Julie Cooke brings 20 plus years of local broadcast experience to Grace Media Group. Julie took time to visit with WNWS.COM for a question and answer session.

Question: First a little background information – where are you originally from, family and education?

Answer: I am from Alamo, Tennessee, the oldest of three sisters. I took voice lessons starting in fourth grade through college in the Joe Kincaid Voice Studio which many of my activities centered around growing up along with Girl Scouts, church youth groups, and enjoying city life with my grandparents when we traveled to Memphis, Nashville or other large places.

I attended The University of Memphis as a Journalism and Communications Major. As a student I had the opportunity to intern at WMC FM-100 and AM 79, and was hired as a traffic and news reporter, and later news anchor for both stations.

I loved interviewing and covering stories, everything from hostage situations to board meetings, to elections, memorial services, major fires, etcetera.

Keep in mind there were no cell phones at this time – just hand held radios.

Question: You are well known in the radio industry. Would you tell us how you became interested in radio and tell us about the stops you have made in your career?

Answer: I became interested in radio at the campus station at what was then Memphis State University. There were stops on campus by well known speakers and celebrities.

My first news story to cover was was a visit by then Vice-Presidential candidate Walter Mondale. I had no idea I was supposed to edit the tape for short sound bites so I turned in the whole 20 minutes.

I was devastated when the News Director called and asked me why I didn’t work up the story and he was upset because he couldn’t run it in the news that morning.

I had no idea what to do and he had no idea that I had no idea. We laughed later. But not that day.

I have also worked at WLAC in Nashville, WWYN 106.9, Star 107.7 and Froggy 104 in Jackson.

Question: At the stations where you have worked what has been the format and which – music or talk – do you enjoy the most?

Answer: I have worked in Rock, Classic Rock, Pop, Country and Classic Country and I still think Country listeners are still my favorite. As many interviews as I have done over the years this is my first venture into talk radio.

Question: You’ve spent about half of your broadcast career in Jackson. What makes this city so appealing to you?

Answer: It has been such a joy to watch Jackson evolve over the years and the potential for growth and the improvement in the quality of life is at an all time high right now because of the vision of our local leaders.

Jackson has many members of the community with deep roots here as well as those who have chosen to move here which makes for an interesting contrast.

Jackson serves as a business and entertainment hub for the surrounding communities and efforts are continuing to step up that effort all the time. We can also be proud of our arts community and our dedication to non profit organizations.

Question: What do you consider your greatest assets to be and what will be your role with Grace Media Group?

Answer: I have always loved interviewing and within this format will have time to elaborate on a variety of topics that I hope will have a positive impact on listeners.

(PHOTO: Julie Cooke)