Jim Berry Interview

The first memories I have of Jim Berry is listening to him in Colorado Springs at 92.9 KSPZ radio. This station played oldies music from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s music, which is my favorite kind of music. This kind of music has a lot of songs that I enjoy listening to. I used to get up on school mornings at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and listen to KSPZ radio,Jim Berry and his partner Tammy Oakland. Their morning show was fun to listen to and it had some good sense of humor. I remember one show on a Friday when we had a snow delay and they had Mike Boyle with a restaurant tip. This was good for the listener because if you were looking for a restaurant to go to over the weekend, then that tip might give just help.After KSPZ, Jim Berry moved to Kool 105 radio and he is also the program director of Kool 105.Jim Berry’s show can be heard from 3-7 p.m. on week days.Here is my interview with Jim.Jeremy Levy: I first started listening to you on KSPZ back in 2005 or 2006, but is this how you got your start in Colorado and where did you get your start?Jim Berry: I grew up in Trinidad, Colorado. I started radio there back in 1985. From there I went to Canyon City, Colorado. From there I went to Colorado Springs. From there I went to Fort Collins Colorado. I did sports there for the first time. I moved to Nebraska which was my first programming job. Then I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Then I became operations manager in Alcon, Nevada. Then I went back to Colorado Springs and became the program director and the morning guy there. Then I became the general manager. Then I went to Salida, Colorado at a radio station there. Then I went back to the Springs and got sick with cancer so I needed to recover from that. Then that’s how I ended up at Kool 105 as the program director and afternoon host.Jl: What memories do you have of working in Colorado Springs radio or Denver radio?JB: In Colorado Springs radio I took the station to number one in the ratings book. I did some wonderful promotions down there. The Charity things I remember the most.There was one time I ate some jello for charity. I broadcast from a roof one day. I putted a golf ball through town to raise money. Another thing that was fun was giving away prizes, for example, trips for the listener. When 911 happened, the whole group of radio stations pitched in to help to raise money.JL:What would be your advice for someone wanting to get into Colorado radio?JB: A lot of people wanting to get into radio think that they are going to start in an on air position and that’s not going to happen right away. You need to start in a small market and then work your way up. You need to do this so someone can give you a chance. You also need to hone your craft. Denver is where I always wanted to work. Denver is my New York.I really appreciated Jim Berry sharing the time with me. I enjoy listening to Jim Berry on Kool 105 radio. He and I knew some of the same people from Colorado Springs. I always appreciate his quick responses to questions I have at the station. Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy