10 Questions with ... Jammer

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

It all began when my father took me up to City Line Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, PA to pick up a prize I won from Eagle 106. He asked if they had intern positions open…boom they did. The person responsible for all this is Sahari McCormick who hired me to answer phones and I still keep in touch with her all these years. From there it was:

On-Air:
WIOQ (Q102)/Philadelphia
WWKX/Providence
WXKS/Boston (Weekends)
WEDJ & WNKS/Charlotte, NC
KHOM/New Orleans

Programming:
KWWV/San Luis Obispo, CA
KYLZ & KKSS/Albuquerque, NM
KWID/Las Vegas, NV
WABB/Mobile, AL
WZOK/Rockford, IL
WEZB/New Orleans, LA

Regional Vice President of Programming / Top40
WEZB/New Orleans, WNVZ/Norfolk, WRVQ/Richmond, WKRZ/Wilkes-Barre/Scraton

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

How do you describe Q102 (WIOQ)/Philly’s early days? The craziest, most passionate culture of characters, inside of an office building, throbbing with creativity, exploding with energy… Ok, so like working inside the core of a nuclear reactor… then add people!!

2. What led you to a career in radio?

That’s an easy one… Growing up in South Philly listening to and being inspired by 98 WCAU-FM, Power 99fm and 97.5 WPST. They were powerful brands run by some of the smartest people in the business back then. I think anyone who was within the listening area in our business would 100% agree, these three stations were more than a radio station, they were a FORCE. Scott Walker, Jeff Wyatt and Tom Cunningham/Dave Hoeffel THANK YOU!!

3. You have a lot of equity in both the station and the market. What makes New Orleans a special place to do radio?

There is an incredible vibe about this city and this station. There is an audible hum or buzz this city gives off. It’s easy to tap into, the people who live here do things their own way and make no apologies about it. The audible hum spills over onto B97. My favorite thing is to sit back, listen and soak it in. It’s powerful, vibrant, electric and we try to reflect that.

4. Last July you were named one of the company’s five Regional VP/Programming. What additional duties are now part of your work day?

Luckily, I was blessed to be a part of a GREAT team. The top 40 programming department brain trust kicks ass!! In my region I have one of the best Regional Brand Managers--Michael O'Donnell (O.D.). We work together like hand and glove. I program WEZB/New Orleans and WNVZ/Norfolk- Virginia Beach day to day. I set it up where O.D. programs WKRZ Wilkes-Barre / Scranton and WRVQ Richmond day to day. He assists me with B97 and Z104 where needed and I assist him with 98.5 KRZ and Q94 where needed. From the beginning, O.D. and I have set the table for what is needed and expected for each brand. It’s Zoom-fest every day. Each aspect of these brands from morning shows, talent, promotion, digital and music are met with on a weekly or daily basis. We talk with Natalia, Nick and Shaggy at Z104 / T-Pot and Speedy at B97 / Binky & Jay Jay at Q94. O.D. creates the magic with Rocky & Lissa, Jeff & Amanda and Fishboy at 98.5 KRZ. Everyone has been fantastic and it’s great to feel the energy of the staff.

5. You’ve always been known to be able to find the hits. Given the immediacy of the world that we live in, is it easier or harder in 2022?

In 2022 there is A LOT of music flying our way each week. I am musically conservative, but will jump all over a song that makes sense for the brand. We look at all the information a few times a week, and we ask questions daily. It’s generally a little easier with the amount of information at your fingertips in 2022.

6. Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

Here’s one example… At WNVZ/Norfolk they have had many great local events and promotions, one being “STUFF THE BUS.” It’s the major local event where SHAGGY from the Z104 Morning Show lives and breathes the parking lots of local Wal-Marts and School Buses for a week straight. I had the pleasure to be a part of it this past year and saw the amazing passion SHAGGY and the entire staff have for this event. There is nothing like the emotion and it is truly one of LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL events that brings Z104 together with the community each year. WEZB, WRVQ and WKRZ always have and always will look for new ways to have the heartbeat and needs of the local market reflected on air.

7. Who was your all-time favorite on air guest/interviewee?

Wow, been so many. But, one that sticks out is Nicki Minaj, who walked out of the B97 studio and building after the first question from my Afternoon Show. (Oooooops we didn’t know we couldn’t ask that question)....She came back after a few minutes to meet the listeners in our conference room who won a meet and greet access thank god.

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

“Always play the hits and have fun.” I mean nothing really sums it up better than that. Hits mean everything. Fun is fun!

9. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Couldn't have done it without: Mark Driscoll and Elvis Duran were and still are the creative geniuses that have shaped me all along. You don’t get THAT kind of schooling in college!! Mike Donovan, Bill Thorman, Kathy Signorelli, Bernie Dittman, Jan Jeffries, Pat Paxton, Brian Kelly all have or have had a great influence on my programming philosophies. I feel I have absorbed many life lessons from them along the way and used that knowledge to make me a better programmer and more importantly a better person! I also look forward to learning as much as possible from Jeff Sottolano as we move forward with more exciting times at Audacy!

10. With the Superdome at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a B Bash?

I LOVE THIS IDEA… Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, The Weeknd, Lil Nas X, Justin Bieber!! (Hey Michael Martin and Erik Bradley let’s do it)