10 Questions with ... JoJo Wright

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started as an intern in my hometown of Houston at KBUK, and got my first on-air break when the overnight DJ was arrested before his midnight time slot! I moved on to stations in Anaheim, Charlotte, Dallas, Salt Lake City and San Francisco before joining KIIS.

1) Where did the idea come from for your "Make It Wright" initiative?

I wanted to do something this summer that made a positive impact, something I could feel good about. There are so many worthy causes it was a bit overwhelming to just pick one, so I didn't. I started thinking how cool it would be to help multiple organizations and encourage others to do the same.

2) What's been the most unusual "Make It Wright" activity so far?

Well, the campaign just started, but the most unusual activity is going to be skydiving as a part of "LeapforLife.org." I will actually jump out of a plane to support Lance Armstrong's "LiveSTRONG" Foundation; and collect donations for the cause from people who want to see me do it. I've never gone skydiving before, so I'm a little apprehensive, but I think it's going to be a blast ... if I don't have a heart attack first. Okay, to be honest I'm literally terrified about it!

3) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Nerves! The guy who was doing the overnight show at the station where I worked was arrested for writing bad checks, so it was sort of a "here you go kid, don't screw it up." I looked at the station manager like "who, me?" I was definitely nervous, but I tried not to let it come through over the air.

4) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Definitely. I've been branching out in the past couple of years, including a little bit of acting. I've got a few TV shows under my belt now as well, like being a celeb judge for NBC's reality show "Fame," co-hosting Fox's "Teen Choice Awards Pre-Show with Jillian Barberie," and I have hosted or interviewed for red carpet shows for all three of the "Twilight" films. It's fun for me to get out of the radio studio once in a while and try something different.

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

Using my imagination, coming up with outrageous ideas and bringing them to life for the radio audience. Not to mention talking to every star you can imagine. It's just a crazy job.

6) What's the coolest promotion you've EVER been involved with?

I got to host Michael Jackson's birthday party and charity event at Neverland Ranch once, and when I called up Michael to get his birthday cake he smashed it in my face. I actually showered at Neverland Ranch! I don't think I'm ever going to be able to top that.

7) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

At its core, my job is about connecting with people -- through radio and otherwise. For me, I was originally very shy, but radio broke me out of that shell. Now I'm probably more comfortable on the air than I am off.

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

People always want to see the real you. When you're on the radio, you have to make sure you let some of yourself come through. People know it when a host isn't interested in their calls, or the music that he's playing. Real enthusiasm for the work is detectable over the air ... and if you can't get excited about going on air every day then the audience isn't going to respond.

9) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

To be honest my "dream" guest was Michael Jackson. I truly believe I would have interviewed him at some point if he were still alive. However, I feel lucky to have met him for those few moments. Can't wait to speak with Janet Jackson again. I have so much to ask her that I chose not to talk about in previous interviews with her.

10) What would you like to do to save radio from its "dying-industry" image?

Radio needs its talent to think similar to the way TV talent thinks. In other words, think outside of the box, think creative, think big, think global. People connect and become emotionally involved with interesting characters. Radio needs its celebs to create the same intrigue. Although we don't have writers creating scripts for us, we need to do it ourselves.

What ringtone do you have on your cell?

I have Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" as my ringback tone. I'm a HUGE Michael Jackson fan. You might call me obsessed!