-
10 Questions with ... CJ
May 19, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:CJPOSITION:PD/morning hostSTATION:WPKF 96.1 KISS FMMARKET:Poughkeepsie, NYCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:IllinoisRAISED:Glen Head, Long Island and Windham, NY
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started doing nights at WPBM in Kingston, NY in 1993 until 1998. Then I did parttime work at WBLI in Long Island for about a year. After that I went back to WBPM to handle mornings until 2002. Then I started on Kiss doing middays then moved to afternoons and eventually up to mornings in 2004. I've also done parttime work at WIOQ (Q102) in Philly for about a year in 2003-04. Now I'm PD/mornings at KISS in Poughkeepsie.
1. What got you into radio?
The threat of having to join the Navy. It was either the Navy or some sort of school. I choose the new school of radio and TV in Albany. Big shouts Tom Hawn!
2. How long have you lived in the Hudson Valley?
It's been on and off for 16 years now. DAMN I'M OLD!
3. Personally, what's been the best part of living in Poughkeepsie?
For me it's all about the people. It's a real diversified area with some great people that appreciate what we do. Plus we are only a little over an hour from the Mecca NYC!
4. Professionally, what's been the best part of working in Poughkeepsie?
Just getting the chance to do a real live and local morning show. We replaced a syndicated show almost 5 years ago and I really think the people in PK really embraced us. So I guess again it's the people.
5. In addition to being the PD at WPKF, you're also the morning host. How do you jungle the demands of both gigs?
Having a great team is the ONLY way it works. DC, my afternoon guy, is also my music director and really does a great job and should go real far in this business. I got my boy Fuzzy who really picks up the slack when I forget things (which is a regular occurrence). So yeah, it's all about the team no matter how small or big it is.
6. Who is on with you in the morning?
Annie is my co-host/news lady. She started as an intern and has been the co-host now for 3 years. I have had a few co-hosts in my time and I can honestly say she is by far the best person I have ever worked with. She's the Sh*T!
7. What would a visitor to Poughkeepsie probably find most surprising about the community?
Probably how involved people are around here. Every weekend there is something going on for a good cause. It's kind of "hallmarky". Yeah, I make up words as I go!
8. Hypothetically...You are chosen to be on a TV reality show...which reality show would you like to be on?
Biggest Loser got to lose some pounds! That answer is for my wife. Now my answer...American Idol, so I can punch Seacrest in the face . Ha ha! Really, I just want to see if he would cry. Damn I'm going to lose my job now...
9. What has been the most significant change in the day-to-day programming of your station since you started as a PD?
The amount of meetings that I have to be in on a daily basis. I don't get meetings, I want to do music, do a show, some spots and that's it. Sometimes I miss just sitting down and doing a music log from start to finish. Outside of meetings our former PD Jimi Jamm left the station in great shape and we just continue to move forward.
10. What do you go to get away from it all?
I just bought a house a few months back and finally have a man cave so when I need to I grab a six pack head to the basement and just chill watching any sport.
Bonus Questions
If you were to leave Radio and music today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I would love to do PR for a sports team or a card dealer in Vegas!
I'm developing a new TV series, Dancing With The Record And Radio Stars. What record promotion executive or rep would you like to see on the show?
Sujit from Universal Motown just because I would love to hear everyone butcher his name.
-
-