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10 Questions with ... Alyssa Ursetti
June 6, 2023
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I listen to what our listeners have to say and their opinions, often people text in with a song they love or hate, and I take that into consideration, not just the artist or the song itself, but the broader sound of the song, certain songs just don't work for us here in Cleveland and the listeners let me know.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started as an unpaid "street team" member, was hired as WONE/WAKR Sales Assistant, later became WONE/WAKR Promotions Director, then WNWV 107.3 Alternative Cleveland Music Director and Promotions Director, now I am the Program Director.
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
I started as a broadcast journalism major with dreams of being on TV, when I realized, I didn't want to limit myself so much, so I changed my major to Communications. I always loved music and grew up on Classic Rock so when the local radio station was looking for summer interns I applied. I guess the rest is history.
2. You have been at Rubber City Radio Group since 2014 in sales and promotion for the cluster and in 2022 PD of 107.3 Alternative Cleveland. What's it like working at Rubber City?
It's great! I think my favorite part is since we're a small cluster, we're all very much like a family. I also believe that since we are small and local, we're able to do so many great things with/for the communities. Charity work is something I have always been involved in in my personal life, so it's great that our company also values giving back.
3. Tell us about the changes at 107.3 Alternative Cleveland since you've taken over as Program Director.
We're constantly growing, we're still a young station and working out the kinks but we're growing at a successful rate, and I am pleased with each outcome of every day we're on the air. We have a great team; everyone comes with their own unique experience in the business, and I think that is a big strength for us. We're truly a team. Brady Marks, Carrie Danger, Jaci Fox, AJ DiCosimo, Jake Herron, Aaron Lux, DJ Nivens, that's including traffic and weekenders, they're all willing to pitch in when needed. As I said, we're young and still working out the kinks, we've had some staff members come and go in the short time we've been here, and we've moved some people around, but everyone is happy to be here.
4. Give us the 411 on the music and imaging on 107.3 Alternative Cleveland.
In addition to our new music feature – The Danger Zone, which is a new music discovery feature, we also have Live & Local which is a local music spotlight, I think it is very important to highlight the talent we have right here in our backyard! I mean who knows we could be playing the next Black Keys! I listen to what our listeners have to say and their opinions, often people text in with a song they love or hate, and I take that into consideration, not just the artist or the song itself, but the broader sound of the song, certain songs just don't work for us here in Cleveland and the listeners let me know. I also have been listening to our entire library (with the exception of the currents) my entire life, so I know what was popular or what holds nostalgia. I use all of that knowledge when programming this station. The same goes for imaging, I was around, my parents were young parents, so I think that also helps, they were "cool" parents, so I was raised right when it comes to music and pop culture. I may be a 90s baby, but I sure do love the 80s!
5. How do you and Brady Marks collaborate on music?
Each week I create a playlist of songs we're looking at/or new, then we listen to them on our own during the week. Then we have listening parties in my office, we'll shut the door, listen to each song and discuss them. I always like to hear her opinion first, what's great is they're not always the same, we actually disagree on quite a bit but that's what keeps the balance so great. She advocates for the songs I might look over. We keep it light and fun and there are often snacks.
6. What percentage of new music are you playing and tell us about how your night host Carrie Danger spotlights new music weeknights on The Danger Zone?
I'd say about a third of our music is new. Carrie Danger hosts The Danger Zone on weeknights at 9pm, she features two new songs and asks for listeners' feedback on them. We do use this to help us make decisions on currents.
7. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
I would describe myself as very hands-on and detail-oriented. I think I spend way too much time perfecting the playlist, but I take a lot of pride in my work. I listen to our audience when they reach out, I take their opinions into consideration. I also listen to my on-air staff's ideas and opinions.
8. What is your favorite part of your job?
The music. Music is a HUGE part of my life, not just my job. I great up on classic rock, 90s country, and as I began to drift from what I'd hear my parents playing, alternative rock was my jam. I'd also say all the concerts are also my favorite. All through high school and college, I went to shows, from Cleveland to Philly even New York, now I get to go for "work." Young me would say I'm living the dream, and I can't disagree.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________?
a hot black coffee
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I have dyed my hair about every color in the rainbow throughout the years.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
Busy lately with shows but now that the weather is breaking, I'm gardening and making my backyard my little oasis for the summer.
What are your favorite places to eat in the area?
Can never go wrong with a Galley Boy, Potato Teasers, and peanut butter milkshake from Swenson's Drive-In
Favorite food?
I love all food, but I think my favorite would be a steak dinner.
Favorite drink?
An old fashioned
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Cleveland Browns – though they often break my heart. Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers
First record ever purchased?
The one that's coming to mind is when I purchased Brand New, Your Favorite Weapon at FYE in the mall in 2001. I'm not sure if it was my first but it was one of them.
First concert?
Alanis Morissette at Blossom Music Center, I was 5 years old but remember singing along with my parents on the lawn.
Favorite band of all time?
Bright Eyes
Favorite new band over the past year?
Michigander
Anything else you would like to add?
Just happy to be here.
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