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10 Questions with ... Janet Wilson
August 15, 2006
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NAME:Janet WilsonLAST WITH:KIXI/SeattleEMAIL:janetwilson22@gmail.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
It all started at a 1000 watt radio station in Petaluma, CA -- KTOB. But before that, I started at KSFO, San Francisco as a high school intern, assisting radio giants like Jim Lange. After college I worked at KUGN, Eugene, OR with a then 19-year-old DELILAH. Then it was back to my native San Francisco to K101, KYA & KSFO. Moved to Seattle in the mid-80's and worked for KMPS, KJR (worked with the legendary Gary Lockwood), 92.5 KLSY and most recently KIXI, Seattle.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Voice work, freelance writing, watching TV Land, summer concerts.
2) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
It has been my passion since my college days, so yes I hope to.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
3 years. In 1994 my mother died and I lost my heart and dropped out of the business. In 1997 I met Walter Cronkite at a book signing, and he asked why I would leave a business I loved. I couldn't answer him. A short time later I found a job at 92.5 KLSY/Seattle.
4) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
No question about it ALL ACCESS -- you guys rock!!
5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
Last year a new PD came to Seattle and I wrapped a nice pair of men's dress socks in an elegant box from Nordstrom and also enclosed my CD aircheck with a note saying: "hoping to knock your socks off, if successful, please accept this new pair."
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Easy question, I would love to come back to work in my native San Francisco Bay Area; San Jose, Monterey or anywhere close by. I actually DID leave my heart in San Francisco and most of my family members. I am so much more of a pro than when I first worked on-air at great stations like K101 (now Star 101.3), KYA and KSFO.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Touching people's lives. I've received many wonderful emails from listeners telling me I was like a friend in the room talking with them. That's what keeps me going in a very competitive, and at times heartbreaking business.
8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Became too complacent in one place for too long, when I should have moved on.
9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
Yes, especially if I could move somewhere cool to live like San Diego!! I have always wanted to go to Savannah, GA too. I think working in a totally different place would be an adventure. I have been a West Coast girl all my life.
10) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
5 yrs: Married to a successful businessman who tells me, "Honey, you go do your radio show and I'll take care of the bills."
10 yrs: Working in London for BBC Radio, interviewing The Rolling Stones on their 50th Anniversary Tour.
Bonus Questions
Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
Used to be hooked on the Home Shopping Network, but had it parental-controlled off my TV by the cable guy. Last 3 purchases were not CD's but concert tickets to see Steely Dan, B.B. King, and Elton John. I LIVE for summer concerts!!
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