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10 Questions with ... Loren Petisce
May 12, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
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I'm a 2004 CSB grad. I got my first shot at being on air at a small station in Westerly, RI. That same year, I picked up a gig reporting traffic in Providence, RI for Metro Traffic. I was there for four years and it was a great stepping stone to getting on-air at some of the great stations in Providence. I did weekends at WCTK in 2007, and then weekends at WPRO-FM in 2008. It was always a dream of mine to work at 92 PRO-FM! In 2008, I got a call from the GM at WCTK that they had an opening in morning drive. I went for it and got it! I spent five years at WCTK, first doing mornings, then hosting middays. I left 'CTK in 2013 when the chance to co-host mornings at WFHN came up. I'd always loved that station and wanted to get back into doing mornings. I went for it, and here I am now in 2015, co-hosting mornings at FUN 107!
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
My first gig was working at a 100-watt radio station in Westerly, RI. I had just graduated from Connecticut School of Broadcasting, and station owner Chris DiPaola was looking for someone to do afternoon drive on one of his stations, the now defunct '96.9 The Party.' I went in for the interview and was hired on the spot. I was absolutely terrified of being on the radio the following day, but I did it and here I am 11 years later!
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I always wanted to be on the radio, ever since I was a little kid. I remember all the girls at school wanted to be 'teachers' and 'nurses' and I always thought there was something wrong with me because I was the only one who wanted to be on the radio! I went to college for it right out of high school and dropped out because it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. Then I found CSB, and I was off and running!
3) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
I love how much of a family we are at FUN 107. When I first got hired, I was welcomed with open arms by everyone! I'd never had that happen before. I felt more welcomed there than I had ever felt in my whole life. It was a great feeling and I'm sorry if this is lame, but I love my FUN 107 family! Not every station is like that, and I am so grateful for mine because it is.
4) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
I am always looking for the 'local angle' when planning what we are going to talk about on the morning show. I do a lot of charity and volunteer events, just to get out there and meet the listeners and know what's going on with the people who listen to my radio station and live in my community; it's important!
5) What is your favorite part of the job?
My absolute favorite part of my job is having a positive impact on people's lives. We don't always realize how much we are a part of our listener's lives, sometimes until they tell us. When a listener calls up just to chat because they are lonely, or they tell me that they were able to take a loved one to a concert because of the tickets we gave them and it made a lasting memory ... It's things like that when I know that I've made a positive impact on someone's life. I made them smile ... there's nothing better than that.
6) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
Chris Brown. I am a closet huge Chris Brown fan.
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Jackson Blue, afternoons at Hot 96.9. I'm such a fangirl. I listen to him on my way home from work a lot. He's such a great jock. I listen to his show and do fist punches in the air and yell 'yes!' to myself in my car, because I'm so pleased with every break he does.
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I'm a Rhode Island girl, born and raised, and 92 PRO-FM was my station every day and night.
9) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Big John Bina. He's a legendary broadcaster and a great person and friend. He helped me so much, especially in the beginning of my career, to push me to where I am today.
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Never burn any bridges, no matter what. You never know who you'll be working for or with, in the future. Always be professional and leave a gig on good terms. (This applies in radio as well as any career field.)
Bonus Questions
What's the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?
One time, I was filling in on a morning show by myself while they were on location, and I was nervous for whatever reason. I was trying to say that we were giving away 'pit passes' and somehow I ended up saying the word 'piss.' I wanted to die. I also was afraid of getting in trouble, so I just told on myself to my PD as soon as he came in that day and he laughed.
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