The Infinite Dial

Title: Director of Support and Training/Internet Services for Saga Communications

Who is Jim? "I'm originally from Steubenville, Ohio I got my start in radio at my hometown radio stations (WCDK/WEIR) sacrificing my Friday nights and weekends to run ball games and local programming at the young age of 16! From that time I caught the radio bug and have been hooked ever since. My career has taken me to some great stations and companies over the years including, WOVK/WWVA in Wheeling, WHOK/WLVQ in Columbus before finally crossing the street to WSNY/WODB/WJZA at Saga Communications in Columbus in 1999. I have been very fortunate to learn and grow with a great company and work with some of the most talented and respected individuals in this industry. I'm looking forward to the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead!"

What would your dream job be? "Running my own Radio/New Media Company"

Who has been your greatest influence? "My current General Manager, Alan Goodman. Alan knew he was taking a big risk hiring a 20 year old "rookie" with no internet experience from small market Ohio (I know because he told me my first day). Over the years I have learned so many things from him, not only about the radio industry but about business and management. I am very fortunate and humbled to work and learn from someone who saw the potential within me that I didn't even see."

What is the one format that you can't believe nobody has done? "A 'Classic' Rock/Country Hybrid"

How could radio do a better job of attracting younger listeners? "Radio is going to have to focus on a more "out of the box" mentality. The younger generation has grown up spoiled, used to more and more options and not having to settle for just a few limited choices. Drive through your favorite fast food restaurant. No longer do you just see burgers and fries. You see more options than ever before and even more added every day it seems. As an industry we're going to have to add to our menu of options. The beauty is that this is now possible with the addition of HD Radio which will allow us to expand on our current formats or add new ones to offer more choices that appeal to those younger listeners looking for more variety."

How will radio remain relevant in a digital world? "It's a new world and our industry needs to embrace new technology and not be afraid of the possible erosion it can cause to our product. If we are going to succeed in the new digital world it's essential that we use the technology to improve the benefits of what radio already does. The function and the benefit of what radio "is" doesn't have to change. But it can be delivered in a high quality, more efficient and exciting way if the new technologies are embraced."