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10 Questions with ... Jon Mayotte
October 11, 2005
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NAME:Jon MayotteTITLE:Program Director/Afternoon DriveSTATIONS:WEBX/WEVXMARKET:Champaign, ILCOMPANY:AAA EntertainmentBORN:1-21-82 Kankakee, ILRAISED:Kankakee and Champaign
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
1999- Junior year of high school I walked into the smallest building in the world to ever house three radio stations and asked for an internship
2000- Was signed on to board op and do weekend shifts for the three stations in our building
2001- Moved up to doing nights on the former 93X X-treme Radio
2002- Moved across the hall to the night slot on Classic Rock 105.9 WGKC
2004- Moved across the hall AGAIN to middays on 93-5/95-3 The Rock and acquired APD stripes
2005- Moved to afternoon drive on The Rock and was promoted to PD1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
This is it! I've just finished college at Illinois State, which has kept me grounded in Central Illinois (and sorority girls) for the past five years.
Early influences? I remember hearing Fred Winston on WLS when I was a little kid. I thought, and still think, he has one of the coolest voices ever. Larry Lujack, Mancow and Lou Brutus should be on the list, too. And I can't forget my production hero Ned Spindle. Is it obvious I grew up in the Chicago area?
2) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?
I've only been dealing with record labels for a short time but I'd have to say it is one of the most frustrating aspects of my job. Outside of a select few reps, I can't get anyone to return an email or a phone call! And I haven't been doing this long enough to have burned any bridges! I know everyone's busy and I'm just some PD for a non-reporting station in the middle of a cornfield, but a return phone call or an e-mail would at least be a nice touch. Although I'm hearing more and more that unless you're in New York or Chicago, that's just how it is.
3) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
New technology. Things like the iPod and iTunes are going to change how we operate. It's not going to kill radio; we're a free source of new music and information. But we're going to have to change our programming methods if we expect to keep listeners, mainly Generation Y. We need to incorporate the new technology into our stations as much as possible and also give the listener as many options as possible, meaning that tight playlists might just have to go by the wayside.
4) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
The one I listen to the most would probably be The Drive in Chicago. Nothing flashy or special but, as a music lover, you have to appreciate what they're doing. Aside from that I'd have to say Q101 and 93 XRT in Chicago.
5) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
Classic Rock.
6) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
An imaging director. As much as I love to do imaging, I just don't have the time to do it the way I used to when that was my main responsibility.
7) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
The Rolling Stones at Soldier Field. How those guys are still going and on top of their game I have no idea, but I plan on enjoying it for as long as it lasts.
8) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
No matter how bad things get, there's always beer!
9) How do you position the station musically and why did you choose this direction?
We switched from "Real Rock Radio" and the straight ahead active rock approach to "New Rock Alternative" on April 1, 2005 (no joke). Our closest competitor made the decision to flip to a college rock/indie format. They had solid ratings for a long time as an alternative station so it only made sense to take the alternative position as our own. At the same time, we didn't want to drop active rock entirely. We're about 50/50 active rock-to-alternative on our currents and about 70/30 alternative-to-active rock on our golds. But anymore what's the difference between a '90's alternative gold and an active rock gold? It's all from Seattle anyway!
10) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Not sure if I should answer this one since I'm a snot nosed punk myself, but what the hell I'll do it anyway. Don't get set in your ways. Those are the people that either get run over or make everyone else around them miserable. Radio is all about constant change and you have to be willing to accept that change when it comes.
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite TV show?
Family Guy
You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have 5 CDs with you. What are they?
5? That's it? I don't think that's enough, but I'll give it a shot:
Rolling Stones -- Stripped
Nirvana -- Unplugged
Rage Against The Machine -- Self-Titled
Rolling Stones -- Exile On Main St.
Led Zeppelin -- Physical GraffitiWhat do you do with a song you don't like?
Use the CD as a coaster, a frisbee, or I've been known to blow them up with a strand of Black Cats.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
Two pieces of advice that were pretty good
1. Lead, follow, or get the f*ck out of the way. One of my old PD's told me that one
2. Go with your gut. My mom told me that shortly after I spent a night in the drunk tank. She was right, and I haven't been back in nearly 4 years!What is the biggest misconception about your station?
The listeners are toothless rednecks that wake up around 4 in the afternoon so they can get their 4:20 bong hit. Most of them wake up around 4:15, LOL! That's only a small fraction of our listenership. Actually a large number of our listeners are young professionals that are fresh out of college and are building their careers. The rest are filled in with University of Illinois frat kids.
Describe your favorite meal.
Deep dish sausage pizza from Gino's East in Chicago
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