10 Questions Revisit
Nina Montgomery
Program Director/Brand Mgr.
Station: KVMA/KMJJ
Market: Shreveport, LA
Company: Cumulus Media
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Born: Shreveport
Brief Career Synopsis: GSU College radio KGRM, KRUS, K104 Kickin’ Country KJLO, KYEA, KRVV 100.1 The Beat, KMJJ and KVMA Magic 102.9
1. How are you doing? Counting blessings.
Enjoying grandparent life. Planning promotions and listening to music.
2. What prompted you to get into radio?
In high school I was the emcee of most events. Although I wished I could join my friends in the talent portion of the shows I was constantly regulated to be its host. During Grambling’s Orientation, I stood in line behind a new friend, who (was soon to become Miss America 3rd runner up!) was positive that Mass Communications was just right for us. Best decision that I ever let someone else make for me. I took it seriously and began my days at 4am waking students to soft spoken morning news. Became Public Affairs Director and air talent on the off-campus radio station, often signing off air and just a few short hours later, turning on KGRM the college station. Hard to imagine there was once a time when the radio was manually turned off at midnight? Cue up some Lenny Williams and remember that television once went off, too!
3. If you changed careers, what would you like to do?
Wait. There are other careers outside of radio, right? I would have wanted a dual citizenship to teach English in Mexico, but now, I am pretty sure that becoming a real estate agent would be the more likely choice. The dream would be writing a series of children’s books that sneak in some handy life skills.
4. How do you balance being on the air and programing?
That certainly is the trick. There was a time that we feared technology, but now it allows you to be in a client meeting while simultaneously breaking the latest Tyrese. Embracing the tools that are now at our disposal allows for the ultimate juggling act. Now, Sam, if you ask how to also handle appearances and community outreach you’re tossing in some extra apples; fortunately, programmers have learned to grow extra arms. Currently, I am developing an appendage for digital, which is a very valuable part of the balancing act.
5. Growing up what air personalities caught your ear?
For me it was all about the music. To keep me occupied, my mom got me a cassette recorder with a microphone. Recreating what I’d heard in a car or outside my window. Falling in love with not just the songs but the sentiment between them. So, whoever was on the mic, was speaking directly to me. As an only child the radio was my best friend, and the sounds of Los Angeles had such a rich variety that it Was Blue Grass, Rock, Jazz, Pop and R&B for me. I craved it all. On my happiest days it shared my dreams; on my saddest days the music would save me. Give me a song; I’ll tell you a story.
6. When you were a kid growing up, what did you want to be?
Don’t tell mom, but I was certain that I’d be a go-go dancer… traveling under a spotlight, wearing shiny white boots making everyone in the world happy with my spectacular moves (and nope, I had no idea what it meant) it would be that for sure… or a Spanish teacher.
7. Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?
“Quick! Sandwich down. Now, gimme a mic break about…” the great Jack the Rapper
believed that on the spot you should be able to talk about anything at any time and make it interesting. After dispensing his instructions with a smile, the late Michael Tee allowed me the space to develop and trusted me to do the assignment no matter the lane. Mr. James Penny was an educator who pushed then celebrated you every step of the way. Even after walking across the stage, he still watched; he still celebrated.
8. Would you share one of your funnier radio moments?
Well, this also doubles as the saddest. I was very pregnant and was given an impromptu interview with the very popular, and handsome, Ricky of Boyz n the Hood. By this time, he’d gone on to do some other popular movies you may have heard about, so the station was all a buzz. Feeling kinda cranky but still always up for a delightful chat, I “performed” the interview with loads of personality and humor– that is until he had to tell me not once, not twice (pretty sure it was three and a half times?) that his name was not Mark. It’s funny, to this day, it still feels natural to say Mark Chestnut. I wonder why he hasn’t called me again?
9. What’s your advice for up-and-coming air personalities?
Don’t worry about on-air perfection. To achieve excellence is to BE YOURSELF! The key is becoming relatable. Gone are the days of a typical sounding male or female talent. Dripping with the revealing way-back-when cadence. We are now operating in a time of openness and relatability. The listener will be more inclined to spend the day with someone who is vulnerable rather than someone who is nothing more than a voice. A deep baritone or a sultry vibe is nice but quirky can be cool, too! The best mic break isn’t in how silky-smooth the voice is but how authentic the host.
10. And the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Please consider killing the little quote at the end of your show.” In my heart, I knew that borrowed quote didn’t fit me! Other than being a bit cheesy, which is absolutely 100% me, it was just plain unnecessary. I guess this is where I’m supposed to tell you what the quote was, right Sam? Okay, you asked for it… “Time has no ears. Time has no eyes. Time has no wings either, but man can’t time fly!” I wonder if I would still be saying that at the end of my show had it not been for that stranger passing through the area in the 90s. He said he was a Program Director and enjoyed the entire show, except the good-bye. I wish that I could thank him. Was that you?
Bonus Questions:
What are you most proud of?
Everything, even the mistakes. Those missteps of yesterday helped me dance better today. Each day teaches something brand new. I will be 56 in a couple of months and I’m proud to say that I am still growing personally and professionally.
Is there something about you that would surprise most people?
Working in this exciting industry since the late 80s has taught me to really, really, really, value my alone time. Being alone is not synonymous with being lonely. It is good to like hanging with yourself and important to be discriminate of those with the secret password to your inner circle. Not everyone cheering loudly is rooting for your success. Be your own cheerleader and for validation only look up.