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Straight From The Mouth
The Morning Mouth's August Interview with JD & The Wake-Up Crew
(Reprinted by permission; Copyright © 2005 Talentmasters Inc.)

JD (Pelletier) & The Wake-Up Crew has been on the air in West Palm Beach since his arrival in 1996 from Houston. Bill Adams joined the show shortly after. Megan joined the show about 9 months ago after producing for Welch & Woody in Pittsburgh. Tiny, the producer joined about 3 years. It's a contemporary country show in what has been called New York's 6th Borough... and we all know how many Country stations there are in New York. They've dominated the Country audience, consistently ranking in the top three. In fact, they're the only Country morning show to go directly up against Howard Stern (a Country station here put him on), and beat him out of the format.

Country remains the number one format in the country, and many argue that it's the music that keeps it there. In the meantime, shows like Tony and Kris, Skip Mahaffey and others are being aggressively lured to the competition. Is it fair to say high profile Country morning shows are becoming more and more a part of this success equation?

JD: Country listeners are the most loyal of any format. Not only to the

music, but to the personalities as well. If you're a morning show worth your salt, than you are an invaluable resource to your station... and your competitors know that

Who do you think are the 5 best shows in country?

JD: Ichabod Caine, Tim & Willie, Evans & Andie, Skip and without sounding egotistical, I would have to say our show.

What about the five best shows in radio?

JD: Spike O'Dell, Jeff & Jer, Kevin Mathews, Dave Ryan and Neil Rogers.

Is there any one show that you'd admit to "borrowing" bits from more than anyone?

Bill A: We never steal bits from anyone. Ever. Got that.

A top country jock once told me that in spite of country's dominance, getting big name guests outside of country artists is still an on-going process. Is that true for the Wake-up crew? If not, how did you get around it?

JD: We had Wesley Snipes for "Blade III," it was the first time head ever done one on a Country station, and he was as excited as we were. At one of the big Disney remotes, Michael Isner gave a speech in front of everyone (he wasn't doing any radio interviews). When it was over, he was lingering on stage talking to some of the dignitaries. I just shouted out to him, and he came over (to the dismay of everyone standing around) and gave me a 7-minute interview. Sometimes, don't wait to ask for an interview, just do it.

When you start to plan your show for each day, where's the first place you go for ideas?

Tiny: Amongst ourselves first and foremost. Then local news and the Internet.

Give us five of the best, or most entertaining things you've ever done on the air?

We really pride ourselves in getting more media attention than anyone in this market. Our job is to take care of our P1's but attract others who wouldn't normally listen to Country. When "The Donald" got married here in our backyard, the question is how can we take advantage of this? I flew a banner over the church right before the wedding that said "Melania, you're hired!

JD: WIRK. Made all the local media outlets as well as "Access Hollywood" and the "Today Show." Recently we had a contest for the person with the worst commute. We picked them up at their house in a Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter and flew them to work. She just so happen to work at one of the Newspapers in town, where we cleared their parking lot to land!

Like all morning show marriages, I'm sure you have your occasional spats. What tends to be the most recurring sticking point? Anyone ever leave the room crying?

JD: Just the women. Seriously... every show has it's problems. I think you have to start out with mutual respect and then celebrate your differences, don't fight them. It's what really makes your show shine.

What's the most revealing thing any celebrity, star, etc., has ever shared with your audience?

JD: Wesley Snipes loves Johnny Paycheck.

What's your celebrity horror story?

JD: Yeah, Joe Rogan ("Fear Factor"). He was a complete ass. Hey, if you don't want to go to a radio station to promote your show, don't go. He's the only person I would have to say I will never have in my studio ever again.

Name a guest that anyone reading this would be crazy not to try getting on? How do they reach?

Megan: This changes every week, but Peter Greenburg (Iambics Travel guy)

is great every time we have him on. Reach him at 888-751-5173 or 818-784-2088.

If you could have your choice of any person alive to interview on the air, who would it be? What would your first question be?

JD: NASA Commander Eileen Collins! I'm fascinated with space travel. I would ask her if they really have Tempurpedic seats on board!

30 minutes with anyone in the business -- off the air -- who would it be?

JD: Larry Lujack.

One of radio's top executives recently opined that "localism" is the key to radios' future. Do you agree?

JD: And that's why they get the big bucks? Duh... you have to own your market, but don't forget about the BIG events either. Make them yours and make them local. Always think big and localize.

What do you make of whole discussion about the future of terrestrial

JD: Why worry about things you can't change? Do your show. Do it so well that they will have to keep you and paying you... worry about that. As in the "Field of Dreams"... "Build it, and they will come."

What was your favorite take home idea from this year's MSBC?

JD: I really liked the bit about doing your own Hollywood Walk of Fame in your city.

Finally, an idea anyone reading this would be crazy not to do as soon as possible?

JD: Yeah, if we ever have another Hurricane in West Palm Beach (two last year), don't hesitate to do a large collection drive and ship it directly to my house. Just remember we don't need blankets!

Read previous Morning Mouth interviews.

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