-
10 Questions with ... Malibu Sue
November 19, 2007
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Malibu SueTITLE:Quarterback of WMJC (Hey, I don't know football...and have no idea what that means...but our GM calls me that)STATIONS:WMJC 94.3MARKET:Whole Foods, Trader Joes, (just kidding). Nassau-SuffolkCOMPANY:LIRG (Long Island Radio Group or Barnstable Broadcasting)BORN:St Vincents Hospital, New York CityRAISED:Lawn Guyland
Please outline your radio career so far:
In 1983, I began as an intern at WLIR/Long Island, NY in the promotions and production departments. I was then hired as assistant to (everyone!!) the PD, MD, Station Manager, Promotions Director, and also served as publicity/public relations director. I was on-air from 1984 to 1987.
WDRE/Nassau-Suffolk, NY - 1987 to 1995 (simulcast in Philly on 103.9; Tennessee; Albany, NY; and Little Rock, AR. I eventually became MD and APD/MD.
WALK (97.5)/Nassau-Suffolk, NY (1995), WKJY (KJOY 98.3) 1995-1996, back to WLIR from 1996-2003, and then to WMJC (94.3) from 2003-Present.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Reporting Long Island's Official Beach Report on my favorite morning show of all time, "Manila Time' with Ben Manila and (the late great) Mark 'The Shark' Drucker
Early influences include Bob Waugh, Larry The Duck, Steve 'The Pistol' Jones, Ben Manila, Mark 'the Shark' Drucker, Jeff Beck, Nancy Abramson, Donna Donna, Denis McNamara, Willobee, and Carol Silva.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Persistent swimmer's ear as a lifeguard led me off the beach and into the studio. Actually I was always fascinated by the medium of radio. And music has always been the greatest influence. I'd walk into a darkened room and turn on the radio before I'd turn on the light.
3) What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A radio DJ!! (Also, a scientist, doctor, actress, and a dancer)
4) How did you get your on-air name?
After I graduated college with a BS in Psychology (minor in English) much to my parents chagrin, I 'tossed my degree in the garbage, (so to speak) and pursued a career in acting and dance. I had been a dancer and performer (Ballet, Tap, Jazz) all my life. In fact, I missed my college graduation ceremony as I had a performance with the dance group I was working with (outside of the college) that same day. After graduation, I was working running the lifeguard program for Nassau County (I was a swimmer and lifeguard for years too, as you might have picked up above!!) and I was performing with a semi professional dance corps. During a rehearsal, one of the choreographers teased me about my 'aquatic connections' and began calling me 'Malibu Sue!' The moniker worked! And stuck...
5) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I love my job and helping expose people to music they enjoy or will come to enjoy has always kept me getting up in the morning and looking forward to going to work. I always say 'it's sinful to be paid to play music on the radio. Thank you God!!' So, yeah, I'd do it all again.
6) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
Me of course! Is that a trick question? I make it a policy to never compare current employers to former employers. The same holds true for current and former lovers.
7) Favorite artist you have met?
I am blessed to have met and interviewed most of the artists that I admire. At one time, I earned the nickname the "Barbara Walters of the New Wave set," as I had interviewed so many of those artists, so many times.
Ok, here's a story for you: Morrissey agreed to do one radio interview, but there were requirements to be met. You had to 'understand' or be a fan so to speak. I 'auditioned' (he listened to me for a few days while in NY)-and I passed. I was invited to the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan and once there, was told by his manager, I had exactly one hour, and there was to be no mention of The Smiths or Johnny Marr. After my one hour, the manager poked her head in...but Morrissey shooed her off, ordered lunch for us, and spent several hours chatting away with me from everything about me (he interviewed me too) to The Smiths and Johnny Marr!
8) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
I love Alternative (New Wave) and Oldies. (Do they exist anywhere?)
9) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
Radio, trade magazines, television, the Internet and playlists from ipods I have snatched on subways.
10) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
Sorcerer/Instructor at Hogwarts!
Bonus Questions
1) Underwear: Boxers or Briefs?
Boxers!!
2) Cat or Dog person?
I love (and own) both! Along with 2 Australian Zebra Tail Finches, Hamsters, fish, and frogs. Some call it the "Malibu Zoo!"
3) Do you read.....everything?
Yes! Everything! Reading is a favorite pastime for me (which is why I don't watch a lot of TV). My favorite was the Harry Potter series. I am currently reading "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver. I also recently read some books I enjoyed very much: "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, John Burdett's "Bangkok 8," "Bangkok Tattoo," and "Bangkok Haunts," and "The Life and Times of The Thunderbolt Kid" by Bill Bryson. I would also recommend "Thorn in My Heart," "Fair is The Rose," "Whence Came A Prince" and "Grace in Thine Eyes" by Liz Curtis Higgs.
-
-