10 Questions with ... LeBron Joseph

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

WYLD-A was my first job and Brute Bailey was PD. He ruled with an iron fist, but showed a tremendous amount of love and leadership as well. Early influences also included the legendary folks I heard as a kid in New Orleans, such as Larry McKinley, Groovy Gus Lewis, Dr. Daddy-O, Shelly Pope and many others. Later on my major influences were Del Spencer, Henry "Seeds" Nelson, Anthony Wilson, Tony Brown, Janet G, Jammin' Jay Michaels, Jerry Boulding, Julian Davis, Gerod Stevens, Eric Logan and Jay Stevens.

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

I was a broadcast journalism major at Loyola (N.O.), and was asked to do a show on the campus station (WLDC); fell in love with the interaction, and that was "it."

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

Yes, definitely!

4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

The industry will continuing to grow with its mix of technology corporate environs, and me, well, I'll just be employed.

5) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?

About the same as six months ago, but I am encouraged by newer titles. I think our (Urban A/Cs) core was in danger of being dominated by newer artists. Now that has changed.

6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

It's still the songs.

7) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?

Early in my career, I was locked out of the building on an overnight shift during a "xmoke break." We played albums at the time and needless to say, my high was completely blown.

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

My ability to continuously deliver a product that is sound programming, yet sales-friendly, and simultaneously delivers audience.

9) How often do you aircheck your own show?

Monthly. I should do it more.

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

I regret not taking advantage of earlier opportunities in my career; for about the first 10 years of my career, I treated this like a job and not the life affirming and wonderful career this has become.

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

Good ratings and good people are sometimes displaced by decisions not made by folks that know what the true situation on the ground is.

What do you do with a song you don't like?

Research the song to find out how my audience feels about it. I'm not programming for my personal taste, but that of my listeners.

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

"I'm buying a few stations and I'd like you to come to work for us."