10 Questions with ... Thomas Nayler

NAME:Thomas"Jammer" Naylor POSITION:Program Director STATION:WABB MARKET:Mobile/Pensacola/Biloxi COMPANY:Bernie Dittman

Please outline your radio career so far:

WIOQ/Philadelphia; On-air
WWKX/Providence; Afternoon/MD
WEDJ/Charlotte; Afternoons/MD
KHOM/New Orleans; Afternoons/MD
KWWV/San Luis Obispo; PD
KYLZ/KMMG/KKSS/Albuquerque; PD
KWID/Las Vegas; PD
WABB/Mobile; PD

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

I began as intern at Eagle 106 and Q102 in Philadelphia. Working my way through the ranks at such a crazy place was very cool. Being one of the first employees Q hired, and watching an amazing station unfold was pricele$$!!

2. It's our 10th anniversary this year. What were you doing 10 years ago?

10 years ago I was working for Brian Bridgman in Charlotte at 95.1 The Edge, WEDJ (now WNKS Kiss 95.1) as MD/Afternoons. What a great experience!

3. What would you like to be doing 10 years from now?

10 years from now, I would like to be a major part of a company who values their employees and sets the industry standards.

4. You've worked in markets all across this country. Any similarities between those radio markets and Mobile?

Let's talk about the last two stations I've programmed before Mobile:

Las Vegas - Besides bright lights and casinos everywhere, when you go to the places where people actually live, many things are the same. Play hits, have fun and keep your station top of mind. One thing about Vegas NOT similar to many other markets was the three-way HIP HOP battle with no Mainstream Top 40 station.

Albuquerque - Like Mobile, many of the people are into family, kids and parents, and trying to live paycheck-to-paycheck. Because of this, many of the cash contests we ran in those markets were bigger than life. I've had the same programming philosophy for some time now with a few minor adjustments.

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

I love Alley Faith, who does mornings at WXSS/Milwaukee, because she is the Top Dog. I hired her at KKSS, and throughout my career, have never seen an audience react to a jock like they did to her. You would think a Hollywood superstar was in town, it was sick! Her voice and personality are very unique. If we were at a restaurant and she'd start talking (loud - as always), no lie, people would turn around and say "(GASP) you're Alley from the radio! I listen every day! I love you," and I'd end up eating alone, while they'd talk with her for the next half hour.

Doughboy, formerly my night guy in Albuquerque. He knows how to make people not only talk, but scream. He's out of his mind, belligerent, and psycho ...God I miss that!!

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

Hands down there were two: 98 WCAU-FM and POWER 99FM in Philadelphia. I'm not sure if they we're just amazing or I was just a geek. Nah ...they really were amazing, and WOW, they kicked ass!!

7. Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

Other than just hangin' out, I go to the gym every night (if not, I feel like a loser), and I like to go bowling (Eddie Gomez at KWNZ still can't beat me!)

8. What music do you listen to when you're not working?

I might be the only PD on earth who really doesn't have any CD's at home or in the car. I am a radio listener and use my radio like a typewriter jumping from one station to another. Besides my own, two other favorite stations are WYCL (My 107.3)/Pensacola and WKSJ/Mobile (Shelby is the BOMB).

9. What effect if any, has industry consolidation had on your current situation?

Have you worked for Bernie Dittman? No, really! It's been a great two years. Bernie will out-spend and out-last ANY competitor. Whatever it takes! The proof is in the ratings.

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

With one phrase: Category 5 hurricane winds. I swear I can't file to save my life!

1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

When I was 9 or 10, it would have been so cool to be a Greyhound bus driver. I don't know why, but I thought, WOW ... if I could drive a bus all the girls would love me.