10 Questions with ... E.J. Greig

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started producing Tre Black at WJLB. Have worked for WHAT/Atlanta, WOWI/Norfolk, and the (for now) defunct WJPC-WEJM/Chicago, to name a few stops.

1) What's new with you these days?

PD/middays, WBLX/Mobile. Back in the the day I was fired from WHTA in Atlanta, and then shortly after that from Metro Networks, where I was doing traffic on V103. I was so down and dejected that I joined the Navy and was stationed in Pensacola. So long story short, I am back at the station I used to listen to with Ray Ray, Al Might T, and Nick at Night on WBLX. It was this station that motivated me to get stationed where I could have shore duty and pursue radio again, at least part-time. Now I'm back on the Gulf Coast as the PD, working with Al, and Nick. RIP Ray Ray.

2) How do you think you have evolved as a programmer?

I have matured. I was always good at the on-air stuff. I have become a better manager, and a better people person. I have been able to create a culture of inclusion with my team, which wasn't easy. This is a team of veterans, some of whom been with the station for 20 years.

3) What guided you to a career in radio?

I started working in radio at the age of 14. "The business is in my blood," as I am the son of a former TV news anchor and reporter. I grew up playing and exploring behind the scenes in TV newsrooms as my mother anchored the news. My first radio job was an unplanned and spontaneous gift. A major influence in my life was my grandfather, a minister, who had a weekly religious radio broadcast. I accompanied him to a broadcast one day, and the board operator never showed up. I figured out how to work the board and had him on the air and up and running in a few minutes. They hired me on the spot. My grandfather took me to get a work permit, so I could take the job at age 14. WCLS Battle Creek, Mich. Later as a senior at The University of Michigan I met John Mason. Mason and Gerald Albright helped me create an air check for Steve Hegwood, who hired me as a board op at WJLB.

4) How important is community involvement?

Imperative! It is a way of doing business, and giving back to the community that supports you. You have to use your platform to show you are a part of the community you serve.

5) Would you share with us your career influences?

Everyone I ever worked with or met has taught me something. Some of it unintentional.

Trey Black, Reggie Reg, Mason, Janet G, Steve Hegwood, EZ Street, Mic Fox, Apollo, Tony Gray, Steve Harris, Mack MacDonald, Angel Brown, DJ Law, Eric Michaels, and Maurice DeVoe. Currently I am learning a lot from Ken Johnson, Doug Hammand, and Jimmy Steele. To name a few. (In Eryka Badu voice) I could go on and on.

6) What are some of your station's signature events?

Sister 2 Sister, Cumulus Cares Christmas Party, and Funk Fest.

7) How do you see radio evolving?

It is what it is. For jocks and people in the business, radio was, to some, more fun in the past. To me, (in the '90s) stations were more a free-form. Radio seemed to have less restrictive formats. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 changed that. That is when companies started buying lots of radio stations. Consolidation brought predictability and profits at the expense of unique programming

8) What's the funniest thing that ever happened to you in this business?

Walking up to Chris Tucker while hosting at Frozen Paradise in Atlanta, and saying, "Man you look just like Chris Tucker..." He roasted me until last call.

9) How do you use the station website as an extension of your on-air efforts?

It's not even like an extension anymore. It's just all inclusive. We are one. Go here for follow-up on all things WBLX. Most of our Big Money contests are via thebigstation93blx.com

10) Why do you like being in radio?

I have made a better living in a couple of different fields, but I did not enjoy them, I was a sales trainer, and I did well. Radio is simply the best job I've ever had! Even on my worst day. It's what I enjoy.

What's the best promotion you were ever involved with?

I am proud to have been on staff at Birthday Bash 1 in Atlanta. I mean, that thing is ridiculous now. They sell everything from the parking lot to the rafters. I hope to be a part of something that can grow to be that successful -- from a little theater in Atlanta to Phillips Arena. That's big!