10 Questions with ... Joey Tack

NAME:Joey Tack POSITION:Night Jock/Music Director STATION:WKHT (Hot 104.5) MARKET:Knoxville, TN COMPANY:Journal Broadcast Group BORN:DeWitt, IA RAISED:DeWitt, IA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started in 1999 working part-time overnights and fill-ins at KMXG and WHTS/Quad Cities IA/IL. I got my first full-time gig at WHTS for nights and MD in 2004. In 2005, was recruited for nights/MD at WKHT/Knoxville, TN

Hey, they say brevity is key...right?

1. What was your last non-Industry job?

I had a very non-successful run as a factory worker named "JOE" in a steel-processing plant. 90 days after my hire date and before benefits kicked in, they let me go. But because I asked nicely, they let me keep my hard hat and safety goggles.

2. Why Radio?

Jim O 'Hara (WLLR, Quad Cities) asked my brother and me this during our first radio interview... (Oh yeah, I have an identical twin brother named Jesse who is less talented, but nonetheless works at WYGY/Cincinnati). Aside from a false hope of garnering attention and respect from my peers, I really just wanted to have the same type of fun that I heard my favorite DJ's having. Everything from caller interaction to contests to running the board...it was a perfect fit.

3. What has surprised you about living and working in Knoxville?

The cultural diversity of a Laundromat on any given Sunday night.

4. Would you rather be attacked by a badger or a mongoose?

Please...a Mongoose! Not only are they ultra cuddly and make a great pet, but they have a fancy large anal scent gland, used for scent marking of territories, and signaling reproductive status. [Source: Wikipedia]

5. What if you had to choose between being a jock or a programmer? Which would you choose?

While I hope programming is in my future...I prefer to be a jock while I'm still remotely attractive.

6. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?

I've been lucky to work for some well respected people in the industry. Jim O 'Hara was the first. He convinced me that "Bubba Smack Joey Tack" sucked as a radio name and that I should just be myself. Plus he has a great voice and super handwriting. Tony Waitekus was my first full-time PD, his knack for picking hits and collecting root beer is God-like. Russ Allen is one of the coolest and most humble radio guys that I've ever met. Those who know him respect him. On a side note, if your station needs a PD who WILL kick-ass, hire Russ. Finally, Red Hot Brian Scott and "Ugly" Ron Thompson.

7. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I'm quite a bore actually. I find that reading free books and magazines at Barnes and Noble to be wildly relaxing. When not freeloading, I love to see new movies at least once a week.

8. What area of your "game" do you want to improve?

I'd really like to get more involved with the community, by way of charities. There's something great about giving back.

9. What role does the University Of Tennessee play in the local clubs, besides the endless stream of co-eds?

Depending on the time of year, the clubs are either packed or empty...all depending on whether schools in session or not. Plus on a home game day, lines tend to be out the door.

10. Its Saturday night at 11:55. Where in Knoxville is Joey Tack?

Lately I've been spending more time at home...catching up on things like TV shows, laundry and even reading. Other than that, I love midnight sushi and going to movies alone and anonymous.

What's your dream market?

Well it's fun to aspire to be in a major market like New York, L.A. or Chicago....and that truly would be a dream come true for this small-town tike from Iowa. But as long as the city has A LOT going on and I'm working for a company and station that supports creativity...I'll be happy.

A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours??

Clean out all of the AllAccess.com emails in my inbox.