Behind The Headlines: Q&A with WRJN News Director Stuart J. Wattles
Dakota Lavota
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What inspired you to pursue a career in radio? A few things likely lead me to where I am today, including a father with a police scanner, an interest in newspapers as a youth, and the discovery that I could say, “SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY”, like the guy on the radio for Great Lakes Dragway.
What does a typical day look like for you as a News Director? No two days are the same, but it’s pretty much a constant effort all-day. Wake up at around 4:30a, go through emails, make some calls, search through social media, write some copy,, then on-duty from the WRJN Radio Park Newsroom.
How was your job at 95 WIIL ROCK different from WRJN and what made you want to come work at WRJN? My previous life in radio consisted of managing a promotions department, hosting on-air 7 to midnight, dabbling in news, and implementing a video production system. The transition has allowed for more of a focus and a greater connection to the community. I was born and raised in Kenosha, but when my parents first came to Wisconsin, they met in Racine. My mom taught at Giese Elementary prior to my arrival. The opportunity at WRJN presented a way to both continue an historic news operation and provide better for my family.
What are some of your most memorable moments of your career in radio? Several memorable moments… I got ‘choked out’ by Mongo McMichael, plugged in wires for a Jim Petrick performance, met Bill Curtis, was able to host a classic country show on a station in Kenosha at the time, and many other experiences that should be better remembered! I think the best so-far is ongoing. Being able to say I’m part of a 98 year broadcasting tradition, mentioned in the same breath as Paul Harvey, Don Rosen, Tom Karkow and Janet Hoff, and Gary Suhr, will perhaps be the most lasting memory.
What are some of your favorite bands/artists to listen to? I like lots of stuff. Currently in-queue; Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Wu-Tang Clan, Andrew Sisters, Alabama, George Strait, Cake, Rancid, Glen Campbell, and Van Halen.
What are some of your Hobbies/Interests outside of work? I got 3 young kids and a puppy. There’s not much time for my interests, however I do genuinely like playing with the lot of them. I’ll occasionally play Super Mario 3 on the kid’s Switch to impress them, and I’ll watch the non-sense in the squared circle every once in a while. I’ve always found a strong parallel between professional wrestling and politics.
