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Charese Fruge’ (@MCMediaonline) Talks To Alexa Smith
November 1, 2022
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Alexa Smith or “Lexy” is currently a Regional Public Affairs Manager (RPAM) for Air1. “I have a territory that I service to make sure we are attending to the needs of the local areas that have a K-LOVE or Air1 stick. I also do interviews that air, highlighting local nonprofits that do good work in their communities, and help keep the networks compliant. It's very rewarding to get a boots-on-the-ground look at how various agencies are helping those in need, and these are the stories we need to hear, especially after the lockdown. There is help out there if you need it!”
Lexy’s radio career began with commercial and imaging production in Sacramento at KSFM as well as on air. “My stops along the way from on air to programming include XHTZ, KXJM, KSEQ, KMVQ, KTWV and KLLC, as well as a second stop doing mornings at KSFM,” says Smith.
“I’ve had to back off the side hustles as of late since I'm still in training and trying to learn the ins and outs of my new position,” she says. “But I am very grateful to the side hustles I did have, including Yamanair, a subsidiary of Benztown where I did voice work. I’ve also done a lot of auditions for both The Voice Realm and my agent, which I honestly haven't had the time or attention to do since I travel so much for my job now. It's literally 50% of my job.”
Over the years, Lexy has had some incredible experiences thanks to her career. “I loved the backstage broadcasts at the major events like the Grammys or the MTV awards,” she says. “Loved hosting concerts in the various cities and helping to build those shows' artist sets from stage one, including ‘The Taste of Soul’ a few years in Los Angeles. It was great when I was programming to shape new talent doing airchecks and leading the way by mentoring the next generation. Still very much part of the ‘come up, bring one up’ mentality. Who am I kidding? When did I ever stop at one? I love helping people and sharing knowledge. I love when ratings go from zero to hero after hard work from a team that's put blood, sweat and tears into the product. That’s the best feeling.”
Some of Lexy’s challenges over the years were pretty common in the broadcast business. “The biggest challenge,” she says, “is the glass ceiling. Finding people in secular radio who will pay you what you are worth, and respect you while you do it. Those two things are harder to find every day. I honestly thought I was done with radio, I quit one month prior to the pandemic,” says Smith. “I had job offers I didn't want and applied for jobs that didn't want me. Those last few years I just didn't find fulfilling or truly part of a team. God had other plans, I'm still doing what I love, this time it's for Him.”
Her advice to young women who want to get into the industry is solid. “From day one in radio I had a clear goal, I knew I wanted to be on the air, be a music director and then a PD. I exceeded my goal and even became a GM in one of my markets,” says Smith.
“Set goals, but PLEASE be realistic. You aren't going to be running the West Coast as a VP straight out of college. Set small goals, get a mentor, and ask people who are doing the exact job you want how they got there. That path may not be a path you can take today, but it will give you some insight on how to get it for yourself while making a new friend in the field.”
The industry is changing constantly and one of its biggest challenges is diversity, equity, and inclusion. I asked Lexy if we’ve moved the needle at all. “I feel like we have made strides, but we could always do better,” she says. “I am seeing more females in programming, more people of color in programming. Next, we need more diversity in those corner offices higher up the chain. I always think of the times I lived the lifestyle of the formats and the people on the next tier did not, you need people steering who know who they are talking to, regardless of format...and a team that looks like their community as well.”
Something you need to know about Lexy is be careful what you call her. “I was born ALEXA, before the round digital thing in our homes did everything for us. It was such a unique name at the time I couldn't even get my name on anything personalized,” she says. “Now everyone asks me for the weather! Just call me Lexy or you will regret it.”
Something she’s passionate about: “I recently rekindled my love for books and have locally organized the Sacramento and Oakland chapters for Mocha Girls Read for the last three years,” says Lexy. “I will be giving those up when I relocate next year for work. I won't have time to run a chapter, but I'll still be reading.”
As for what keeps her up at night, Lexy says, "The television. It's the worst thing you can possibly have in your bedroom and kills your sleep health. "
“As far as finding balance between family and career, it’s never easy, especially right now helping with my elderly mother and working from home and not in an office,” she says. “Making time for friends and family and YOURSELF is critical. Anyone that has any ideas for this one, I'm open for suggestions. I think for me personally it will come easier once I've relocated next quarter.”
Once Lexy gets settled into her new position and location, she’s hoping to not only start auditioning again but she also wants to go back to classes. “You should never, at any age stop being a student of work, knowledge or life in general.”
Follow Lexy Smith on Twitter and Instagram @lexyonthere
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