JIM BELL
Chief Instructor



Office hours:
MON., TUES & WEDS 1:30PM-10:30PM
THURS and FRI 8:30AM-5:30PM.

Brief job description: My job title is that of Chief Instructor. I am responsible for the training of new instructors and the checking of lesson plans for proper structure.

Classes you teach: I teach 4th marking period station training. I approve final news/DJ demo discs, make out station schedules, monitor each student's progress while on air and grade re-written A.P. copy stories.

Education: I have a B.S. in sociology from Western Kentucky University, located in Bowling Green Kentucky.

Past experience: Attended and graduated from Specs Howard School in 1979. First job was at WCAR radio in Garden City. I started as a board operator and worked my way into doing commercials and on-air work. In 1980 I became a lab assistant at Specs. Three months later I was an instructor. I have worked at Specs for 23 years.

Current contributions outside Specs: While working at Specs, I have worked part time for WTWR tower 98 in Monroe in 1983 for about 6 months. After Tower 98 I joined Z-95.5, WKQI as a jock the same year. I worked at Z-95.5 weekends for 9 years. During my time at the station it went from top 40 as Z-95.5 to Adult Contemporary Q-95 FM. At Z-95.5 I was Jammin' Jim Bell. Whenever possible I do voiceover work.

Pictured here in 1981, Jim Bell has been a full-time instructor at Specs for 23 years.

What are people surprised to learn about you? People would be surprised that I macramé and love the Discovery, Science, A&E and TLC channels.

What do you watch when you turn on the TV? I watch the above on TV. I've got a thirst for knowledge.

How far should someone go to get a story?: When covering a story make sure you're right. Don't be the first. Be correct.

Do you watch reality TV? I do not watch reality TV.

Favorite TV commercial: The Bud commercial with Mr. Too-Much-Cologne-Wearer. Here a splash, there a splash, is my favorite.

If you could interview anyone, who would it be? I want to interview Chaka Kahn.

What do you consider your most important role at the school? My role is one of a guide to students and to show by example what the media business is about.

How do you stay on top of trends in the industry? I keep on top of the radio industry by monitoring radio stations of all kinds and reading trade magazines. Also by keeping in touch with my peers working in the business.

What do all successful grads seem to have in common? Successful grads work on their craft daily and set their own high standards. Also a passion for serving the public is necessary.

Why do you turn on the radio? I turn on the radio for news and when the mood hits me for music. I do not have a favorite station. All songs may stay. Too each their own.

Likes: I like to watch Pro football followed by college basketball. I love meat loaf and steak. I love to read science fiction.

Favorite Place: Favorite place is home with good friends or at a good friend's house.

Pets: I have two cats, Miss Kitty and Amber Egypt.

Favorite Writer: JR Tolkien

Favorite Director: George Lucas

Places traveled: Have traveled all around the south and New England.

Greatest accomplishment is raising three kids: Two boys and one girl

Best Book(s): Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which I have been reading since 1968, and the Dune book series by Frank Herbert and now his son.

One thing you'd like to learn: I want to learn to play the blues harmonica.