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10 Questions with ... Rachel Buchanan
May 25, 2009
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NAME:Rachel BuchananTITLE:PDMARKET:Jackson, MICOMPANY:Spring Arbor University RadioBORN:Toledo Hospital, March 7, 19-somethingRAISED:Monroe, MI
Brief Career Synopsis:
WEJY in high school and now SAU Radio
1) What was your first job in the industry? Did you have any mentors early on?
My very first taste of radio came in the 11th grade at Monroe High School, where I took a radio and television class as a fun elective. Turns out that the shy choir and art girl actually had a glimpse of talent. Not to mention an instant hunger for radio the moment they put the microphone in front of me! My love of observing people gave me a LOT to talk about and my tendency for quality was the perfect mix to land me a volunteer job as a high school senior on our 10-watt radio station, then WEJY. I was "Rae on the Radio." It was good at the time. I continued my radio training at Spring Arbor University (then College) and upon graduation was hired professionally, which brings me to today.
My first mentor in radio was Michelle Dawson (of "Dave and Michelle's Breakfast Table" on Family Life Radio). She gave me patience and permission to develop my on-air presence both as a student, then as a professional.
2) What has been your favorite promotion or spoof at your station?
We once gave away a cruise; that was a big undertaking. As a student, a friend was engaged by playing a CART (yes, I've been around at least a little while) that she thought was a familiar PSA. Instead, it had been recorded over by her special guy asking him to marry her. She said YES!
3) You handle mornings AND middays? What does your show prep include?
I host the morning show on 89.3 the Message and the midday slot on HOME.fm. Show prep typically involves a lot of newspaper websites, keeping up with community events and being personally involved in the Jackson community. Most of the interesting information I find is by following interesting people on Twitter! The real life stuff is always best. Most recently, my topic of conversation has been about a feisty squirrel that thinks my front yard is his territory. The menacing looks, mischief and ongoing battle to win over this animal have been quite topical.
4) Who is your favorite on-air personality NOT at your station?
I really love listening to NPR and my fave is Ira Glass of WBEZ/Chicago Public Radio and his show "This American Life." Ironic how people working at a music station are often drawn to story and narrative.
5) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
I think we have to continue being real. If the economy's bad, don't just complain about it or worse, ignore it, but do something. Encourage people, relate to them but don't be cheesy. There's a place for cheese and it's on a Whopper. Be real and let people see how Christian reactions are those of transparency and genuine concern for what people are going through. Keep up the competitive production, music and move forward with social media and trends in relating to listeners.
6) What are the greatest challenges in your position/job?
Keeping it fresh. A station is only as exciting as you make it. I need those creative stimulators throughout the day. Thank goodness for the Internet and a great bunch of staff alongside me.
7) And what are the greatest rewards in your position/job?
Since our stations are located on the campus of Spring Arbor University, I get to work professionally in radio yet also glean excitement and enthusiasm from students as they experience their first on-air shifts and learn about broadcasting. I also love the creative aspect and wild things (broken computer days) and crazy remotes and events that often happen.
8) If you were just starting in radio today, and you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
Back in the day, I strived to become an art teacher or choral director. How cool is it that in time my mind twisted the two together (creativity and music) and found a way to not only tie them together but to overcome the microphone at the same time? I love radio. I love the fact that it is continually evolving, and especially that it's becoming more technology-driven. I'm more excited about my career than ever before and I can't wait to see how geeky it can get in the future.
9) If you could have any other job outside radio, what would it be?
I always wanted to be a "weatherman." But instead I just love knowing about weather and watching it happen. I think I'd consider some sort of non-profit work, something that allows me to really be involved in what's happening in my town, loving its people and helping to develop programs and the culture. Otherwise, I'd like to skydive every day.
10) What music is in your CD player or on your iPod right now?
Everything from the '80s, Death Cab for Cutie, Chris Tomlin, Five Iron Frenzy, lots of technology Podcasts, Ingrid Michaelson and Ice Ice Baby.
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything or nothing?
Most of my reading is online and news related. Twitter has really upped my reading quota for the day, and I'm learning so much that way. Sometimes I read the assignments my grad professors give me. If you are one of my grad professors, please disregard the last sentence.
2) What is your favorite quote?
"If you can't say anything nice, at least have the decency to be vague." - Unknown
3) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?
My iPhone so I could call home to say "hi "and play my Scrabble app, my husband for company and because he makes me laugh, and a genie in a lamp with three extra wishes so I could wish to get off the island and request a couple more things at a later date.
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