10 Questions with ... Justin Prager

NAME:Justin Prager TITLE:Director Of Programming, Rock & Pop/Rhythmic Formats COMPANY:private MARKET:National STATIONS:Music Choice BORN:November 22 RAISED:Boston, MA

RADIO CAREER OUTLINE:

The Box Music Network/1993-2000
Farmclub.com/2000-2001
MTV/2001-2004
Music Choice/2004-present

1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?

Ever since I can remember, I always loved to choose the music for any event that I was involved in, whether it was a birthday party, holiday, or bar mitzvah. I always felt that I knew more about what kind of musical atmosphere an event needed more than anyone else did. All of this lead to me thinking why not make a living out of this?

2) How have music file sharing services, affected the way you program to your audience?

With so many mediums to chose music from these days, programmers must open up their playlists to ensure that their audience comes back. The days of the same 10 hit songs playing over and over are gone because if not, our stations may be gone. Album cuts, remixes, imports, etc, are all part of my regular playlists at Music Choice.

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

In such an ever shrinking business, we need each other now more than ever. With more flexible playlists, I'm able to at least attempt to play a good number of songs from various labels if they make sense for my channels. You can't please everyone all of the time, but with so many different mediums to get music from, chances are there is a place to play more songs at one time.

4)Describe your weekly music meeting ... a) what is the process when you listen to new music?

The process is simple. We gather all of the music that we get in for that week and choose the music videos and audio tracks that best fit each of our formats.

5) Approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play, and chart position when determining the status of a record?

We definitely keep an eye on all of the charts, but I would have to say that the biggest percentage would have to be gut. We put songs in rotation sometimes from bands that may not even have a solid record deal yet, but we're also smart enough to put the superstars right into a heavier rotation as well. At Music Choice, we offer our audience a mix of music from both emerging and established artists.

6) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?

I would like to see the music business continue to embrace new technologies for the distribution of music. The industry has the greatest opportunity ever to get their artists' musicin the hands of millions of music fans. I hope they don't let thisopportunity slip away. At Music Choice, we have been fortunate to getbuy-in from the music labels for our variety of distribution methods which include TVs, PCs, and cell phones.

7) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago,better, or about the same? Elaborate.

No one person can say whether current music is as good, bad, the same, as it was six, 12, or even 24 months ago. Music is constantly evolving. Emerging acts bring their own unique sound to the mix, while established artists are always looking for opportunities to re-invent their sound. All I can say is thank god for acts like System Of A Down, Kanye West and Maroon 5. Each have created a style that keeps the flag of integrity waving high for each of their respected formats.

8) 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?

I'm currently giving Korn's new album heavy attention. Interesting to hear them without a true second guitar, but they manage to keep their trademark sound intact.

10) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?

I'm constantly listening to all of the music that comes into the Music Choice office each week, attend concerts featuring both new and established bands, along with reading the trade magazines and surfing the web for new acts/music. You gotta keep your eyes and ears open if you wanna win in this game. You don't want to just follow the trends in music, you want to help make them!

Favorite artist you have met?

I gotta say, Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed since we worked together at MTV2 on Headbangers Ball. Because if I didn't, he'd kill me.

What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?

First album I puchased, from what I remember, was KISS' "Alive" album. Damn, I wish I could have been 15 years older and from Detroit to be at that show they recorded it from.

What do you do in your spare time?

Cue "cool, hip, true-music guy answer": I watch, listen, and read about music, I swear on my life. Ask my wife, she tell you that, with much frustration I may add!