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10 Questions with ... Joe Alan
April 4, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started (while still in high school) working weekend shifts for "Cat Country," WICO/WXJN in the Salisbury/Ocean City, MD market (2000-2006). After a couple years of board-opping and handling weekend/fill-in, I was presented with the opportunity to do nights full-time. A few years later I accepted an afternoon-drive position at "Eagle 97.7" WAFL in Dover, DE. I talked fast and shouted over song intros. I thought I was cool ... I wasn't. After three years at Eagle, I moved on to the night show at 93-7 WSTW in Wilmington, DE, then afternoon drive, and now mornings.
1) What led you to a career in radio?
I grew up in a radio home. My dad did music research and had an air shift in Baltimore at 92 STAR (now 92Q) when I was in elementary school. I'll never forget the first time I got to visit those studios on the 17th floor of what seemed like (to me, anyway) the world's biggest building. I remember the red lights on the board, the stacks of carts and Denon CD cases and the view from that height ... I was hooked.
My father later built a "studio" in my bedroom. I used my Radio Shack mixer, microphone and two cassette decks to put on "amazing" shows every single day. I even had a Ramsay brand transmitter that allowed me to broadcast to the neighbor's house. I guess I'm lucky that they didn't work for the FCC. I still have some of those "shows" on cassette somewhere ... conveniently misplaced.
2) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
I'm fortunate to work for a station that never voicetracks. We are live all dayparts Monday through Sunday (with the exception of two countdown shows on the weekend). Pretty unheard of in 2017. Our signal is huge and covers most of Delaware, Maryland, parts of Jersey and blasts into Philly.
3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
I think it's safe to say that most folks working in radio are wearing more hats nowadays. I can't complain ... I love handling the station imaging. Experimenting with new VSTS and learning new editing tricks is one of my favorite pastimes. I'm fortunate to have a studio at home where (much to my wife's dismay) I spend hours "playing" with audio. I still get excited when I hear something I produced on the radio. And I was only kidding about my wife ... she enjoys the few moments I'm not bothering her.
4) What are your favorite show prep sources?
I think the best show prep comes from real life. No other show on the air is going to have your exact story. As far as pop culture/ topical news, I like SheetHappens, Pulse, TMZ and Twitter.
5) What is your favorite part of the job?
Talking to listeners is definitely one of my favorite parts of the job. It's amazing how personal this business is. The fact that folks are willing to take the time to pick up the phone and share a story or react to something I've said still amazes me.
Oh, and taking selfies in the studio.
6) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Waking up at 3a. How do people do it? I've been managing to do it for a little more than a year now ... It's never gotten easier. Once I'm up, I'm good, but that first 10 minutes is rough. I have two younger kids, so I'm fortunate that I can share their 8p bedtime. Either way, sleeping in on the weekends has become my favorite thing.
7) What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?
My iPhone is loaded with everything. Everything! In shuffle mode, I could go from Eminem to REO Speedwagon to Kenny Chesney to Ben Folds to Chainsmokers ... I love all kinds of music.
8) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I once saved a child from being mauled by a gorilla at the zoo. While onlookers gathered, I sprang into action and quickly climbed and jumped over the 12foot iron gate and made my way to the gorilla. I was nervous as hell, but adrenaline pumping, I managed to chokeslam the gorilla and save the day ... and the young boy's life.
I also spent two years of my life driving a truck for Sears.
**Only one of the above statements is true.
9) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Chunky, aka Big Boy, is one of my favorites in the business. I've listened to him in Detroit, New York, San Diego, Philly, Portland and (now) Detroit again. He's down to earth, hilarious and always on top of his game. Plus he's willing to provide feedback and help to those who ask for it ... just a genuine guy.
I'm also a fan of Spencer Graves in St. Louis, JJ Kincaid in Denver, Shark in Savannah, Buster Satterfield in Indianapolis and many other folks who I stream constantly. I'm always inspired by good talent.
10) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Ruben Studdard. Is he still sorry? Is he over it? Breaded wings? Bleu Cheese or Ranch? So many questions.
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see?"
According to "The Simpsons," we have a screen door factory. But I'd probably suggest heading to Frawley Stadium and checking out a "Blue Rocks" game.
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