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10 Questions with ... DJ Tischner
July 30, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I'm DJ Tischner, 27 years old out of St. George, Utah. I'm born and raised in the market that I work in. I've worked for two radio companies over the past five years. I've done weekends on AC, live afternoons on Country, live mornings on Active Rock live nights on Top 40, afternoons on Top 40 and live mornings on Country! I've met incredible stars, been to incredible concerts and festivals, and survived the shooting of Route 91 while covering the event in Vegas.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
I would describe my first radio gig as a learning experience. I was doing everything at the station -- running errands, board op'ing, setting up remotes, doing a weekend show ... all of it. I learned a lot. I saw the good sides and bad sides of the people behind the microphones, and it taught me to be real with myself, and be especially real and nice to the people who invite you into their home every day or in my case at the time, every weekend.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I believe I was meant to be in radio. Not in the way most people say it, but in this way: I was doing hair before radio. Professionally. I didn't want to do hair. I don't know why I was doing hair. But there I was ... graduated cosmetology school as a professional hair stylist. A woman who ran the school I went to, got fired and got a job at the radio station. She called me one day and asked me to work for her making $7 an hour doing anything! I jumped at the opportunity. Without doing hair I would've never met her. And would've never been asked to work for a radio station!
3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
I wear a million hats now; before that I would do a lot, but very minimal things. Then I was doing live shows and wondering how imaging worked or production. Fast-forward five years, I've been a Production Director, MD, APD, live shows at all hours of the day. I rebranded the (Country) station by myself. New logo. New colors. Designed the Truck Wrap. I write and produce all imaging as well. I'm very busy.
4) How important is social media to the success of your show? The station?
Social media is just as important as your show. Maybe even more important. It's endless marketing. I mean, who doesn't have a Facebook page? Everyone is on Facebook. When I got on, we had 1,600 followers who wouldn't comment worth anything. Now, two-and-a-half years later, we have 7,600 strong and our stuff blows up! We have such a powerful social media. I'll run into people in different cities and states who will recognize me and talk about my show! Not from the actual show, but from our social media with crazy amounts of reach.
5) "Local, local, local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
Local is key. For our station, we're always talking local headlines in a creative way. Not delivering it like news, but actually talking about it, having real conversations and opening the phone lines. Example: a high school in our market, who are the "REDMEN," have had to change their name after 80+ years because it was "racially insensitive." It's been a huge deal. We've talked about it many times and for some reason nobody else is talking about it? We're in every parade that there is. We raise food for the Utah Food Bank every year at local grocery stores, gathering thousands of pounds of food! We started the Lighting of the Christmas lights in our city. It's our event where we have singing and fun and Santa, and then turn the Christmas lights to the entire city on.
6) What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with?
We threw a wedding at a Wendy's once. It was great. Rings were donated. Dress and tuxes donated. Photography donated. It was actually beautiful, and hilarious. I'll never forget it. Hopefully someday: The Wendy's Divorce!
7) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
I think a dream guest for my show would be: Matthew McConaughey! I don't wanna talk about music or have him plug his latest movie. I want to talk about real questions. What's the best part of his life, the worst, secrets behind the scenes of his movies? Real talking. Just two people.
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Favorite jock?
As a kid, I really didn't listen much to the radio. But I knew Howard Stern was a guy on the radio that my parents wouldn't let me hear. And I thought Delilah was local, and it was so cool that so many people would call and talk to her. She felt so famous to me that people would call her! I actually used to call B921 during the request show a lot and ask to be on-air over the phone. They'd always say no. Well, now I am, suckas!
9) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
My mentors ... that's tough. I had a guy named Jake Weber (he went by Chase Landon on-air) he was so hard on me and strict and almost rude. But he gave me a shot. He always believed in me. I wouldn't be in radio without him giving me huge opportunities. I loved Bobby Bones after reading his book, and I think Conan O'Brien and Dave Letterman are next world. Great ideas. So quick-witted. Funny and very sarcastic. When I feel uncreative I watch their old stunts.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
The truth that has remained constant: treat people well, especially your listeners. You may forget them, but they don't forget that time you made them feel special. Take the time to appreciate them. Don't receive all their praise. Give praise to them. And always remember they let you into their home, their cars, and their lives every day ... and that's damn special. If you want a million fans, shake a million hands.
Bonus Questions
You live in one of the most beautiful places in the country. What would you make sure that a first-time visitor saw before they left?
I would make sure a first-time visitor got to see our beautiful national parks that are right down the highway. Also: our city has killer red cliffs surrounding it. Take in the natural landscapes; you won't get them anywhere else.
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