-
Jenny Valliere
May 31, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
Jenny Valliere is currently the Music Director and Afternoon Personality for WTMX (101.9 The Mix)/Chicago. She was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After battling the effects of parental substance abuse, she moved in with her grandparents who raised her throughout her teenage years. Jenny was a 2013 graduate of Mount Mercy University with a double major in Communications and Public Relations, and minor in Spanish. Having experienced an adverse childhood, Jenny is passionate about helping at-risk youth. She’s an advocate for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, where she was a volunteer mentor for 5 years. Jenny is newly married and lives in downtown Chicago with her husband, Aaron, and 6 lb. miniature pinscher named Bebe.
Jenny was introduced to radio in college. “While studying Communications at Mount Mercy University, I started a summer internship with KZIA (Z102.9) in May of 2011,” she says. “During that internship I developed a passion for radio. After being hired on part-time and covering weekend overnights/holiday on-air shifts, there was an opening for a full-time overnight DJ in May of 2013. After landing the position, I started working my first overnight shift on the night of my college graduation. After 15 months of the graveyard shift, and a lot of gas station cappuccinos, I was promoted to afternoons.”
“Eventually, I worked my way to become Assistant Program Director and Music Director in June of 2018,” says Valliere. “In January of 2020, I was promoted to Program Director of Z102.9. Then, in May of 2021 I was presented with an opportunity to become the Music Director and Midday Host for The Mix in Chicago. Just last month (April 2022) I moved to afternoons to co-host The Afternoon Mix w/ McCabe & Jenny, in addition to my MD role. “
“Right now, I don’t have any side hustles, but for a few years I was an on-field host for a MILB team, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, as well as the game host for a USHL hockey team, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. I also co-hosted a podcast called “Miss Independents,” and interviewed self-made women about their journeys in all types of career fields to help inspire other career-driven women,” says Valliere.
“So far, my most exciting accomplishment was definitely the jump from Cedar Rapids to Chicago,” Valliere adds. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ‘not’ think I would have to market hop to make it to a market like Chicago. However, I think my biggest accomplishment was becoming Program Director for Z102.9. To be a female in programming meant the world to me, because for the longest time this has been a male-dominated industry. It’s time for more women to be in leadership roles, and I’ve been so grateful to have worked for two female CEOs: Julie Hein of KZIA, Inc. and Ginny Morris of Hubbard Radio, LLC.” While Jenny feels she’s been extremely fortunate to have experienced such fast-paced career growth, she’s also had her share of challenges. “Being undermined because of my age or previous experience was a big one,” she says. “I think often work ethic and dedication are more powerful than years of experience. I had to manage veteran radio personalities who had been in the business much longer than I had. I felt like I had to prove to them that I was qualified for my position. I handled those situations by being transparent in my decisions and worked to earn their respect. I wanted them to know that their voices were always heard, because at the end of the day a programmer is nothing without his or her team.”
“Although I know this industry is forever changing, it’s been eye opening to see dayparts slowly turn into tracked/syndicated shows,” explains Valliere, when asked what has changed most about the industry in the last few years. “There’s so much value in having live personalities who are living in the same communities as their listeners,” she says. “I have so much appreciation for working live overnights because those are the shifts you can really grow as a personality. You’re more consistent when you get to work on your craft every night compared to only working on weekends. It’s also a challenge trying to find new, motivated talent who are willing to put in the work.”
Jenny is extremely wise at such a young age and offers great advice for women who want to get into the industry. “Remember your WHY! There will be many times in this career field that you will want to give up,” she says. “Think back to that one moment or story that reminds you of why you got started. Other women need to see women like you succeed for them to believe they can do the same. Hard work always pays off, so stick with it!”
Over the years Jenny has been fortunate enough to work with and learn from some of the best in the business. “While I was in programming, I had the privilege of working alongside Chris Jackson, Vice President of Programming at KZIA, Inc. He was instrumental in my journey to becoming a programmer,” she says. “He helped me realize that I had the skills to run a radio station someday and he never let my age deter me from making it happen. I have so many stories, but I think my favorite quote of his was, ‘stop making me look bad.’
“One of the most fun people I’ve had the pleasure of working with, surprisingly I have only been working with for a month, and that is my new co-host Casey McCabe,” Valiiere adds. “We had an instant connection upon meeting, and I already feel like he’s a brother. I have never laughed so much working with someone. I also have to give a shout out to my current boss and VP of Brand and Content for WTMX 101.9 The Mix, Jimmy Steal. I admire his passion for coaching talent as it’s the same passion I had while being a Program Director. He knows what my favorite story of him is, but all I’ll say is that he has some tough interview questions!”
So, what keeps Jenny up at night? “Scheduling music!” she says without hesitation. “In all seriousness though, I think every radio employee has feared what will happen next with the industry. I have come to terms with knowing that all I can do is give it my all. I will never take a day in this job for granted.”
Something you’d be surprised to learn about Jenny is that she a former Miss Iowa USA and competed at the national Miss USA competition, on Fox TV, in 2018. “One of my old slogans was, ‘she’s a beauty queen with a face for radio.’ There’s a lot of misconceptions about pageants but being involved with an organization that empowers women has contributed to my success,” she says. “Surround yourself with other determined women, because it will help keep you motivated.”
Like most, one of her guilty pleasures is TV binging. “I just finished watching season 2 of Bridgerton and have loved both seasons,” she says. “I’m embarrassed to admit that I also watch a lot of reality TV: The Bachelor/The Bachelorette, The Kardashians, The Voice, etc.
As for the future, her priority is “Continuing to grow in my new position with 101.9 The Mix.,” she says. “I would normally be juggling numerous passion projects, but for now, I have put all my eggs into this basket. Prior to moving to a two-person afternoon show, I had never worked with a co-host. We are learning so much together and genuinely having FUN. Having a second personality to riff off and do a show with has brought so much joy to my workday.”
Follow Jenny Valliere @jennyvonair on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
-
-