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10 Questions with ... Joel Katz
October 24, 2006
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NAME:Joel KatzLAST WITH:WSJO (SoJO 104.9)/Atlantic City, NJPHONE:(215) 860-9990EMAIL:joelkatzshow@yahoo.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
What I consider my first real radio gig was at Nassau Top 40 WPST/Trenton, NJ. I started part-time and eventually moved to afternoons. Twelve years later, I moved to mornings at Greater Media AC WMGQ/New Brunswick, NJ. Two years later, I was offered mornings at Millennium Hot AC WSJO.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I've installed a new roof, a hardwood floor, an attic floor, built a playhouse and many other carpentry projects. I sent my T&R to everyone with an e-mail address, and I'm taking a class at the University of Pennsylvania. I'm also doing a temporary fill-in gig at Greater Media Oldies WJRZ/Monmouth-Ocean. My 13-year-old and 2-year-old twins keep me busy as well.
2) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?
Yes, it's what I know and love, but I have to remain open to anything. I don't want to miss an opportunity because I'm not considering every possibility.
3) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access, of course. And the bulletin board at the supermarket. Actually, it's been friends and former co-workers.
4) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I sent the right arm from a mannequin and wrote, “I would give my right arm for this job.” I think I would have gotten the job if I had used more blood.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Centerfield for the Phillies! Otherwise I want to be part of a show where I can have fun and be creative.
6) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I listen more because I can now hear all the other morning shows. I just discovered a guy named Howard Stern who does a very good show. He's going to be big one day -- you heard it here first.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Being able to do what I've always wanted to do and never having to wear a suit. I hate to play dress up. I can't tie a tie and don't want to learn. Thank you Levi Strauss for making it possible for me to get in your pants every day. Hooray for my pants!
8) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I really miss all of my co-workers and all of the fun I had. I used to voicetrack a weekend shift every other week and don't miss that.
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
Since I've never been out of work, I didn't know what it was like to lose a job. In the future when anyone I work with loses their job, I will be calling them to see how they're doing, offer any help I can, and follow up to check in from time to time. Many have done that for me, and I'll never forget it. As sick as it sounds, it's like watching your own funeral and being pleasantly surprised how many people show up. You find out who your real friends are.
10) 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?
I would consider taking the job because I love it, but I expect to be paid what I'm worth. If I was in it for the money, I would have tried sales long ago. They're the real talent.
Bonus Questions
1) Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
I can't spend money, I'm unemployed! But I have shoplifted the new Everclear, Papa Roach and Shawn Colvin.
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