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10 Questions with ... DJ Steen
March 8, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I got my radio start LEGALLY at a small AM station in Anniston, A,L WHOG-A. I have worked at WTDR, WANA-A, WGBZ-A/F (PD/on-air), WFXO (PD/on-air), WZZX-A (PD/on-air), and WCKA-A. I also did some television work for WJXS-TV 24 and Mix-Tape TV, which was syndicated on WJXS-TV, WRJM-TV, WAKA-TV, WPXH-TV and on Cable One.
I also currently do mix shows for WEUP, WKXN, WKXK and WYAM-TV 51.
1) What led you to a career in radio?
Ever since I was a kid, I used to listen to Bubba The Love Sponge and "MJ and BJ" in the morning. However, listening to Matt "The Bratt" Bradley do the "Saturday Night Power Jam" is what made me really want to get into radio. I was 12 years old when one day I decided, "Hey self, I want to be on the radio when I grow up."
2) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
I try to take the station with me everywhere I go. I put promo materials in my car so I can give them out when I meet listeners. Most of the time I can be found placing Gorilla stickers EVERYWHERE in our town.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
Mix shows. I love getting behind the turntables and doing mix shows. Being able to bring the energy and excitement through my music selections and blends allows me to be very creative.
4) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Being on the air for seven hours a day is the hardest thing. It's tough coming up with content for four to five hours -- and I have to do seven.
5) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?
The coolest promotion has got to be our last major promotion we did at Gorilla. It was called "Gorilla Ballz" and we took 150 golf balls with numbers on them, which had been won by the listeners -- put them in a giant pumpkin and dropped the pumpkin filled with balls out of a helicopter. The ball that landed closest to the target won $5,000.
6) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
A night personality would be the position I would fill. That way I don't have to be on the air for seven hours. LOL.
7) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
My favorite station used to be 93.3 FLZ. I also used to like the old 102 Jamz in Orlando.
8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
YES. I love spending time with my family and I love traveling to new places. In the last month, I have been to Atlanta twice, Birmingham twice, Mobile and New Orleans. My other hobby is watching exotic pole dancing. It's very entertaining.
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It's not who you know, it's who knows you. Relationships have played the biggest role in my radio career.
10) What would you like to do to save radio from its "dying-industry" image?
Make a law that a station owner can't own more than two radio stations at a time. That way, more independently owned radio stations will take over, take chances, bring more competition, break new music and create more radio jobs.
I truly feel corporate radio is the reason radio is where it is and not where it was.
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
They must make a short drive to New Orleans. Bourbon Street is my favorite get-away. The French Quarter is full of rich history, and it's been named one of the most haunted cities in the world.
Also the music scene is unlike anywhere else. A style of music called "New Orleans Bounce" has really got my attention.
I'm always looking for an excuse to go there.
As a matter of fact, I think I will go there now since the subject has come up.
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