10 Questions with ... JoJo Lopez

NAME:JoJo Lopez POSITION:PD/mornings STATION:KWWV WILD 106.1 MARKET:San Luis Obispo, CA COMPANY:Mapleton Communications BORN:Torrance, CA RAISED:Palmdale, CA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KAVS/Lancaster (Part-time), KISV/Bakersfield (middays/Mixshow DJ), KSEQ/Fresno (APD/MD/mornings), KVEG/Las Vegas (mornings/Imaging Director), KWWV/San Luis Obispo (PD/mornings)

1. Why radio?

I loved music, started listening to the radio like a PD by the time I was 12. I have tons of old cassette tapes filled with jocks, sweepers and promos from the 90's.

2. To date, what is the highlight of your radio career?

I was doing mornings in Vegas, and Mike Tyson came in after hearing my unflattering impersonations of him on the radio. I was sure he was there to kick my ass... I was already thinking, "at least I'll have this story to tell, I can probably sue him... just don't think about the pain...", instead he told me he liked my impersonation, listened to my show every morning, and opened up to me like I was Barbara Walters... he's a great guy.

3. You've had a few years in the PD chair now...what has surprised you the most about the position?

Just how many really talented radio people out there need a gig? I get demos and resumes from people I really respect. I wish I could build the dream team, but with the radio budgets in '08...oh, don't get me started.

4. You've worked all around Central California. What makes San Luis Obispo so different from say...Bakersfield and Fresno?

In the Central Valley... it's all about targeting Latinos. That's how you win. I've spent so many years perfecting that, it took some mental reprogramming to step out from that. Demographically San Luis Obispo is nothing like Bakersfield or Fresno in that regard.

5. When you think about your radio future, where do you see yourself in five years?

Our industry is going through a BIG transitional period... I hear a lot of people say, "I'm not sure if I'll still be doing this in five years." Well, I am. I'm not sure, where, or what... but I KNOW I'll still be doing radio. It's my number one passion, I've been told I'm good at it, and I can't see myself doing anything else. I'm open to whatever the future of radio may be.

6. Ever think about programming in another part of the country?

Never say never. I LOVE California, born and raised here... but can't say no to a place I've never seen.

7. Do any other formats interest you from a programming perspective?

Rhythmic and Top 40 are my passions, but now I'm also programming a very rock driven Classic Hits station and having fun with that. I'm also really into Rhythmic Oldies, AC, and Alternative.

8. Who do you consider your mentor(s)?

I try to soak up a little something from everybody I can in this business... Tommy Del Rio (KSEQ PD), Mark Feather (former KISV PD), Bob Lewis (former KISV PD), Lee Cagle (WBTS PD), Mike Yeager (former KWYE PD) have all been incredible people to learn from.

9. If you were running for President, who would be your running mate?

Jessica Alba.... 1) she's a strong female... 2) I don't want to be president... I just want to spend some "quality" time with Jessica Alba!

10. Where do you go to get away from it all?

It's got to be Pismo Beach, which is actually walking distance from my home. It's one of the perks of working here.

If you were to leave Radio and music today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

TV. Seacrest is the man! I could totally do that.

Has a career in radio been everything you thought it would be?

No, it really hasn't. But honestly, I still wake up everyday, and LOVE what I do and that's all anybody can ask for.