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10 Questions with ... Jeremy Loper & Randi Rasar
June 28, 2016
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1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Loper: My first job in radio was in 1994 at WBZT-A/West Palm Beach working on the Dick Farrel Show. Apparently there weren't any child labor laws in Florida during the '90s. My earliest influence had to be MTV and Howard Stern. I wanted to be on MTV more than anything in the world.
Randi: I scored my first job in radio by winning a contest for a morning show position on WILD 98.7/Knoxville, TN while attending college ... Go Vols. My greatest influence was 99X out of Atlanta, GA. That stationed sealed the deal for me ... the jocks, the music, the promotions and contests. I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I started trying to win all of their contests so I could get inside their building and hopefully meet a radio personality. I have to thank my chauffeur, my mom for taking me to collect my winnings.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
Loper: I heard a local talk show host, Dick Farrel, after school one day. I was blown away by the interaction between Farrel and the local callers. That's when I figured out I could call into the local radio stations and be on the air. I did this for several months until I spoke to Farrel off the air about what college courses I should take to become a radio and television host. I was 14 at the time and he invited me to intern for him, I didn't even know what that meant ... this was pre-Monica Lewinsky. I, of course, said yes and have been in the business ever since.
Randi: I had been telling my parents I wanted to be on the radio, but they said they would cut me off financially if I didn't attend college. So I attended the University of Tennessee for years taking broadcasting and communications courses and doing shifts at the college station. I won a morning show spot on a local Citadel station and learned quickly that radio was fickle. The station flipped after three months. The OM, Mike Hammond, moved me to their sister station and I'll be forever grateful because I met my radio mentor, Jim Ziegler, who was my new PD. That's when I knew my dream would be a reality.
3) When did you guys meet and how did you begin working together?
Loper & Randi: We were put together by CBS talent scout Tony Bernardini and radio programming veteran,\ John O'Connell to host mornings on WPBZ, 103.1 The Buzz in West Palm Beach, Fl.
4) Before you guys started working in Columbus, you did mornings in Palm Beach, FL as The Morning Buzz show. What can you take away from that experience that prepared you for mornings on WRKZ (99.7 The Blitz)?
Loper & Randi: Teaming up in West Palm Beach provided us the foundation to build our uncanny chemistry, established our brand and perfected our killer tans. The passion and attitude the audience has for both the Blitz and the Buzz are exceptional. We feed off that energy and really connect with our listeners. So when we moved to Columbus, the Blitz provided a similar atmosphere that made the transition seamless.
5) How long have you been doing mornings for 99.7 The Blitz and give us some of the ratings highlights during your time in Columbus?
Loper & Randi: We are in our fifth year at the Blitz. Currently, our station does not subscribe to the Neilson ratings. However, it's our understanding that we are consistently one of the top-rated morning shows in the market.
6) Describe a typical morning show meeting for you guys. a) What is the process? b) How much show prep do you do and what are some of the key benchmarks of your show?
Loper & Randi: Seriously, our life is one big meeting. People often ask us how we do a show together and stay married. Our motto is, the show is our life and our life is the show. Everyone is involved, all four of our children and even Randi's 95-yearold grandmother, MawMaw. Show prep just falls into our lap everyday just by living our lives. It's crucial to have a life; the audience knows when you're being authentic. On any given week you could tune in and hear real conversation, great story telling and benchmarked games like, treadmill trivia, egg roulette, Helium Theater etc.
7) Tell us some of the best morning show moments on WRKZ during your time there?
Loper: Being on stage in front of 50,000 people during Rock On The Range each year is pretty awesome. The show is such a huge deal in Columbus that people will do anything for tickets. We held a contest called Mr. Parents Basement, and you wouldn't believe how many people still live with their parents ... yikes. I've also been able to share my love for martial arts by featuring friends, Matt Brown and Mark Coleman onto our show frequently to talk all things UFC.
Randi: One of my favorite moments, throwing ninja stars at Loper's head. During the month of October he dons a hollowed out pumpkin with a bull's eye once a week and I get to chuck stars. I'm getting pretty good, one time I even threw a toaster. Also having my 95 year old grandmother on our show giving sex and relationship advice is a highlight. I'm going to be thankful one day to have these recordings, plus she's sassy as hell.
8) You guys are VERY active with Social Media like Facebook and Twitter. How has that benefited your morning show?
Loper & Randi: Social media is how we connect to our audience during our four hours on air and the twenty off air. We have a channel on YouTube where we film our daily lives. From the largest Rock festival in the country to pool days with the family, we offer original content even while we're on vacation via our vlogs. LoperandRandiTV.com
9) What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a married couple doing a morning show together?
Loper: Some of the advantages are having a true partner on the other side of the console and she smells good. Also, no matter if she agrees with me or not Randi will not let me BS my way out of any topic or conversation. We know everything about each other, it's all real on the radio ... unfortunately.
Randi: Free rides to work and two paychecks are a plus. Disadvantage -- enormous childcare bills.
10) Finally, who is funnier and why?
Loper: Funny you should ask, this is an ongoing debate.
Randi: Me.
Bonus Questions
You guys talk for a living but give us the lowdown on your favorite music ... both artists and songs?
Loper: Chili Peppers, Hatebreed, Sick Of It All and Pennywise are usual suspects in my ears. Although, I'm more into podcasts these days ... Joe Rogan Experience, Jocko Podcast, The Jasta Show and The Church of What's Happening Now w/ Joey Diaz are a few I try not to miss.
Randi: My favorite record right now, Beyoncé's Lemonade. Also RHCP ... Dark Necessities and ALL '90s Alt rock and Hip-hop.
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