10 Questions with ... JJ Kincaid

NAME:JJ Kincaid TITLE:Afternoons STATION:WHTZ MARKET:New York OWNER:Clear Channel

Please outline your radio career so far:

WMAL Washington D.C. -Board Op May '96
WYCR York, PA - Weekends/Overnights/Afternoons June '96 - July 1998
KDWB Minneapolis, MN - Overnights - July '98- October 2000
WZEE Madison - MD/Afternoons October - November '98
KDWB(again) - Late Nights December '98 - May '02
WKST Pittsburgh - MD/Afternoons May '02 - October '02
WNVZ Norfolk - Mornings October '02 - February '04
KHKS Dallas - Afternoons March '04 - September '06
WHTZ New York - Afternoons September '06 - Present

1) The vast majority of people working on-air in radio can only dream of doing afternoon drive at Z100. What's it like? Is it "all that?' Is it what you thought it would be?

It's just how you think it's gonna be ... amazing. It's a giant family, and after my first top of the hour on my first day, the entire staff came in with a huge welcome to Z100 cake. They do that so you'll never forget your first break on Z100! Tom and Sharon are amazing to work for. It's been everything I could ever hope for and more!

Artists just seem to magically appear here. Avril or T-Pain could pop in, or we could world premier a new single complete with the artist introducing it. Other jocks on the station contribute to breaking entertainment news and random thoughts to each other's shows and Z Zone blogs.

2) Many mainstream Top 40s around the country are suffering through ratings doldrums, languishing in 7th or 10th (or worse) place 12+. This hasn't been a problem for Z100, or for your last station, Kiss in Dallas. Give us an insider's view of the key ingredients that make these stations successful.

Patrick Davis at KHKS is a supremely talented PD. One of the many things he instilled in us there was to never be predictable. At Kiss in Dallas and here at Z100, you never know what's gonna happen next.

3) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Classic... an old building in the middle of a cornfield in Hanover, PA. It looked like something out of an old Tom Petty video. R.I.P., 98YCR.

4) What led you to a career in radio?

My father. He's been in the business for 40 years. Some kids went to camp, I went to work with my dad and recorded "shows" for my friends in the prod room at age five. If you worked at WMJX in 1982 and couldn't find a cassette tape, I'm sorry!

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

CROWDED! And all the pirates selling herbal supplements don't help!

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

I listen to a lot of Euro stuff on Shoutcast at home. I've had "Let Me Out" by Dover on repeat for three days now!

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

Effing amazing! First of all, Elvis and the Zoo is just the most entertaining, compelling and down-to-earth morning show I've ever had the pleasure of working with and listening to. Shelley Wade energizes the midday show and thanks to her vast knowledge of "American Idol" last season, I didn't have to watch.

Some incompetent jackass who lucked into the afternoon gig follows her. Romeo swaps casino gaming tips with me and brings in the night time with Niko. Joe Rosati does the kind of exciting late-night show you make the cabbie punch up before you hit the club or pass out.

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

It's a tie. First, Scott Tyler, who transitioned from jock to engineer for Clear Channel Milwaukee. I've always liked his on-air style and passion for the format; and second, Mike Klein at WKZL in Greensboro, who helped me get my first and second gig, and the way he relates to the females everyday on the air.

9) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

This is where most people say they fly a plane or obsess over the Weather Channel. I like to drink coffee at the mall and people-watch, but not in a creepy way.

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

If you ever take a morning gig, ask a ton of questions and be weary of false expectations and promises. If it's an existing show you're about to lead and you hear the sidekick, use words like "Yippy Skippy" when giving away pizzas at seven in the morning, turn around and get your old job back!

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

WAVA in DC back in the day with Don and Mike, George McFly and all of those insane over-the-top promotions!