10 Questions with ... Jeremy Rice

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started as an intern in 1985 at WPXY/Rochester. Tom Mitchell had me running Rick Dees, Casey Kasem on the weekends and calling record stores during the week. I recall the Peter Gabriel "So" album being a top seller. I spent eight years at 'PXY and about five years at WDKX/Rochester, then on to WWHT/Syracuse and, of course, WBLI/Long Island.

1) What led you to a career in radio?

Listening to Casey Kasem and Rick Dees EVERY weekend, making my own personal charts, and calling the radio stations as a young kid ... a total radio geek!

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

Long Island is one heck of a radio market. I always remind folks that Long Island has the same population as San Diego and Minneapolis. Long Island is 120 miles long. We battle city stations, of course, Long Island stations ... and Connecticut booms in here, too. Among all these signals, BLI is the #1 cume station in the market, ahead of WALK and Z100 according to the Fall PPM.

3) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?

Cox Media Group is a great company - the people on Long Island here at 'BLI and (sister Rock) WBAB are awesome. When you walk into our building, you can feel the energy in the hallways. There must be something in the water here on Long Island ... there is so much talent here!

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

I love growing talent and helping people be successful. Tim Clarke and Fisher started at 'BLI as interns. Now they are both PDs for Cox Media Group. Our midday star, Chloe, just went to sunny Jacksonville to join Tim. Wendy Wild and Erica Hayden started at 'BLI and are now on air at 'KTU and Z100. I also love music and research projects and having killer Arbitron ratings!

5) What is the most challenging part of the job?

People think that my travel schedule is insane, but I actually like it. I have strict systems and take total advantage of it; I find that I'm most creative writing on an airplane or the train ... only people on cell phones drive me nuts! LOL.

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

I stream KROQ in L.A. a lot; there are so many cool West Coast Alternative records from the '80s and '90s that I look up and then download. New Order, Depeche Mode and Coldplay have the most titles on my personal iPod, then Miles Davis, The Beatles and Keane - but the fact is that I spend MUCH more time listening to radio station streams on my iPhone. Radio is much more exciting than any iPod. I also love love Sports Talk.

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

I have watched every episode of Nikita, Dexter, Mad Men and Hawaii 5-0 this past year.

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

BLI In The Morning, Dana and Jeffrey - Dana is a strong lead host, the hardest-working morning host I know. Jeffrey Jameson is new to the show; we found him in the city (NYC); he is a talented and funny actor (30 Rock, Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty). The morning show is also growing as we speak! Astra is our midday jock; she just moved her up from nights ... she is awesome. Al Levine on the Scene has been with 'BLI since the Lincoln Administration; he has the respect of the entire staff ... a total pro - and nights are open right now. Syke is doing a strong job currently. Nancy Cambino is our OM; she does an excellent job even though she likes Manchester United (The Yankees of English football)

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

Then WNBC-A when Howard Stern did afternoons - and the Top 40s in Rochester where I grew up: Q92, FM99, and 98PXY (PXY is the only one that is still Top 40).

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

Oh yeah! I love running ... especially on trails or the countryside. I have run three NYC marathons. I am a "thinker" and running makes the blood flow and the mind stronger. I am a foodie. My death row meal is Indian - Chicken Tikka Marsala - mmmmmm - I also love to cook. I made a seven-course meal for friends and family on Xmas night. I also love to travel. I am fascinated by other countries and cultures and seek that "local" experience. Anthony Bourdain is my hero!

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

Stop complaining about how things were the past! Things are different now; change is constant and we have to adapt to it. At 'BLI we grow our OWN talent. We're organic.

Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?

Dexter! (LOL). I don't know ... like I mentioned earlier, I'd like to be Anthony Bourdain (without the checkered past). Also, Mad Men is the BEST show currently on TV and the original Star Trek is the best show of all time.