10 Questions with ... Jana Sutter

NAME:Jana Sutter POSITION:APD/MD/middays STATION:WXXL XL1067 MARKET:Orlando OWNER:Clear Channel

Please outline your radio career so far:

I started doing overnights at G105 before heading to mornings at WSSX. Next up for me was MD/middays at WNOK. In 2000 I helped start WNOU as MD/middays. Then Jeff Kapugi stole me away to KSLZ. After that I jumped into the record pool with a Nashville-based local position for Maverick Records before returning to radio at KMXV for MD/middays. Next, I put on my PD hat at WZNY/Augusta. From there I moved to WXXL and have been happily here since late 2004.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Awesome! When you first get in the biz you are so hungry for any little thing they'll let you do. I was splicing tape, setting up remotes, editing production, and picking up coffee as often as they would let me. When I got the call to do live overnights at G105, I happily gave up sleep.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

...Winning a radio contest led me to radio. 106.5 The End in Charlotte sent me to see MTV's Oasis unplugged in London. What a life changing event! Not only did I get to see another part of the world, but a spark for radio was fired up. Once I got back to the States (three weeks shy of college graduation), I knew I had to work in radio.

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

Orlando is such an amazing market. The world comes to Orlando. Between the theme parks, the beaches, and the overall Florida vibe, this is a city that is at its core ... FUN! And that is reflected in the radio.

4) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Who isn't? But I've learned that God, the Big Guy, or whatever you call Him/Her/It, never gives me more than I can handle. That is certainly true of this job. When new responsibilities are handed to me, I just take a deep breath and find a way to fit it in. Eventually, it is like I've been doing the work all along.

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

I absolutely LOVE the moment I hear a new song and know it's going to be a huge hit. It's the excitement of knowing that I've heard it before most of the world, and that I'll have a hand in exposing them to it. LOVE THAT!

6) Doing anything cool with your HD channels?

We use our HD channels as a testing ground for new talent. That way they can practice being on-air and we get to hear what they sound like without it going out over our primary station.

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

I grew up listening to WRVQ (Q94) in Richmond, VA and then after moving to Atlanta, Star 94 and 99X. While I won my first album from Q94 (The Fixx, "Reach the Beach"!) it was 99X that opened my eyes to my love of Alternative music.

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

Easy ... the '80s! My first concert was Madonn's "Virgin" tour, with the Beastie Boys as the opening act. What a way to start! After that, let the obsession begin ... Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Janet, U2, Bon Jovi, Culture Club, Wham, Depeche Mode ... I could go on and on! What a decade for music.

9) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

I actually have a lot of classical music in my iPod. As strange as that may seem, when I need to unplug to from Top 40, nothing works quite as well. I also listen to it when I fly. It has a calming effect on me.

10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Negative breeds negative. If you're going to worry about each shift in the business, you're just going to bring more worry down on yourself. Each day I remind myself that I have one of the coolest jobs on the planet, with one of the best teams ever assembled. And when you have that, how can it be a bad thing?

For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?

In Orlando, it's hard to pick just one ... but I would say Epcot at Disney World. Not only can you enjoy "Beers around the world," (stopping for a beverage in each of the 13 countries in the World Showcase) but they have the BEST nightly fireworks. It is hands-down the best Disney experience for an adult. :)