Trailblazers Archives
    Sheroes Archives
    Rocks Archives

Executives To Watch


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!

 



About Us | Features | Membership | Programs & Services | Events | Contact