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10 Questions with ... Shyler Brianne Kraus
February 25, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I joined the Y Morning Show with Chris Shyler and TAT in January 2017 and helped out as an on air personality with remotes and a few programming responsibilities. I often and loudly hinted at wanting to make Y103 my full-time job and career and thanks to a few brave souls who believed in me, I made it happen! I will be celebrating my first full year as Neuhoff Media’s first female program director later this month. .
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
My first stint in radio was kind of a disaster! I tried my hand at Radio Sales and very quickly learned it was not for me. Although, it gave me a genuine appreciation for our incredible sales staff-I literally couldn’t do what they do!
2. What led you to a career in radio?
Honestly, Neuhoff Media as a company was what drew me in. Every person I had met from Neuhoff prior to my employment was friendly, engaging, and genuine and I wanted to be a part of it. I made friends with several employees and when a position opened up I was humbled to be recommended by them.
3. What’s your take on the “state of the union” at the format musically here in the early part of the year?
I definitely wish we had more variation in the Top 40 world. I love hearing new voices and different styles versus the same old same old. However, at the end of the day, the charts reflect what the listeners typically want and it’s my job to deliver that!
4. In addition to programming Y103, you also hold down the midday shift. How important is it for you to still be on the air?
Oh my goodness, I find it to be SO important! When the morning show ended, I was devastated. Partly because I feared that I may lose my job entirely and also because I finally felt like I found my calling. I absolutely adore being on air and having that interaction with my listeners.
5. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
Well, I was born and raised – homegrown if you will – here in Decatur. As I grew up there was always that negative connotation of staying in your hometown but I never felt it. In fact, when it was time for me to pick a college or university, I picked Decatur’s Millikin University; when my father got relocated for work and moved to sunny Florida, I picked Decatur; and when my husband and I took over a local business, we chose to deepen our roots in Decatur. I try to ensure that my station reflects how I feel about my community because Y103 has its own deep roots in the community. I try to talk about things that are going on around town, opportunities to volunteer and give back, as well as maintaining a physical presence through remotes and events that my listeners would enjoy.
6. Which social media platforms are you finding best to engage your listeners on these days?
Facebook is my largest platform with Instagram growing rapidly. I link all my social media platforms together so we have consistent reach on everything.
7. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
I think it would be that this industry is constantly changing and evolving and every day is new and exciting no matter what your routine is. It’s probably the aspect of this career that I appreciate the most, it’s never boring, it’s constantly challenging me to push my creativity and making me think outside the box.
8. What advice would you give people new to the business?
Do NOT be afraid. Things get intimidating no matter if you’re a seasoned vet or a newbie! Dive on in and learn and experience new things and appreciate each new challenge (you feel like an absolute rock star once you master it!)
9. What was your favorite station when you were a kid? Jock?
Being lucky enough to remain local, I’ve always listened to my station: Y103! However, our sister station 95Q playing a great blend of new hit country and country classics was always on my presets!
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Not to sound too cliché but my coworkers here at Neuhoff Media/Decatur truly have been the best team for me to be a part of. I’m always being encouraged and challenged. Of course, my former PD here at the station who really held my hand through my first couple of years, Chris Ryan, deserves a ton of credit for his wisdom, eagerness to help, and absolute dedication to the station.
Bonus Questions
Decatur has a cool, historic downtown area—where would you take someone visiting town for the first time?
What a great question! I actually live downtown so a walk from my place through Central Park, Merchant Street, and of course, by the station would be a must! However, I also love our West End where Millikin University is, the architecture and history are so rich.
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