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10 Questions with ... Mayor Mike Jax
October 25, 2005
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NAME:Mayor Mike JaxLAST WITH:WJHT/State College, PAPHONE:412-480-8246
Please begin by giving us a brief career history...
I have hosted shows on college stations WPTS, WRCT, WKPS, and was APD/MD for WJHT (Hot 107.9)/State College, PA for two years.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I spend my days researching stations, markets, and jobs on All Access. I remember my success and that keeps me positive. I will stay motivated until there are no more openings available. The internet is my #1 resource.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I'll tell you what, eBay is great for cleaning out your house. That trash that you never used is actually someone else's treasure. I am enjoying the time off because I know once I do get my next opportunity I am going to make the most of it. 12 hour days here I come!!!
3) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I haven't done it yet but I am going to start dropping off lunch with my tape and resumes in Philly. If that doesn't at least get me a call back I guess Philly isn't ready yet.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would like a job with a station that is looking for a jock who lives the lifestyle of the Rhythmic/Urban format. If the PD can't relate to the format then designate the responsibility to an MD who does. I would like to be able to mix on-air as well as in the club. I like to be the guy who brings the heat to the airwaves. I relate to people through the music and I like to give them what they want. I want remotes!!! I would like to get a job at a station that appreciates a real people person. It's not work to me. I am looking for a station that wants a marquee air-talent who will get people listening and be compensated fairly. I am real with listeners and I think that has been one of the keys to my success.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
I have gotten rejection letters but that is it. I have applied at one place three times for on-air, and in two different departments (promotions and production) and received nothing more than a letter. I think the courtesy level for e-mailing mp3s is very poor. If you list an e-mail address for mp3s, at least a critique could be made in a return e-mail. Is it that hard?
6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Honestly, I don't care. We all know the best part of radio is the happiness, not the money. To all the fat cats who are stacking chips, you are very fortunate. Know that.
7) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Yes, my friends and family are important to me and I have spent a lot of holidays and time away from them. I am making up for it now. They know that landing that next gig and being away is what will make me happy. They understand the nature of this business and want to see me succeed.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Running a station that rose to be #1 with women 18-34 and #1 with people 18-34 in a town where everybody said it couldn't be done.
9) What do you miss most about radio? The least?
I miss the feeling when I meet a listener and they can talk to me about bits and subjects I used months ago. It really shows the impact of radio. That was all the praise I ever needed.
The thing I miss the least is people working in formats who aren't qualified. Knowing what I know from the inside, I am sure I am sending packages to some people who have no idea what a good Urban/Rhythmic jock sounds like. It's easier to take criticism and direction everyday from someone who lives the lifestyle.
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 radio?
Yes, the satisfaction of the job is really most important to me at this point.
Bonus Questions
How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I feel like whoever gets me will be lucky. Not to be cocky, but I am just confident. The downtime has made me better. I will be at the top of my game and once I get comfortable with a new station and a new market I am coming for that number one spot!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In a top 25 market and having turned into my favorite jock.
Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
Common -- "Be"
Quasimoto -- "The Further Adventures of Lord Quas"
50 Cent -- "The Massacre"Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?
Frozen stuffed shells and two jars of quality gravy (sauce). Cover the bottom of the pan with sauce. Lay the frozen shells, open side down, in the tray and cover them with sauce. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and cook at 425 degrees for 45 minutes and you are eating well. Complete with garlic bread (Texas Toast) and tossed salad. Quick, filling, and even classy (if you get the expensive sauce).
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