10 Questions with ... Jason Goodman

NAME:Jason Goodman POSITION:PD STATION:WKZL MARKET:Greensboro-Winston-Salem, NC OWNER:Dick Broadcasting

Please outline your radio career so far:

WNVZ/Virginia Beach, WRVQ/Richmond, WXLK/Roanoke, WPTE/Virginia Beach, WKZL/Greensboro.

1) What is your favorite part of the job?

Developing and executing strategic plans that win in regards to ratings and revenue. It's so rewarding when efforts pay off when we carefully plan out our next move and it's a success. I also still love being on the air!

2) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

I love almost all types of music. It's a little embarrassing, but you could find Linkin Park all the way to Air Supply! Barry Manilow to 50 Cent ... The Everly Brothers to AC/ DC. I am open to anything and everything.

3) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?

In the morning, we have our #1-ranked Murphy In The Morning Show, consisting of Jack Murphy, Katie, Josh and our newest member, Jared! Jack is one of the most passionate people in the business and has extraordinary content. Josie has moved to the middays as our new APD and is doing a great job. I can't believe how fast she picked up everything. She is going to be a superstar PD someday. I'm in the afternoon, and our night-time freak, Tripper, is also our imager. Everyone is doing great, as they have taken the station to new heights. We are currently #1 18-49 persons, #2 18-34 persons and #3 25-54 persons overall! #1 in almost every female demo, too!

4) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff, and why do you like them?

Paul McCoy in Virginia Beach is awesome. He is very witty, funny and still has an entertaining show while juggling many titles. All at once, I remember him kind of being the APD, MD, the Production Director, and imager -- all while doing an entertaining live airshift!

5) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

I used to listen to WPRO in Providence. Back then I was recording the songs off the radio onto a cassette! As a kid I used to get so excited for the Top 9 at 9 and would constantly be calling in my votes.

6) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

In the last few years, we have had two Hot ACs flip formats, a Top 40 Rhythmic flip, and an Oldies format flip. We also have a new Urban AC that was moved into the market within the last year. The market has been crazy. We have been super-focused, and we've made the correct strategic moves to stay on top through everything.

7) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?

I remember in the late '80s there was such passion for Rock concerts. People would stand in line outside for days to buy tickets to see Bon Jovi or Def Leppard. It was insane. Not to mention girls begging and dying to meet the band or to get in the front row. There seemed to be extreme passion for these bands as they were now being exposed visually through MTV.

8) What advice would you give people new to the business?

Do more than your job description! Show that you are valuable by doing above and beyond of what is expected. With positions being cut and reduced, we need to be like utility people, able to do a variety of things. Today, management is looking for someone who can wear many hats.

9) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool"?

I think it's getting smaller, but it still has potential. There are fewer opportunities in the radio industry because of voicetracking and budget cuts. However, three of our morning show members were never on the radio in the past. We have an excellent internship program and, with the help and guidance of Jack Murphy, have developed major-market talent.

10) What's the best sweeper/liner you've ever heard?

(Jingle/sing) "Z104cast ..."
(Jock) "IT SUCKS!"
(Jingle/sing) "Today's best music ... Z104."

This is after about a week of rain that the entire market was so frustrated with. The jock was Mike Klein.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Rich! That has not worked out yet, but I least I'm in a job that I love coming to every day!