10 Questions with ... Therese Romano

NAME:Therese Romano TITLE:Morning Show Host WEB:AllWorship.com, ThereseRomano.com, Life883.org & ShareMediaServices.com STATION:WDLF/Life 88.3 and Internet/SkyAngel/Syndicated Sunday Morning MARKET:Knoxville and other various COMPANY:AllWorship (Reality Radio Inc) BORN:Detroit, MI RAISED:Cane

Brief Career Synopsis:

I don't think there's enough room to mention them ALL. Plus it says, "brief," so here are some highlights: The Word in Music, Colorado Springs, CO (1994-1996), Reunion Records, Nashville, TN (1996-1997), K-Love Radio Network, Nashville, TN (1997-1999), Rowright Consulting (now Therese Romano Consulting) (1998-present), Reality 101, Birmingham, AL (1999-2000), K-Love Radio Network, Rocklin, CA (2002-2003), AllWorship.com, Nashville, TN (2003-present), ShareMedia Services, Nashville, TN (2004-present) and WDLF (Life 88.3), Knoxville, TN (2008-present)

1) What was your first job in the industry? Did you have any mentors early on?

Mainstream, it was overnights at WAAQ (Q102)/Big Rapids, MI and Christian, it was midday host and production director at WWCM-A/Ypsilanti, MI. Mark Miller and Chuck Hill at WWCK (CK105)/Flint, MI were early mentors. The station was an award-winning mainstream AOR in the 70s and 80s. These guys really took me under their wing and trained me with good radio basics and encouraged me in my career. Mark Ryder from WAY-FM was always a believer in my ability from my early days in Christian radio. Jon Hull and David Pierce also helped me to grow as a talent and as a PD.

2) You have a few weeks of the new "AllWorship" program under your belt. How's the adjustment to a live show going?

Adjusting to a live show isn't hard. It's learning a new automation system and hitting hard breaks for the affiliates that have been a challenge. I am having fun helping people in over 26 markets connect with God through worship.

3) What's the response been to the program?

So far, so good. We've struggled a bit due to issues with Ambassador Advertising's new Amb-OS satellite delivery system. Some stations have had to "punt" because of some install hurdles but are being very understanding and very patient.

4) Who is your favorite on-air personality NOT at your station?

My favorite personality is the one that is real and connects with his or her listeners.

5) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?

Stop making excuses and start building relationships through great radio.

6) What are the greatest challenges in your position/job?

For AllWorship, it's that I'm doing just about everything for the show while also working with other clients. There are not enough hours in the day. For Life 88.3, it's that I'm voice-tracking the morning show and that makes it very difficult to be timely and relevant. Money would help rectify both situations. If AllWorship had some underwriters, we could possibly farm out some tasks. With Life 88.3, when donations increase, they will be able to go live with the morning show and thus allow for a one-on-one connect with the listener.

7) And what are the greatest rewards in your position/job?

That God uses me despite myself. When someone is touched by something I said or a song I played. Because I really have nothing to do with it.

8) What is your favorite quote?

One of them is from Proverbs: A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

9) If you could have any other job outside radio, what would it be?

I would be a professional photographer. I love capturing a moment in an artist way.

10) If you could ask God about anything, what would it be?

Why do bad things happen to good people? And good things happen to bad people?

1) Do you read everything or nothing? Do you have any favorite magazines, books, newspapers?

I read a whole lot less than I would like. I love catalogs. I also like the "Reader's Digest" because the stories are short and I can consume them quickly.

2) What music is in your CD player/on your iPod right now?

Worship music. Surprised? Also, classic rock!

3) Cat or dog person?

Dog person!

4) Describe your favorite meal.

Momma Romano's cheese ravioli with homemade marinara sauce and Romano cheese on top. Add a nice mixed green salad with an oil and vinegar dressing, garlic bread with Texas sheet cake for dessert.

5) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?

Family, friends and my computer with high-speed Internet because I need my e-mail and pogo.com.