happen, and I want to be part of that.
4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?
We'll see. I certainly hope so.
5. What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is it! I've had a radio gig since 1972. Again, I'm thankful for BossBossRadio. If it weren't for that, I'd have to go door-to-door, and plays songs for people!
6. What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Tough skin and being resilient. I'm not a kid anymore and getting in the first time was hard enough at 14.
7. What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access a couple of times a day, plus there are some very good people, keeping an eye out for me.
8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
That would have been the first one. I called the PD every day. How do you get songs to start when you want them to? How does the network get to you? Can you turn the speaker up loud? Those calls led to a tour of the station, and finally a gig.
9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I don't need to be a millionaire. I want to be around smart people. I want to be hired to use my skills.
10. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I've been an OM or PD since I was 18 and put together hundreds of budgets so, it's what I thought. I've been very lucky to work for some amazing people. Two duds out of 40 years isn't a bad batting average.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook
Mom's So-Good Spareribs:
- 1-2 c. water
- 1 ½ lbs ribs trimmed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 T. cider vinegar
- ½ c. ketchup
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 T. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 T. Cornstarch
- 2.T Water
Put water in the bottom of wok, insert rack (water should not cover rack). Place ribs on rack. Cover and steam over low heat for 45 minutes or until tender. Remove ribs and place in long baking dish. In a small bowl combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over ribs. Place dish on rack inside wok. Cover and steam over low heat for 30 minutes, basting several times. Remove ribs to serving platter. If desired, thicken sauce with cornstarch, dissolved in water. Spoon over ribs and serve hot.
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