10 Questions with ... Jeff Brown

NAME:Jeff Brown TITLE:PD/Afternoons STATION:WZAT (Z102) MARKET:Savannah, GA OWNER:Cumulus

Please outline your radio career so far:

WHVR-A/Hanover, PA 1986-1987
WYC/York, PA 1987-2000 nights and overnights
WAZO/Wilmington, NC 2000-2004 Mornings/MD
WFNR/Blacksburg, VA 2005 PD
WZAT/Savannah, GA Oct 2005-Present PD/afternoons

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

It was real radio, on antique equipment. No voice tracking, no computers, color-coded 45 records, the transmitter was literally 15 feet away from the studio. I had a great PD who took it upon himself to really help me and teach me. I loved every minute of it.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

Ever since I was about 10 years old I listened to the radio and imitated the DJs. Guys like Gary Spears, Chris Jagger, Joe Columbo, Chris Connors and Downtown Vinnie Brown. I used to hang out at radio stations, ask lots of questions and soak it all in like a sponge. I slept with headphones on. Needless to say I won many radio station contests.

3) What is your favorite part of the job?

Which job? Nowadays we wear so many hats. On the air I enjoy making people laugh or at least smile with a great break they will remember. It's also very rewarding to put together a great promotion or event that touches people in a positive way. Radio can change people's lives. Maybe not with a pair of front row concert tickets, but with a dream home, cosmetic surgery, even a trip to a place or country the listener could never see on their own. Don't underestimate the power of a Justin Timberlake meet and greet either. That two minutes could be the biggest thing that ever happens to that person in their whole life.

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

Heavy D and The Boyz.

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

I shared a very "special" private moment with Tiffany in 1987 ... yes, that Tiffany.

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

Bob & Sheri in the morning, followed by Marguerite, a market veteran, in middays. She has one of the best deliveries I've ever heard. I do afternoons, and at night it's Damien. This guy reminds me a lot of myself when I did nights. Very energetic and always doing crazy phoners. He brings a lot of great ideas to the table and is good at turning MySpace users into listeners.

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

Q107 in Washington, DC and "the hot rockin', hit crankin', flame-throwin'" Z104 in Frederick, MD.

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

I'd like to think I've done some great radio and made an impact in every market I've worked. Until Cumulus, I've never worked for a company with lots of money and unlimited resources. It's forced me to be creative and different, which ultimately transferred into great ratings.

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

Be passionate about everything you do. Every break counts. With all the technology today it's easy to relax and get lazy. Strive to be different and stand out from the rest. Don't' be selfish. Come early and stay late. Go the extra mile, you'll be glad you did.

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

Sad, and I honestly don't know how we fix it. There is no place for them to train. Nobody has overnight jocks anymore. In fact, rarely do you hear a live jock on weekends in most markets. PDs are going to have to take a risk like we did in the old days and give someone who has no experience a chance. Work closely with them and mold them into great jocks. We can hear a hit with one listen, why can't we hear a jock with one listen too?

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

It wasn't the best, but one I'll never forget. "W???, where you can double the music you hear by folding your head in half."