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10 Questions with ... Jessi Whitten
July 22, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. The biggest challenge is also our greatest blessing: managing resources. We have a large, growing organization and a lot of passionate players who are looking to get their hands dirty to serve the mission. The challenge is in how to organize and communicate clearly with all these different departments and individuals who have the same goal but see many different pathways and possibilities. It's a lot to manage
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Joined Colorado Public Radio as MD for OpenAir in September 2011 after spending five years at the Univ. of Colorado's nationally-recognized student radio station, Radio 1190. While there, I spent time as MD, Volunteer Coordinator, morning show host and more. I've picked up the additional titles of APD/afternoon host at Colorado Public Radio while also contributing to NPR Music, featuring on Morning Edition and All Songs Considered.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
When I moved to Colorado 20+ years ago, the radio became my first friend in a new place. Before school I'd tape my favorite morning show and after school I'd listen back through. I started making music mix tapes and recording DJ breaks under the alias of DJ Ringo. When I got to college and finally had the chance to be a real DJ, that was it, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.
2. Who were/are your mentors?
Mike Flanagan hired me as his MD twice, once at my college station and again when he started up OpenAir with Colorado Public Radio. I'll always be grateful that he recognized my talent and potential. I wouldn't say I've had one particular mentor; I learn from my incredible team at CPR every day and seek out advice from lots of different places. The challenge of our recent transition has created the opportunity to reach out and learn from lots of programmers, and I'm grateful to folks like Jordan Lee and Justin Barney at Radio Milwaukee, Matt Riley at KUTX and Amy Miller at KXT for sharing their wisdom.
3. How long have you been with Colorado Public Radio?
I was hired to launch the original new music at Colorado Public Radio in 2011, I'm approaching my eight-year anniversary.
4. Things seem exciting there with Willobee Carlan coming in and now the rebranding of the station. Tell us about that.
The first big change that opened the door to this rebrand was the hiring of our new President, Stewart Vandervilt. It's been a time of quick yet thoughtful change throughout the entire organization. It's exciting to see overall philosophies turning over and watching this renewed focus on OpenAir play out. Ideas that had long been tabled are being re-examined and things we never thought we'd even consider are becoming reality. It's a lot of change coming very quickly and I'm doing my best to keep up and find new and improved ways to contribute.
5. Will you be hosting any new specialty shows?
Someday soon I hope to resurrect my new music show. As it stands, I don't have the capacity to take it on as APD/MD/afternoon drive host on a station that's still coming together, but I'm excited to create a testing ground for new songs for the new service. I previously hosted Advanced Listening, which provided an opportunity for listeners to weigh in and taste test new stuff; I really miss the dialogue that show was able to create. I'm excited to get that going again. Also hoping for the return of my podcast The Playlist League where we draft themed playlists, but again a question of capacity.
6. How would you describe the new music mix on the station?
I'm still getting to know Willobee's vision, but it's extremely focused on new music and makes for very approachable music discovery with plenty of familiar songs and artists mixed in -- not quite as overwhelming or intimidating as our previous approach was. The sound is definitely pop- and rock-leaning, but we still get some R&B and hip-hop into the mix.
7. How are the music meetings conducted at the station?
We'll see! Our workflow is not quite firmed up at this point, but I discuss every add with Willobee and get feedback from consultant Mike Henry to put it all together. My hope is to get my air-staff more involved in the conversation once we iron out some finer points of the adjustment. KVOQ is blessed with some incredible music minds and their contribution will be essential to our success as we go forward just as it was on OpenAir.
8. What new artists are you most excited about?
I'm losing my mind about Omar Apollo, who is just insanely cool; Leikeli47, who's about to come through Denver's big music festival Underground Music Showcase; and I think Weyes Blood has come out with one of the best records of the year. I wish she'd route her tour through Denver at some point!
9. What is your biggest challenge at the station?
The biggest challenge is also our greatest blessing: managing resources. We have a large, growing organization and a lot of passionate players who are looking to get their hands dirty to serve the mission. The challenge is in how to organize and communicate clearly with all these different departments and individuals who have the same goal but see many different pathways and possibilities. It's a lot to manage. Willobee and I will look away from our e-mail for 10 minutes and come back to 40 new e-mails from folks inside and outside of the building who are raring to go on something. Keeping the momentum of all these minds working simultaneously while moving methodically is tough.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without...
... This is so millennial of me, but ASMR. It is my therapy, my greatest peace.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
I worked at Powell's candy shop in college while Music Directing Radio1190. They played Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory on repeat all day every day.
First record ever purchased:
I thought it was Sugar Ray for a long time, but my parents reminded me it was Madonna's Immaculate collection. Still love it, obviously.
First concert:
Big D and the Kids table at Aggie Theater in Fort Collins. Though fun, it was my first and last ska show.
Favorite artist of all time:
Cyndi Lauper
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
I love painting and sewing, fixing my 1800s house and working on other projects like the High Plains Comedy Festival and the Narrators podcast.
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