10 Questions with ... Joey Hoops

NAME:Joey Hoops POSITION:Nights STATION:WNCI MARKET:Columbus, OH COMPANY:Clear Channel

Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)

Nights: WZOK
Nights: KKSR
Nights: WZEE
Nights: WNCI

1) What led you to a career in radio?

In my hometown of Rockford, IL, WZOK was offering an internship for college students. I was only 14 but proved myself to them and ended up interning until I was 18. It was wild being a senior in High School while doing nights on my hometown station.

2) What would you like to be doing 10 years from now?

Mornings in Chicago.

3) What is the nightlife like in Columbus, both on the phones and in the streets?

On the phones, everybody is looking for that night's hot spot. On the streets, each club has their "big" night and I get the privilege of being at each one. I am out six nights a week.

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

Dave Ryan at KDWB, who actually sounds a lot like our Dave Kaelin. I grew up listening to Dave Ryan and I'm continually motivated listening to the way he creates new bits for his show.

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

Far and away, it was KDWB. As a kid, I looked forward every day to hearing Tone E and Scotty Davis.

6) What type of effort goes into plotting out your on air shift?

I search news sites for stories, around which to create bits. Since women are the majority of my target audience, I quiz my female friends or check out magazines like Cosmo and Glamour, so I'm sure to cover topics they all care about.

7) What do you do to keep ahead of your listeners in terms of trends, likes and dislikes?

Being in the clubs constantly is helpful, but you'd be amazed at how much you can pick up on by actually listening to people when they call the studio.

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

Never, and I mean never get caught up in any kind of behind the scenes radio drama.

9) What is the best promotion you've ever been part of?

Red White & Boom - right here in Columbus. Close to a million people in front of you, while being live on the air. The staff here really knows how to do things right. Everyone is responsible for one thing ... and it's always executed flawlessly.

10) Looking around your office, desk, walls, etc. ... how would you describe your working space?

Lots of empty fast food bags and pop cans. Autographed artist pictures everywhere, a foosball and pool table, leather chairs for guests, etc. My work space is cooler than my home :

Which act would you love to meet and why?

Dave Matthews Band. My favorite group ever! Hands down!