EJ Greig is the PD at “93 WBLX The Big Station” in Mobile. His Market Manager, Angel Brown, tells Radio Ink EJ has transformed the sound of WBLX. “One of his greatest accomplishments is creating a culture with his team of inclusion. We all know, as leaders, difficulties come from leading veteran teams. His veterans, some who have been with WBLX for 20 years, have come to realize that EJ is a leader of vision, integrity, passion, and drive. Those reasons are why his veteran team follows him.” EJ is one of Radio Ink‘s Future African American Leaders in Radio, and is featured in our March 6 issue. He tells Radio Ink that he started working in radio at the age of 14 and says the business is in his blood and it’s his calling. Let’s find out why.
Radio Ink: How long have you been in the business, and why did you decide on radio as your career?
EJ Greig: The business is in my blood, as I am the son of a former TV news anchor and reporter. I grew up playing and exploring behind the scenes in TV newsrooms as my mother anchored the news. My first radio job was an unplanned and spontaneous gift. A major influence in my life was my grandfather, a minister, who had a weekly religious radio broadcast. I accompanied him to a broadcast one day, and the board operator never showed up. I figured out how to work the board and had him on the air and up and running in a few minutes. They hired me on the spot. My grandfather took me to get a work permit so I could take the job at age 14.
Radio Ink: What makes you passionate about the radio industry?
EJ Greig: It’s my calling. I have made a better living in a couple of different fields, but I did not enjoy them. I was a sales trainer, and I did well. It is simply the best job I’ve ever had! Even on my worst day! I was in between radio jobs once, and I was so frustrated that I joined the Navy. After a year I finagled my way to be assigned to shore duty in Norfolk, VA, so I could work part-time at WOWI. I had not even been offered a job there, by the way. I worked part-time for them during the rest of my Navy commitment, and then became full-time. Shout out to Eric Mychal’s for giving me my first full-time radio gig.
Radio Ink: What are your goals, both personally and to make the industry better?
EJ Greig: Personally: I am growing and learning more every day. My goal is to continue that growth. I would like to make it back to Atlanta in some capacity, as it is home. If not Atlanta, I’d like to get to Tinsel Town. LA has always been a dream market for me. OM is the next move, but I am just enjoying my work, and preparing for whatever God has for me next. I have been ridiculously blessed. Industry: I just want to be productive, and have a positive, significant influence on the bottom line wherever I am. I hope to be at the pinnacle stage of leadership development, while delivering a great product to the audience, and our users. At the same time I want to help grow new talent, the way people helped me. Shout out Steve Hegwood and John Mason for giving me my start in Detroit.
Radio Ink: Why do you think you’ve been successful to this point in your career?
EJ Greig: The grace of God! Good mentors, and people who believed in me, such as the late Steve Harris, Tony Gray, John Lewis, Jeff Wilson, and my current MM, Angel Brown. Ken Johnson and Maurice Devoe have been great mentors, and teachers as well. I have been blessed with some great team members. I preach teamwork. Currently we have here in Mobile a great cast of folks that love this business. My Promotions and Marketing Director, Amberly Harris, is young and very creative. Your team can make or break you. I have benefited from being around great examples and role models.
I wanted this badly — more than anyone else I know. I worked part-time for 3 years, 7 days a week in Atlanta. I picked my duty assignments in the Navy to be able to do radio on the weekends. I moved to Chicago with no contract for a job, and the PD got fired the day I arrived. I stuck it out doing overnight weekends for almost a year. I sacrificed. I never gave up. I live this.
Radio Ink: What advice would you give to someone just getting started in the business?
EJ Greig: Work hard, listen, and follow directions from people who are in the position you’re striving for. Do everything that is asked of you that is within your ability. Including sweeping a few floors.
Newcomers who want to stand out from the crowd must become enterprising, information sponges. Have your heart in your business, and the business in your heart. Don’t take no for an answer. Never give up, but learn from your mistakes.
Stay humble!
Reach out to EJ to congratulate him on being a great force for radio [email protected]
