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10 Questions with ... April Ruebke
May 14, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Radio is life! I love so much about this business. Getting to work with some of the most fun and creative minds on the planet! Sure, it can be a lot of work, but who else gets to work in an industry where irreverence is encouraged? This is the most fun job on the planet. In a lot of ways, I feel I'm addicted to it; I could never picture myself doing anything but radio in some form. I'm a lifer. There is nothing like the feeling of walking up to the microphone, even after 21 years. There are some moments in my career that when I think about them; I still get chills! This is the most amazing ride, and I am thankful for every single day of it
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
(From 1998 to now)
- WZZL/Paducah, KY, WMIX Mt. Vernon, IL
- The Breakfast Show, 92.7 VZA/South IL
- Middays, 97.7 The Bear/South IL
- Middays, Rock 105.1 TAO/South IL
- Wes and April in the Morning on 107.3 W3D/Marion-Carbondale IL
- The T-Bone Morning Show, TJ Media Metro/East Illinois
- Middays, Real Rock 99.3/Cape Girardeau, MO
- Middays, 106.5 The Arch/St. Louis
- Weekends/Fill-in, Now 96.3/Entercom-St. Louis, MO
- Middays, WCIL/Carbondale
- Magic Mornings with April on Magic 95.1
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: @radiogirl1, Instagram: @livinontheair, Twitter: @aprilonradio
Also off-site midday tracker, River Radio, and weekends/fill in Now 96.3/St. Louis. Midday tracker on Real Rock 99.3/Cape Girardeau, MO. Midday yracker WCIL/Marion-Carbondale IL. Weekends/fill-in at Now 96.3-KEZK-Y98/St. Louis
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
My first gig was a very short stint doing part-time news a million years ago at a small-market Country station, and as a road warrior driving to Kentucky to do weekends on a Rock station. That job only lasted about four months because I was offered a full-time position at a newly acquired Cumulus group in Illinois. That was my very first gig on mornings as part of the Breakfast Show on 92.7 VZA.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I was THAT kid. I was the kid that bothered the DJs. When I was at home, the radio was always on. I knew the request shows, called and bothered the DJs constantly, made pretend shows with cassettes at home! I was pretty much a radio geek from birth.
3) How does social media augment what you're doing in multiple markets?
Social has become so much of an extension of our shows; it is a fantastic resource to not only share what is trending, but to give listeners a glimpse into our world. It is a great resource for trackers looking to dive into local flavor for their show and interact with listeners in multiple markets.
4) As noted, you're on multiple formats, including Top 40. What is the most challenging part of your operation?
At my age the biggest challenge is remembering which station I am on! I thought returning to Top 40 after several years on other formats would be difficult, but I am loving it! Balancing personal life can be a challenge as well.
5) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
I have always wanted to interview Tim Curry, Trent Reznor and David Lynch.
6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Q106.5 in St. Louis. I want to apologize to anyone who was on that station during that time because I probably bothered you a million times. Ended up doing a seven-year run on the same frequency and market so many years later! It is just one of so many of my radio dreams come true! (FYI, getting to do 10 Questions is one of them as well.)
7) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
Radio is life! I love so much about this business. Getting to work with some of the most fun and creative minds on the planet! Sure, it can be a lot of work, but who else gets to work in an industry where irreverence is encouraged? This is the most fun job on the planet. In a lot of ways, I feel I'm addicted to it; I could never picture myself doing anything but radio in some form. I'm a lifer. There is nothing like the feeling of walking up to the microphone, even after 21 years. There are some moments in my career that when I think about them; I still get chills! This is the most amazing ride, and I am thankful for every single day of it.
8) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Trends go in cycles and true personalities can transcend trends. Oh, and everyone you ever met will hit you up for concert tickets.
9) What advice would you give people new to the business?
Don't ever let negativity dictate and never burn bridges! Keep pushing to become the best talent you can be and aircheck, aircheck, aircheck! Also, food coupons are your best friend.
10) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
This is tough because there are so many. My mentors include Steve Land, one of the best radio News Directors I have ever worked with. In programming, it was Matt Mellen, Perry Stone, and Paxton Guy during my formative years. Kirby Ray is an inspiration on the Active Rock side; I have learned so much from him! I went after a job several years ago just so I could specifically work with Kevin Robinson; he is one of the best programmers in the business! I never really had a chance to work with Marty Linck but I would love to; he is an amazing programmer and talent coach and I am a huge fan of his work.
However, when it comes to who has influenced my career the most, it would be Charlie Quinn. Charlie was the first major-market PD to really believe in me. I never realized what could actually happen when someone believed in what you were doing and put an effort into really sharpening your game. Transformation! He significantly re-shaped the talent that I was into the talent that I am now. I wish I would have had the opportunity to work with him longer.
Bonus Questions
What is your all-time favorite radio station? All-time favorite jock?
Q101 with an honorable mention to 105.7 The Point. I would never be able to pick just one, but maybe two: Tim Virgin and Liz Wilde. I am still pretty starstruck that they accepted my friend requests.
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