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10 Questions with ... J 'Dot' Arthur
October 9, 2007
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NAME:J 'Dot' ArthurTITLE:PDSTATION:WIKSMARKET:Greenville - New Bern - Jacksonville, NCCOMPANY:Beasley Broadcast Group, IncBORN:March 19th 19(long time ago) in Brooklyn, New YorkRAISED:Laurelton, Queens
Please outline your career path.
WVST - 1993 (Virginia State University)
WIKS - 1994 - Present (Urban)
WQOK - 1997 - 2000 (Urban)
WERO - 1997- 1998 (Top 40)
WZMB - 2001 (East Carolina University)1) How did you get that name? What got you interested in radio? Early influences?
I've had so many names in this industry, because before I became a radio announcer I was a club disc jockey by the name of DJ Flex (not the one in DC). I DJ'd alongside DJ Kool at a club in Richmond, VA called Club Ivory's. I don't think it's there anymore, but it was a GREAT experience!! What really got me interested in radio was a program director at my old college at Virginia State University (WVST) by the name of Will Harris, who introduced me to a guy named B.Rock, who worked at WCDX in Richmond -- and that's where it all started. After hanging out long nights at the station learning production, on-air and promotions, B. Rock gave me guidance and assisted in nurturing the career of J. Arthur (which is partially my real name).
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
I left Richmond and moved down to Eastern North Carolina and came by WIKS and showed interest in radio to another influence by the name of BK Kirkland. BK gave me overnights at WIKS back in 1994 and if you know anything about old school radio ... overnights were the bomb diggity!! Heh heh heh... I just loved shoving in 8-tracks tapes --I mean, carts in the cart machines. That did it for me ...oh, baby!
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Taking from the ever-so-heavenly Whitney Houston, "Hell To The Yeah!!" Radio is a great place to be regardless of the politics that have taken place.
4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?
Five years from now, I see myself sharing the knowledge that I have obtained from radio and sharing it with an aspiring individual that has an interest in the field. I can say that I hope, five years from now, that the PPM gets all the kinks squared away, because it's going to kill Urban radio in a major way.
5) How you feel about being made to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it?
Radio has changed and there are so many records out there, but every record is not a hit. Research (when done properly) does help build great ratings for your station and possibly obtain more P1s.
6) What is going to happen to the training of tomorrow's talent and programmers if the current trend continues? How do you feel about syndication and voice-tracking?
I feel bad for the talent and programmers in the future, because they never had a chance to experience terrestrial radio. Very soon they'll probably have computer-generated voices doing airshifts, and all the programmer has to do is type in what they want it to say for the entire day. I feel that the advancement of computers, voicetracking and syndication are making it easy for radio, but taking away the personal touch.
7) What adjustments have you had to make in your new position?
Not too many, but I've learned to hold my tongue.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I would like to improve on keeping the station at the station and not bringing it home. You get so wrapped up in the station when you are a programmer that it becomes one of your offspring. You feed it, burp it, change its dirty diapers, discipline it and make sure it grows up to make you proud. It's truly hard to pull yourself away from it, and I need to learn how pull myself away when at home.
9) How do you feel the current situation with fines and firings is going to affect future morning shows? Are air personalities going to be less creative and adventuresome because of the fear of being fired?
Freedom of speech has been thrown out the window. All I can say is don't curse ... just say a verse and like your mama use to say..."If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I can honestly say that every single event that happened to me -- especially at WQOK (DVS has a joke about it), which I can't disclose -- has groomed me to what I am today ... and I do not regret any of it.
Bonus Questions
What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about J Dot
I strive to be a perfectionist.
What is your biggest challenge working at this station?
The biggest challenge was adjusting in the program director chair. I had some HUGE shoes to fill and my style was different from my 19-year predecessor. Having people accept your choices and unorthodox style of programming.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
The best advice was from my father, who always told me to believe none of what you hear and half of what you see. The worst advice was from an ex-girlfriend who said, "Trust me ... I'm on the pill."
Do you read.....everything? Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
I love reading and I suggest that everyone reads "The 48 Laws of Power," If you want to get into this business and stay optimistic in the advancement in your career, it's a must-read.
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
Can I get a raise?
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