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10 Questions with ... Jud Heussler
January 21, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started as an intern in the promotions department summer of 2009. I bounced around departments until Sue O'Neil hired me in 2011. I worked as a fill-in/ weekend jock until April of 2012 when I took over afternoons/MD.
1) What led you to a career in radio?
I'm from Buffalo; I grew up listening to Kiss 98.5. When I was in middle school I won a contest with our morning show to come onto the station for "take your kids to work day." I was hooked! I thought they had the best job ever ... they are now my co-workers.
2) What are you doing, social media-wise?
Addicted. I'm on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram constantly. It's a game for me ... trying to come up with posts that will spark conversation. It also makes me feel real to the listeners. I tweet about what I'm having for dinner, plans for the weekend, etc.
3) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
I like to be involved with lots a charity work. It makes me feel good, but it also puts our station into the community. As a station, we also hold lots of toy/food drives and radiothons, too!
4) What is your favorite part of the job?
Coming to work! I just really like being here and being involved. I like knowing that I might make someone's day better, keep them company or just make them laugh a little.
5) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Scheduling music; it never stops! I took some vacation at the end of the year. I worked double time to get the music done before!
6) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?
We recently did a promotion with MKTO. It was a play on their single "Classic." We threw a Classic Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant called Classics V. We served a full Thanksgiving dinner, and every listener got to take a picture with the band ... and they did an awesome acoustic performance, too!
7) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
The Allman Brothers Band or Bonnie Raitt. My parents brought me up with that music. Every once in awhile you need to switch off the Top 40 and hear a real instrument.
8) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I was on Nickelodeons Slim Time Live as a kid. My family visited Universal Studios and I started talking to a security guard while watching the show. He knew the cast director and the next day I was on the show.
9) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
Social Media Manager! We all handle our own posts. It would be nice to have someone in house to handle some of it, and expand it. We have a corporate team that is a great start, but I'm sure a lot of people would agree having someone in house would be awesome!
10) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I like to cook. I'm Italian. I don't measure anything.
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
Niagara Falls! Come on, it's a world wonder. You have to see it when you visit. The funny thing is I have only been there a handful of times and I've lived here all my life.
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