10 Questions with ... Chase Daniels

NAME:Chase Daniels TITLE:Asst. Program Director/Afternoon Drive STATION:WAPE 95.1 MARKET:Jacksonville OWNER:Cox Radio

Please outline your radio career so far:

WMXQ/Jacksonville (2001-2004) and WAPE/Jacksonville (2004-current).

1 What led you to a career in radio?

I honestly feel radio is in your blood. Ask Joel Denver -- I made an mp3 when I was 15, and he critiqued me! I don't get people who walk in and want to be on the radio at 35. I've wanted to do this since I was 10 years old, doing breaks and making sweepers in my bedroom. Everyone I know in this business has wanted to do this since they can remember as well. It's just in you.

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

Billy Joel. My family is in love with him. I honestly didn't have a choice but to like him as well. He's amazing; I'd say half my iPod is Billy Joel. (The other half is airchecks of other jocks!)

3 What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I'm non-stop. I could be in the middle of watching "American Idol" and be thinking about something I should have done different that day, or how to improve my show. I'm always critiquing myself.

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

Kid Kelly. The man is flawless. I have four video airchecks of him. (Obsessed much?) I learned so much from that man -- edit edit edit and IN AND OUT!

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

Z100. Man, the talent pool that came out of there when I was a kid -- Elvis Duran, Kid Kelly, Elliot Siegel and Chio, just to name a few! The station then and now is untouchable. When you go to New York City and you want to hear good-sounding radio, pop Z100 on. It owns the city.

6 Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

I have an HDTV, two TiVos, a wireless keyboard and mouse, three hard drives, and I've pre-ordered Windows Vista. I'm huge tech junkie. I've got to have the latest thing.

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

Pay attention, because it will pay off. I found out how to be a good jock from Mark Bell. He was APD of WMXQ at the time, and he hired me and took me under his wing. I asked him every question under the sun, and he never rolled his eyes. He'd just answer them and give me respect even at a young age. I found out how to manage from Cat Thomas. I sat (and still sit) on Cat's couch and listened as he talked on the phone, did Selector and talked business with sales since I was 17. Cat was always great with letting me be a fly on the wall. It paid off. My dream came true when he asked me to be his assistant.

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

Network -- become friendly with anyone you come across, collect screen names, MySpace pages and business cards. There's nothing wrong with sharing phone topics and helping each other out if you're on the beach. Networking will get you a long way.

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

There are some great-sounding jocks out there. When we were looking for a new night guy, there was some tough competition. Not all were polished, and only a few stood out, but many of them, if given coaching, could be outstanding!

10 How would you describe your first radio gig?

WMXQ "102-9 The Point --The Best Of The 80's and More" signed on just a few months before I was hired. I saw how to sign on a great radio station and see what was done to make it grow. I did everything there -- overnights, mornings, middays and afternoons. I even made a few sweepers. Plus, because I was born in the '80s and I was playing '80s music, I learned how to sell the music, even though I didn't really know it very well.

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

Z100 ... Where Z Stands For Zero Commercials ... Zip ... Z100!