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10 Questions with ... Zoey
September 16, 2008
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NAME:ZoeyTITLE:MD/MiddaysSTATION:WBSX 97.9XMARKET:Wilkes-Barre, PACOMPANY:Citadel BroadcastingBORN:12/30/80 Lincoln Park, NJRAISED:Northeast PA (Scranton Area)
1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
I was a culinary arts student and on my way to owning my own restaurant when I met a friend of a local radio DJ who asked me if I'd like to go hang out on the radio one night. From there it was all downhill! I realized "this is it" when I would work 40-plus hours a week just to pay my bills and came and hung out at the radio station and promotions for free.
2) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I would probably be in massive debt working somewhere in the restaurant industry. That or working for a phone sex hotline ... hey, gotta use your god-given talents right?
3) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Being unique and entertaining without breaking any rules! It's difficult to be yourself and not a rip-off of someone else. It's a constant struggle to come up with new and interesting, yet safe and rule-abiding contests and content. How do we fix that? I don't know, but always keep in the back of your mind that there are 100 other people behind you that are younger and fresher than you ... and will work for less money!
4) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
Another Internet tech person, since ours handles five stations websites plus all of the computers in the building. She is phenomenal, but it is a strain. That or another production person, so I don't have to sit here like a trained monkey and enter barter spots into TLC.
5) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
Turntable? Really? My parents have one that is quite dust covered somewhere in the basement. What music do I listen to? Right now I have YIM music player on and it's playing BT's "Dreaming" Libra Mix. Oh, it just changed and now it's Counting Crows "Mister Jones." Obviously I jump around. I love the format I work in. Fact is, I get to hear Metallica and AC/DC and Green Day and Nirvana every day. It's like okay, I love pizza but if I eat it every day, eventually ... once in a while ... I'm gonna want to have some Kung Pow Chicken. You need to clear your audio palette daily and shock your senses. I listen to '90s grunge, Jay-Z and The Crystal Method ... so take what you want from that.
6) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on-air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)
I mess up on a daily basis. The trick is to not let the listener know you screwed up. Like, you meant to do that. Sure, everyone screws up, but as long as it wasn't like you left the F-bomb fly on the air ... you're good. I know a lot of people coming into this business, young kids, who think if they stutter over a word, they are out the door. At least it isn't like that here. We are all human and it adds the human element to the show, when you can laugh at your own mistakes and the audience laughs with you.
7) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
This was our third year doing the 97.9X Roof-A-Thon. We get to broadcast live from the roof of our local Wendy's, have a rock auction, sell shirts, work the bucket brigade. You wouldn't believe the number of people who come by! It's very rewarding to see people open their hearts, and I swear rockers have the biggest of them all! Truck drivers that drive by and donate six times in one day. It all benefits the American Red Cross and we raised almost $14,000 this year. I am a big supporter of the America Red Cross, as is my whole staff. We all donate blood and support the blood drives. I've donated over two gallons and my dad has give over 10.
8) How often do you do remotes and which work best for the station?
I do at least one remote a week. Sometimes I do four in a week. The best for us have always been being at bars with the younger crowds, backed by a beer sponsor. People are big into going out here, with supporting sports and having eight colleges in our immediate area. Rock music + beer girls + free stuff ... how can you go wrong?
9) Over the years, we've had the "British Invasion," "Disco," "New Wave," "Rap & Hip-Hop," "Boy Bands," and many other genres and sub-genres of music take off. What do you think is the next emerging music trend?
I really think there will be a market for '90s grunge/rock. Alternative really can only hold on to it for so long, as well as rock. It won't become "classic" because, well, we do associate this format mostly with Pink Floyd, the Who, Rush... I don't think it would be fair to lump Nirvana, STP, Soungarden, Metallica and the like in with that. Just like '70s disco has its own right, so should the core '90s rock.
10) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep ... and what sources do you use?
It's always nice when the station will subscribe to one or two reliable prep sources. Of course we use AllAccess, blabbermoouth.net, and any magazine we can get our hands on. I've always enjoyed the New York Post for the simple fact it gives you the random dirt on peopl that you can use once and disregard, whether it's true or not.
Bonus Questions
Who would be your dream guest on the show?
You've heard of "the list" from Friends? Well I've met 3 of the 5 on my list. Gavin Rossdale, Chris Carrabba & Jared Leto. The other 2, Andy Roddick and Kasey Kahne, would be my dream guests, though I would love to see Jared Leto again!
Have you listened to Sirius or XM yet? How does it compare to what we're doing on the commercial side?
yes I have sinned! Actually it is so much more peronsalized. So much to choose from and a constant where ever you go. If you want 90's grunge, if you want trance, if you want all talk about your favorite sports team. It is so pin pointed where we, as terrestrial radio, are forced toward appeasing the massses and having a broader menu. Then again, you get what you pay for, right?
You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have 5 CDs with you. What are they?
Counting Crows "Filma About Gohsts"
Dashboard Confessional "A Mark a Mission a Brand a Scar"
Gwen Stefani "Love.Angel.Music.Baby"
Linkin Park "Reanimation"
White Stripes "Icky Thump" -
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