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10 Questions with ... Lauren Crocker
July 9, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WKTU (103.5)/New York City - Production Intern for the mid-day show with Wendy Wild, and the Cubby and Cindy Morning show. (Fall 2010 To Spring 2011)
- WBBO (B985)/Monmouth-Ocean, NJ - Part-time on air Personality/Weekends
- (Spring 2011 To Winter 2012)
- WFAS (103.9)/Westchester, NY - Co-host on the Jay Michaels Morning Show.
- (March 2012 To Present).
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
Since I can remember, music and the radio have been a part of my everyday life. I used to make my friends record radio shows for hours on end on my pink boom box as a child. I grew up in a theater family, and always knew that my path in life would involve entertaining and being in the public eye.
2) Who do you consider your radio mentors?
I had the opportunity to intern at 103.5 KTU and I was so inspired by all of talent at that station. Working closely with Wendy Wild, Paul Cubby Bryant, Cindy Vero and Bartel taught me so much about the art, preparation and passion being a radio personality. I feel so fortunate to work with Robby Bridges as my PD. He is truly someone who LOVES radio and that is so inspiring to be around every day! Two of my role models that I haven't worked with (yet) :) include Howard Stern, and Ryan Seacrest. I admire both of them and their radio and broadcasting careers.
3) What makes your market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
Our Market is unique because we are located minutes from New York City, the largest marketing the country. Yet we maintain a local suburban feel on our station. We are on the pulse of what's happening in NYC, but can connect with our listeners through local traffic and weather, and local news.
4) What is it about your show that you feel really makes it cut through?
Jay Michaels has been the "Prince of Westchester" for a long time and our listeners really love him. They think of him as part of the family. He lives here, works here, and has raised his family here, so he knows many of our listeners personally which adds such a unique feel to the show. Coming from Astoria, Queens and living a more city lifestyle, I hope to offer a younger, fresh female perspective to the show. We are able to talk hot topics from two totally different points of views which represents all ranges of our audience.
5) How are you using social media to market your radio station and your show?
I am a Twitter/Facebook/Intsagram/social media Junkie! We have Twitter and Facebook accounts for the station as well as our personalities. We all work to keep our pages current on what we're talking about that day, or any big happenings in entertainment!
6) What do you like best about working in the Hot/AC formats compared to other genres?
I enjoy many different types of music for different reasons. I love Hot AC because you can still be on the cutting edge of new music. But I can still enjoy listening to the familiar songs I grew up with!
7) How do you stay in tune with your audience?
We listen to feedback we get from our listeners through Facebook and Twitter, and we also review the E-mails they send to the station. We also we do a lot of live broadcasts and appearances, and that is a great way to stay in touch with our listeners. Our audience feels very comfortable talking with us just as they would their friends. they love to call in with suggestions for us... and some of them very entertaining! LOL!
8) How do you prep yourself for your radio shift?
I use the ABC and other morning show-prep provided to us. I also go on the gossip and entertainment websites the night before and the morning of the show. We get the local paper delivered to us every morning, and I actually find out a lot breaking news stories through Twitter!
As I said before, I'm on a lot!
9) What advice would you give people new to the business?
You must LOVE this business so much that you will do anything for it! Your hours can be crazy, the money might not be that great, and you will have to sacrifice in other aspects of your life to get where you want to be. If you are truly in love with what you do, none of these challenges will slow you down or keep you from succeeding.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?
The people in this business are really the best people I have ever worked with. Whether they have been in the radio business for a short time or for a lifetime, they are kind, supportive filled with such passion for music and broadcasting!! This is such a great community of people!
Bonus Questions
What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)
I had just started working my first on air job at B985 in Ocean County, NJ. I wanted to give my grandma a birthday shout out over the air. I knew my whole family was with her and they were listening, I was so nervous!
I started my break, I said "Happy Birthday," and I nailed it! Until I went to fire my next song and hit the wrong pot...fired commercials....tried to fix it...then fired the song. As you can imagine, it was a bad mash up of music and talking. My family said they didn't even notice (they were being nice). Best part, my PD happened to air checking that break, as you can imagine, I got a call.
Tell us what music we would find on your MP3 player right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
Right now, I can't stop listening to the soundtrack to the Movie, "Rock of Ages!" I just saw it last week and have been singing along to the songs ever since! Usually my iPhone is filled with everything from Top 40, Rock, some AC and Broadway musicals! I'm a Musical theater nerd :)
What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
I am very proud of all the work WFAS does throughout the Westchester community. I am especially attached to the work we do with Pets Alive Westchester. Helping to find the dogs, cats and other animals new homes is one of my favorite parts of this job.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
Best.. "Be yourself on the air"
Worst... "Don't worry about bringing your own headphones. The station will have some there."
Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I feel like I am learning every day. I am always trying to sharpen my on air performance, and working on my on air personality. I want to be more conversational and more myself, while still being tight and to the point on air.
What do you do in your spare time?
I hang with my bulldogs, Maui and Rosie. I go for long runs or workout, spend time with friends, eat, try to see as many Broadway shows as possible, and catch up on my DVR shows. I'm always on the lookout for a new restaurant or bar to check out and because I'm on a morning show and don't get much sleep...I take naps!
Who is your best friend in the business?
Hard question, I would have to say Wendy Wild, mid-day princess on 1035 ktu has not only been an awesome friend to me but a role model in the radio world and in life!
What is your favorite TV show?
I love anything "Real Housewives" or "Mob wives". Also, True Blood and Glee are up there too.
What is your favorite TV commercial?
Still the Darth Vader VW commercial! I love that little boy!!!
What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
A teacher.
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