10 Questions with ... Jonathan Maverick

NAME:Jonathan Maverick POSITION:APD/MD/Imaging Director/afternoons/parking attendant STATION:WBTS 95-5 The BEAT MARKET:Atlanta, GA COMPANY:Cox Radio BORN:New Orleans, LA RAISED:Arlington, TX

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Wow... KWTX/Waco, KJYO/OKC, KHTT/Tulsa, KMYZ/Tulsa, KHKS/Dallas, KDGE/Dallas, WWWQ/Atlanta, WJLQ/Pensacola-Mobile, WBTS/Atlanta... and don't forget about my imaging empire: ATownSound.com, Ready2GoCHR.com and Ready2GoCountry.com (Call Rich O'Brien at Superadio...NOW!)

1. You've done just about every airshift at 95.5 The Beat. Do you ever imagine sitting in for Murph in the morning?

I did the morning show for 2 years when I first got here... Let's just say that I'm definitely a night owl and hope to NEVER get up at 3am again. Murph and CJ have a tight, focused show that really seems to connect with our audience. I'll leave it in their hands.

2. What continues to excite you about radio?

There is nothing better than being at a station event and having your listeners come up to you and tell you how much they love your product! That's when you really feel good about what you do on a daily basis. I've also gotten the opportunity lately to do a talk radio show on our sister station News/Talk 750 - WSB. Talk about an adrenaline rush... wow!!! I'm used to playing rap music and talking over :15 intros. Talk radio is different than anything I have ever done!!

3. Ever hear an aircheck of Cagle? If so, give it a quick critique.

Oh God... NO!!!! I'm not sure if I could stomach it. I'm not sure if he could handle the aircheck session.

4. You've been in Atlanta for many years now. Not putting you out to pasture but could you retire there?

ABSOLUTELY!!! I love Atlanta and more importantly I love Cox Radio! They have been an amazing company to work for and I would love nothing more than to stay here as long as they will have me! Not sure if they'd let me continue as a rap dj for the rest of my career... Maybe I can talk them into giving me a full time talk show??

5. How's A Town Sound coming along?

All of our imaging services have succeeded way beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Big props to my boy Matt Warren. He came onboard fulltime almost two years ago and has really enabled us to take our products to the next level. Rich O'Brien and the entire team at Superadio has done a superb job of getting the word out on the street and signing up some amazing affiliates. The economy, however, has really killed us this year. We won't go into that!

6. Is Cagle broadening your card playing skills or is he just taking your cash?

Cagle taking MY cash? Perhaps you need to give him a ring and ask him about that afternoon on Clapper's deck.... I'm just say'in is all...

7. What advice would you give to a young pup trying to get started in Radio today?

Do WHATEVER you have to. With voice-tracking, syndication and automation there just aren't the opportunities out there that once existed for people just getting started. Start with an internship and spend as much time as possible learning and experiencing every aspect of the business! Make friends and keep those relationships going for life..You never know when you'll need a friend in this game.

Also, don't expect to get an internship in a large market and wind up with an on-air position within your first month at the station. You got to be willing to move. Find a small market station and get on the air on a DAILY basis. That's how you really learn and get better.

8. What do you think is your biggest asset you could bring to a PD gig?

I have been extremely lucky to work with an amazing team here in Atlanta that has included me in every aspect of our brand. From perceptual studies, strategic research projects, weekly callout, marketing, etc. Cagle and I work extremely close together to make sure we have the best product on the air. I don't know how I could be more prepared should I ever step into a PD role. Plus, look at the people I work with at The Beat: Cagle, Jeremy Rice, Steve Smith, Tony Kidd... That's a heckuva team to work with and learn from.

9. Atlanta is a Hip Hop hotbed and has been for years. Do you ever get out to non-Hip Hop shows in town?

Absolutely. I love all kinds of music. So far this year I've been to see Britney Spears, No Doubt, Jimmy Buffet and tons of local bands.

10. What secret about you may surprise even Bob Neil but not Cagle?

I'm an old white guy with two kids that lives in the suburbs...I just happen to play the part of a rap dj superstar Mon-Fri from 2p-6p. If my listeners ever found out I would lose all my street cred!

Hypothetically...you're getting married on Saturday. What singer or group would you like to perform at your reception?

I'm NEVER getting married again! But, say I was having a party, I would probably want my favorite band in the world...GARBAGE. Or maybe No Doubt, Lilly Allen...or if I had to choose someone from my format...Ludacris and Lady Gaga.

Would you be willing to challenge Cagle, Murph, CJ and Mami Chula on ABC's Wipeout obstacle course? You know the one...the one with the big balls.

I'd take'em all out. Well... except for maybe CJ. CJ is like a Navy Seal, ninja, Green Beret crazy kinda workout chick. She'd probably kick my butt. But I got the rest of them, especially Mami Hula! And don't forget about our midday diva K-Dubb. She and CJ would probably team up to form an uber-hot Charlie's Angels type duo that would reign supreme.