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10 Questions with ... JJ Kincaid
November 20, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Lot's of call letters:) KDWB, WKST, WNVZ, KHKS and WHTZ.
1) So, did you survive Hurricane Sandy okay?
Yes. Compared to the people who lost their homes in so many places, having a tree take out my wife's Camry is nothing to complain about.
2) You guys received quite a few compliments regarding how you handled the storm and its aftermath on the air. What did you do?
It's unreal, even getting the attention of Walt Sabo! Listen ... I know we're not 1010 WINS or WCBS, so we brought our own approach to the storm coverage. We worked as teams on the air, as all of the jocks were basically living at the station the week of Sandy. People without electricity (in the millions) enjoyed Z's music along with traffic, weather and transit info on day one, before moving into recovery mode. We asked, "What do you need?" And listeners responded. As gas became scarce, we had people sharing open gas station info. When storm ravaged people needed supplies, we coordinated drop off locations. Everyone worked together, with an awe-inspiring Elvis Duran leading the way. It sounds cliché, but it's these kind of things that radio can do like no other medium!
3) What led you to a career in radio?
Remember that old '80s anti-drug PSA? "From you alright, I learned it by watching you!" It's all my father's fault. Love you, dad.
4) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
This is New York City and we're the Top 40 flagship of the world! Having Jay-Z just randomly stop by to say hi and play us music, along with the countless artists we have swing by all the time, it's crazy insane!
5) What is your favorite part of the job?
The interaction with people, both via the phones and Twitter. There's this rush when you do something on the air and it resonates with them.
6) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Britney Spears, without her handlers. I'd like to hear her unfiltered.
7) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Be grateful, be humble, and no matter what daypart you're in; you're never too good to board op when needed.
8) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool?"
Shallow, as they're aren't the overnight shows anymore to put new talent in, so we have to find them from other places. Our own Carla Marie was my intern in the afternoon; she transitioned to intern with the morning show. Now she's part of the Elvis Duran and the morning show team! I'm jealous!
9) What would you like to do to save radio from its "dying-industry" image?
Valerie Geller says it best: "Never be boring," the industry needs to be compelling, you can't be a jukebox; people have hundreds of other ways to get that. Radio needs compelling content in between the songs.
10) What did you want to be when you were growing up?
At Z100. Crazy how that worked out, eh?
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