These latter two both do production but not as their main task. There’s one full-time continuity director, and one full-time continuity/production backup person. Jim: We have 3 full-time producers, including me. JV: How many people helping you with all those stations? And these are six powerhouse stations - they’re not like ugly houses that they came into buy - we are blowing and going almost 24/7. The last time we talked, we had five stations, and now we have six. About seven years ago, we were purchased by Emmis Broadcasting. JV: You had an ownership change since our last chat. Check out this month’s RAP CD for a sample of the excellent work his crew is churning out at the stations, and check out his website at for more on Il Poggio Secco. Jim tells us what’s new at Emmis Austin, how he’s managed to grow his VO business, and what it has taken to bring his dream to fruition. An in his spare time, Jim has managed to cut his niche in the national voice-over business. This is a simple story of vision and hard work, even while maintaining a demanding full-time job, which he still holds as Creative Services Director at Emmis Broadcasting’s Austin properties. This month’s RAP Interview checks in on this dream, which is in the final stages of completion – a fabulous home he calls, Il Poggio Secco, Italian for “the dry hill.” Keeping with the Italian theme, the house features a tile roof, picturesque views from the windows overlooking the Texas Hill Country and the Pedernales River, ornate décor throughout, and of course, his soon-to-be dream studio. In fact, he had just purchased 11 acres near Willie Nelson’s home outside of Austin, Texas. How many times have you said, “One of these days… I’m going to buy me a piece of land outside of town and build my dream home, with my dream studio”? That’s what Jim Kipping said some 9 years ago when we last interviewed him in May of 1999. Jim Kipping, Creative Services Director, Emmis Broadcasting, Austin, TX

Jerry petermann the power hour