-
10 Questions with ... Jacquie Chakirelis
August 15, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Jacquie ChakirelisTITLE:Co-hostSHOW:Family Matters RadioSTATION(S): WFHM-FM and WHK-AM/Cleveland, WTOD-AM/Toledo, WIIN-AM/Ridgeland, MSMARKET:NationalBORN:Cleveland, OhioRAISED:Parma, Ohio
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Co-created Family Matters Radio ten years ago with Caroline Kruse (winner of three Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards and one Achievement in Radio Award). Director of Marketing and Communications for the March of Dimes. On-air talent/producer for Television Homefinders Guide (Syracuse, New York). On-air talent for WCPZ 102.7FM/Sandusky. Assistant in production and promotions at WMJI 105.7FM/Cleveland.
1. What got you into radio the first time? Why radio?
My intention was to work in television, but I had the opportunity to work at WMJI in Cleveland in the mid-eighties with a few very talented people who showed me how powerful audio can be. Even after working in television for a few years, I felt that radio connected with its audience on a level that no other communication vehicle could touch.
2. What are you passionate about?
Proving that talk radio does not need to be and should not be limited to any single format/style. I understand why conservative talk skewed to men 35 plus has had success, but that doesn't translate into a single formula for results. That paradigm would mean that because country music formats are hugely successful, stations not playing country music will fail.
Our program is about connecting listeners with informative and entertaining conversations focused on issues we all deal with and think about- women and men. For us, it's all about delivering content that is relevant, compelling and marketable.
3. Thinking back on recent topics, what was the most interesting topic or interview you've covered, especially among those other shows don't address?
Recently, we talked with Reeve Lindberg, daughter of Charles Lindberg, about her mother Anne Morrow Lindberg. Her candor about her father's less than ideal lifestyle, and how her mother not only coped but thrived was so illuminating.
I also loved talking with Olympic gold-medalist Dominique Dawes about her struggle with low self esteem. As a parent of twin daughters, I know that many parents like me are really concerned about the images our daughters are bombarded with every day. Dominique was honest about these pressures and offered a compelling argument on why we need to reverse this trend.
The Today Show's Mike Leonard is hysterical. He is living proof that the stuff that happens in everyday life can be entertaining.
4. What's the best thing about working with your on-air partner?
Caroline Kruse has been my close friend for over twenty-five years. When we are in the studio, we don't have to fake chemistry- it's intuitive to our friendship. To bring that friendship to our listeners and include them is the best part of my job.
5. What are the best- and most difficult- things about being a mom?
I've been a mom for 24 years- I'm still trying to answer that question. Seriously, there really isn't a best- just great moments. Like the first smile you see on your child's face and every one that occurs after that one. The most difficult part is knowing that your son or daughter is experiencing emotional pain. It's heart-wrenching.
6. Who are your mentors, your inspirations, the people you've learned the most from?
Danno Wolkoff and Corny Koehl have both been instrumental in helping us shape and grow our program.
On a personal level, my mother has and still is my biggest inspiration. She was divorced back in the early sixties when it was considered unacceptable. Despite all the financial challenges and lack of support, she forged a normal life for me. Being a single mother is so difficult on so many levels, yet they are demonized even today. She instilled in me to keep a positive attitude and to live in the moment.
7. Of what are you most proud?
Keeping the program on the air for ten years despite challenges that would make any sane person give up.
8. What do you do for fun?
Fun... what's that?
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.
....sugar baked in something. Both sides of my family are Eastern-European. They taught me about the importance of hard work, giving back to the community and always, always, always have bakery with your coffee.!
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
The best- keep knocking on those doors and one will pop open.
The worst- A program director, who shall remain nameless, told me that if we change our program to a male-bash fest, we'd be a huge hit. Thanks, but I happen to like men.
-
-