10 Questions with ... Matt "Mojo" Lersch

1) What was your first job in radio?

My first gig was at the local community college radio station, Smooth Jazz. My first commercial gig was at (ironically) our competitor taking transmitter readings.

Early influences?

Stern and Mancow, I thought it was crazy that they got paid to do what they did.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I was in a band growing up and wanted to be a rock star, then I realized I sucked as a singer so I got into radio. I love the competitive nature of the business.

Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

When I got on stage for the first time at a station function and realized how passionate listeners are about the station or stations they listen to.

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

I would still do what I do. The pay isn't all that great but let's face it, anyone in radio already knows that. We do it because we have passion for this juggernaut.

4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Had I not gone into radio, I would have been a chef.

5) What makes your station or market unique?

Our station is unique in the fact that we have 30+ years of heritage in Lansing and the surrounding area. We are the station that gives the listeners what they want and we also give them the things that they cannot buy. Q106 has withstood the test of time and some bad years of rock. Our listeners are extremely passionate about the Q.

How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

It's an anomaly but I have worked with the same cluster for 15 years and change.

6) How have the recent FCC regulations impacted the way you program your music and the station's dialogue on the air?

We are aware of what we program. An ounce of common sense can go a long way with regard to programming. Adapting to what the FCC defines as acceptable is the nature of the beast and the entire staff are radio vets. This does not pose any problems for us

7) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?

In my opinion I like satellite radio but do not feel that it is a threat to us locally. The Internet and the ability to stream has taken us global and I think that it gives us an advantage.

8) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

The radio industry five years from now will still be alive and well. We are very focused on our website activity. Websites and the frequency will be married; web is a major focus for us.

9) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?

The relationship between label and programmer is still strong. Everyone who I work with is very professional and prompt.

10) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?

I would have a web designer in the building. Our web dept. does a great job, but I think someone in house would help expedite the process and we could work closer together.