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10 Questions with ... Tim Jones
October 18, 2005
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NAME:Tim JonesTITLE:Program DirectorMARKET:Albuquerque, NMCOMPANY:Clear Channel RadioBORN:Christmas Day in a small town in ArkansasRAISED:Small town in Arkansas
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KBTA/KZLE/Batesville, AR
KKYK/Little Rock, AR
KFIN/KIYS/Jonesboro, AR
WYCQ/Nashville, TN
KDXY/KDEZ/Jonesboro, AR
KEZS/Cape Girardeau, MO
WDDD/Marion-Carbondale, IL
KBQI/KSYU/Albuquerque, NM1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
KZLE-FM Batesville, Arkansas doing overnights and the Sunday morning gospel show on KBTA-AM. My dad is an auctioneer and did an auction news report on the AM when I was 10 and his buddy Mike Harrison there started me doing Coleman Dairy Milk Commercials for him. Needless to say, I've been hooked ever since.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Yeah, the first time I walked into the station at age 10, I was in la la land. It's all my dad's fault; I blame him daily for being in this business
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Probably not! Just kidding. I love this business, but I just don't like the politics that go on. You have that in most every business these days, though, I am sure
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
Hopefully an RVPP or market manager for this company
5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
I think radio has to continue to grow day by day. There have been a lot of changes in the past year and I think we are headed in the right direction again to compete with all of the technology that is surrounding us
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Don't be afraid of change
7) What was the transition you had to make in your new position? And how is the New Mexico market unique and different? How do you find time to be effective with all of the stations you're responsible for.
Getting used to programming two stations again was not that tough, but learning the Urban AC format and researching the Hispanic marketplace was a challenge. This station is a very different Urban AC. It's geared at the Hispanic female and is totally customized for this area. I make a list daily of things that need to be accomplished plus I have two great APD/MD's to help me make sure things are getting done.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
You can always learn something on managing talent and being effective.
9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
I think everyone pretty much understands it, but I think it's time for change. It's very outdated. In radio we have had to step up and change the way we do things, so it's time Arbitron does the same.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I should of tried getting into larger markets earlier in life.
Bonus Questions
How did you get your present job?
Referral from Alan Sledge, then VP Of Country of Clear Channel (I mowed his lawn, washed his car, cooked him dinner ... ha ha just kidding). Alan heard what I was doing in Southern Illinois and liked it, and the rest is history!
Describe your favorite meal?
Rendezvous Ribs in Memphis. I miss it
What's your favorite fast food?
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich on wheat.
Do you read...everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
Bicycling, Spin, and All Access are all my daily reading material.
You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?
GOODBYE!
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