Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackson Heaton.
Hi Jackson, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in radio at 19 doing college baseball play-by-play. I had walked into a small-town radio station and told the owner I wanted to be a sports broadcaster. I categorized music for four weeks until he came into the studio and said they needed someone for that season. This was my shot! The dream was coming true! Well, guess what… nobody taught me HOW to be on the radio. Knowing about sports and doing play-by-play were two different things. I ducked the first half of that season. However, I finished strong and got a job in Athens doing high school football play-by-play and UGA football/basketball call-in reporting. It was a dream job for a college student. Saturdays were spent tailgating with friends (a couple beers included) and then reporting on the game. My boss at the time would be pissed if he knew that haha. After three years of that, I moved to Atlanta, and after finishing college at Georgia State, I got an internship with Cumulus Media. After a lot of hard work, I got overnights in Rock 100.5 and eventually the night’s show (7 pm-12 am). I became Atlanta’s Rock Ambassador through my support of the local rock scene here in Atlanta. Homebrew forever! This was a segment I had on my show where I played a local band’s best song every night of the week at 8:30. It was so fun, and I have very fond memories of that time. After Rock 100.5 was taken off the air, I came to work with 97.1 The River. This station has such a powerhouse of talent, and I feel honored to be on the air here. Right now, I’m enjoying the ride and moving up the ranks here at The River. I do two regular weekend shows and fill in during the week.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. This can be a brutal business and definitely isn’t for the weak-hearted. After Rock 100.5 went off the air, I definitely went through an identity crisis. I had built my show there for over 4 years and then after it was taken away, you just kind of feel lost. Luckily, I have an extremely supportive wife. After a few months, I got the call about 97.1 The River. I had thought my Atlanta radio career was over, but better things were just around the corner. The culture at 97.1 The River and Cox Media is next level. Amazingly talented people that respect each other. Radio is a very vulnerable job. You are putting yourself out there on a daily basis. You’re speaking to people, and you can’t see their reaction. They may be saying the whole time that “this guy sucks.” But you can’t think about that. You just have to believe in yourself, have the right amount of ego, and execute your show.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am best known as “Atlanta’s Rock Ambassador” due to my support of the Atlanta Rock scene. I spent years emceeing local concerts and having local bands on my radio show for the “Home Brew” segment. Funny enough, I get more recognition for being on 97.1 The River than I did on my last station. 97.1 is a ratings powerhouse and covers much more area. Very loyal listeners.
I also own Speak 2 Me, a public speaking consulting business. We work with individuals or groups on presentation skills and structure. We also offer speech writing development. This has been one of my favorite endeavors to date.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Nothing is more important than family. I have the most amazing wife and two beautiful children. A job will replace you instantly. Family is forever. Professionally, never stop learning. It’s easy to feel like “you’re good enough.” Also, be careful what you share with others. Your personal goals are for you and only people you 1000% trust.
Pricing:
- Individuals – $100/hr
- Groups – $250/hr
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Redeyerocker
Image Credits
Christine Harper Photography
