10 Questions with ... Jay Alexander

NAME:Jay Alexander TITLE:PD/MD STATION:WBTF-FM MARKET:Lexington, KY COMPANY:LM Communications BORN:May 6TH -- Morganton, NC RAISED:Morganton, NC

Please outline your career path.

WBMU ASHEVILLE NC 1983-1986
WMNC 1986-1987
WZFX FAYETVILLE NC 1987
WMNC MORGANTON NC 1987-88
WPEG CHARLOTTE 1988-91
WCKU CHARLOTTE 1991-92
WEDJ CHARLOTTE 1992-95
METRO NETWORKS 1993-1999
WWMG CHARLOTTE 1995-97
WEND CHARLOTTE 1997-1999
WLTO LEXINGTON KY 1999-2000
WBTF LEXINGTON 2000-PRESENT

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, who had a passion for all music and the radio was always on in the house listening to the jocks in my hometown WMNC used to be a Top 40, and at that time the jocks were always bigger than the station. SAM "THE SHAM" TATE was the man! When Suburban Radio flipped on PEG, I was in heaven! I was a big fan of FRED GRAHAM, CALVIN, LES NORMAN, MIKE ROSSI, MICHEAL SAUNDERS, SKIP MURPHY, HELEN LITTLE and BARRY MAYO. One of the brightest minds in the game today

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

When I walked into the hometown radio station on a class trip and saw the studios, I was hooked!!

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Oh, yes! I still have that same passion now as I did when I was a kid!

4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?

I think I can be an effective GM/Market Manager. As far as PPM goes, I think it is time for it to make an impact. Arbitron has to make sure that radio and advertisers embrace it and validate it as effective in the ratings process.

5) How you feel about being made to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it?

I am in a very fortunate situation where my owner and Market Manager have faith in the PD. I have to make sound decisions to generate ratings. Research is just what it is, a tool.

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 am glad to see some folks are getting it. The small-market stations are quickly going away being replaced with syndication. There's no place to grow talent. You can't blame the owners; it is a cost measure. Dan Vallie of Vallie Richards Consulting is starting a farm team situation at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where I hope more people will step out and help up-and-coming talent, giving them a chance to learn and to grow.

7) What adjustments have you had to make in your new position?

Making time for meetings!!

8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

Time management

9) How do you feel the current payola investigation is going to affect both industries? Are Urban programmers going to be slower in adding and playing new music?

The investigation has nothing to do with adding and playing new music. It affects the way the labels does business with radio. We, as programmers, are charged with growing market share, bringing more people to the party and having them stay longer.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

No regrets I look at each situation and know that God has put me in that for me to grow

How did you get your present job?

Blue Chip was selling to Radio One and my current owner, Lynn Martin, saw a chance to help his company grow and bought WBTF and WLXO. I knew that he would be looking for a PD, so I applied and was hired.

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?

The best: No such word as can't!

Describe your favorite meal?

There is a spot in Nashville called Raz's; best Gumbo I have ever tasted

What's your favorite fast food?

Joe Bologna's by the campus of U. Best pizza in town!!!

You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?

Lynn, give me a price I want to buy the Beat!