Kickin' It with Tom Joyner's Sr. Producer, Nikki Woods

 

Hi dolls! Happy Friday! I wanted to start 2013 with a fabulous and inspiring interview. I started following Ms. Woods months ago on Twitter because her tweets are so inspiring and encouraging. As I began to research who she was, I discovered that she worked with Tom Joyner as a Sr. Producer, and for those who don't know, The Tom Joyner Morning Show is the #1 urban radio station in the country! I respect Ms. Woods on so many levels, not only as a media professional, but a positive woman who is does amazing things and is a great role model to young women. Today, you all will have the opportunity to read about how she entered in the broadcasting/media industry. Enjoy!

As a young girl, what inspired or intrigued you about the field of journalism/broadcasting?

I thought it was very interesting that you studied education at Howard University, how did the transition from education to journalism/broadcasting come about?

I've always been a communicator. I began writing fiction at a very young age but didn't consider journalism as a career until much later. I initially went to school for education and began teaching right away. It wasn't until a couple of years later, that I decided I wanted to try something different while I was still single with no children and no mortgage. I thought Television Sports would be interesting and went back to school to get a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

For students now who are pursuing a degree in Communications/Journalism/Broadcasting, and with the rapid pace of technology, how beneficial is it for students to be heard? By that I mean creating a blog or starting a youtube channel?
 

Not only is it extremely beneficial, but it is extremely easy and FREE. Whereas before you had to wait for someone to give you an opportunity to break into radio, print, or TV - now you can create your own blog, online newspaper, webisode or radio show. And you don't have to be young or a student. Anyone can create a platform for their voice to be heard.

How has the industry changed since you've entered? and how have you been able to adapt to building brands, implementing strategic tactics via social media?

The industry has changed tremendously. There are so many different ways to listen to radio now ... satellite, on line, via an app and that has paved the way for a whole new group of "on-air" personalities. It has become paramount that those in traditional radio implement a variety of social media strategies to not only maintain their audience but to grow it. It is also crucial for personalities to establish their brand in social media. Luckily I became active in social media early on so I was ahead of the curve by the time it really started taking off. Before, people view social media as a game but now social media has the power to create celebrities and hurt them so it is not a platform to be taken lightly.

What was your very first job entering into the media world? How beneficial was it compared to where you are now?

I started in local radio news and television sports. I think the most beneficial thing about both of those jobs is that they taught me what it was that I didn't want to do long term. While I appreciate news, it was not something I wanted to do full time and television wasn't a good fit for me. Realizing that early allowed me to get on "my" path at the beginning as opposed to the end of my career.

When did you first begin at Tom Joyner and what was your position? I've heard that it's difficult to move up in radio because most people enjoy their positions and would prefer to continue in their current role. What are your thoughts about that?
 

Well, I do think most people enjoy their positions and would prefer to continue in their position aka employed but that is not always the opinion of your boss or the company that you work for. And in media, most times when a job becomes available it is because someone got fired, resigns or is promoted. Positions are hardly ever "created" just for one person. So there is limited space and opportunity to break into this business and move up the ranks. You have to be persistent, be talented and have faith that even though things may not work out the way you want them to, they are working out for the best.

As Sr. Producer, what does your position entail?
 

My job is to take care of all things Joyner as it pertains to the on air radio show. There is a large team that works very hard to make sure that only the best content, guests and music is presented. I serve as the gate keeper to make sure it all comes together when the mic goes on. I am also the liason between Tom Joyner and the other departments of Reach Media - like sales, marketing, the Tom Joyner foundation and BlackAmericaWeb.com.

How has working for TJMS helped mold and fine-tune your skills as a producer?

This was my first position as a producer. I've always been the talent so this opportunity was a chance for me to expand my skill set and add to my value. Needless to say - when you start in one of the top positions as a producer - you fine tune your skills pretty quickly. Luckily I work with a team of very talented and experienced producers so they made the transition fairly seamless.

What's a typical day for you?
 

There is no typical day which is why I love my job so much. I certainly never get bored. There are certain things that have to be done daily to make sure the show is ready for the next day but what that show looks like is never the same as the day before.

What advice would you like to share with young people who desire to become a producer?
 

Be passionate about the product that you are producing, be passionate about the messages that you are communicating and realize that even though you may not be in front of the camera or behind the mic - you are just as responsible for what goes out over the airways - some times even more so - and to take pride in that. Always be willing to learn from others in the business and never be scared to take a well researched chance on doing something different.

And of course, what was your "breakthrough" moment/experience?
 

I think my life has been a series of "breakthrough" moments - sometimes on a daily or weekly basis. I am so open to messages from others about how to better myself that I am constantly receiving, growing and living in my purpose. But my initial breakthrough moment was the first time I sat behind a mic and felt the power of communication.

If you would like to connect with Nikki, follow her on Twitter @nikkiwoods

Be GREAT today!

XO,

Key
@Fab_Key