10 Questions with ... Jared "Banks" Danielson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KUUU/Salt Lake City, UT -Intern/Weekends
• WBVD/Melbourne, FL - Promotions/On Air
• WFLZ/Tampa, FL -Late-nights
• KZHT/Salt Lake City, UT - Nights
• KUDD/Salt Lake City, FL - Nights then morning host/MD

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

It was at KUUU/Salt Lake City, Great group of people who are still friends. I started as an intern and did whatever it took to learn the business from everyone around me. One day someone quit (or got fired depending on who is telling the story) and a weekend shift became available. I was Johnny on the spot and got my shot! I never looked back!

2) What led you to a career in radio?

Serendipity? I was working as a host at a local club and got to know the people from the station during their appearances. I got tired of the club scene and was ready for a change. Radio just happened. I never thought about it as a career. But that was almost 12 years ago. Pretty happy with the way things have worked out.

3) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

Crowded. There are literally hundreds of frequencies and lots of options. Some very good heritage stations exist, so standing out is tough.

4) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?

We have an ability to create at KUDD. All local staff with local ownership means that we can do things faster and better than a lot of the competition. We are not tied up with the corporate rules that a lot of other stations have to play by. If I have an idea I can walk in to the office of the president of my company and talk about it. That is special.

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

Being on the air is by far the highlight of my day. Getting to create a morning show from the ground up with a new partner is an amazing experience. To take the content from ground zero and see it grow is something I will never grow tired of. Getting to do the same now with the music and really mold both sides of the content on KUDD is awesome!

6) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I grew up in New Zealand. My father is from there and I went to high school in West Auckland. It was great looking back now. As a kid I just cared if there were pretty girls and good food to eat. Not necessarily in that order.

7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

I play on a competitive rugby team. We travel all over the Western U.S. playing different clubs and tournaments. I also love sailing. When I retire it will be on a 40-footer with clothing optional!

8) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Good things come to those who work. There is no secret. No luck. Just work your ass off. Too many people limit themselves in their ability to accomplish things because they feel entitled and will not put in the hard hours to make it happen. Good luck and talent are a direct result of hard work!

9) What advice you would give people new to the business?

Talk to everyone, learn about everything and WORK! So many kids come out of college and think they deserve a shot. I have a fancy bit of paper that says I know what I'm doing. Just do whatever it takes to make friends, learn and work. It may take a few years, but good things will happen!

10) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool?"

When I first came up, I was lucky to have friends like Zac Davis and Jagger who would listen to airchecks and sit in meetings to help me be a great jock. When I got to FLZ, I got to learn from Kane and the whole family there how to be a great personality. Now I get to work with MJ and learn how to program a great radio station. These guys all made it a priority to help develop new talent. We all wear more hats and are busier than ever in our business, but we need to take the time to pay forward to the next generation our skills and the business of being an air talent. I'm very thankful for the people in my past who helped me. I am always willing to help those who are willing to put in the work to be great!

What was your last non-industry job?

I sold Sabrett Hot Dogs on the Home Shopping Network. I got the gig through Billy Mays. It was a blast! TV sales are a totally different beast to radio and I enjoyed every second of it!