Jewel Carter
WEAS Music Director
Jewel… don't let the fresh new face fool you! Jewel
Carter began her broadcast career in 1985, with a position
at college radio station WUEV in Evansville, Indiana. After
graduation, empowered with a Bachelors Degree in theatre and
an Associates Degree in communications (including studies
in radio, television, and film), Jewel set her career sights
on Los Angeles. With tape and resume in hand, coupled with
a confident spirit, Jewel Carter landed a sales position at
CBS Radio Representatives in Los Angeles. "Why take a
layover in Iowa, when I can go directly to LA nonstop?"
was her response to being told that she needed to start her
career in a small market.
During her four-year stint with CBS, Jewel
quickly moved up the ladder from the rep office and into the
radio station. She held positions as Programming/Promotions
Assistant, Producer/Public Affairs Director and interim News
and Promotion Director at CBS's KNX (AOR) and KODJ (Oldies).
Jewel took a brief hiatus from radio, moved
to Seattle and started a family. She later took a position
as an Account Executive with a weekend air shift at KKFX-AM.
This was her first real taste of Urban radio and it was just
enough to convince Jewel that she was home. By the time the
station was sold two years later, she had become the Assistant
Program Director.
After three years in Seattle, Jewel returned
to where it all began, Evansville. She was offered the position
of Promotion Director for South Central Communications, which
included the market's leading Adult Contemporary station,
WIKY. Within a year, Jewel moved from Promotion Director to
overnights, to a midday spot that was specifically tailored
for her at WIKY's sister station, Oldies WJPS.
By December 1997, Jewel was presented with
a golden opportunity, Music Director at America's heritage
urban station, WEAS in Savannah, GA. Little did Jewel know
her door of opportunity was beginning to expand. Shortly after
relocating her family to Savannah, it was announced that WEAS
would be sold to Cumulus Broadcasting. This sent the Program
Director across town, and Jewel was the obvious choice to
program the station during the transition. "Let's see,
quipped Jewel, Program Director, Music Director, a little
Promotions and a mid-day air shift… I can do that!! I
always knew the multiple personalities I had would come in
handy."
For some, overcoming the challenges of new
ownership could be a daunting experience. However, for this
young programmer, it's just another window of opportunity.
Jewel cites "very early conditioning to R&B"
as the reason for her yearning to succeed in the entertainment
industry. Jewel's father is Johnnie Carter, tenor with the
world-renowned Dells and former member of the Flamingos. She
grew up with the likes of Jerry Butler and Jackie Wilson literally
hanging out in her living room.
Her short-term goals include developing
a creative and informative show for syndication. Putting her
natural ability to good use to motivate those around her.
Jewel hopes to someday own a talent agency representing artists
in radio, television, and film. As Jewel continues down her
road of success, expect great things from this creative, talented,
"get the job done" new programmer!
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