-
10 Questions with ... Sabrina Ruiz
February 1, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I’ve had a love for radio and music for what seems like my whole life. I grew up listening to the radio since I was always on the road and my mom always had it on at home. I was that kid that was always calling up radio stations to request a song and give a shout out just so I could hear my voice. I started as a programming intern at KPWR (Power 106)/Los Angeles in 2013 while I was in college studying radio broadcasting at the University of La Verne. Shortly after, I got hired on to the street team and then covered reception from time to time. I graduated in 2015 and almost a year after graduating I got my big break at KVGQ (Q1069) in Las Vegas in 2016 and did afternoons full-time! After my first year of being on-air, all signs were pointing back home to Southern California and I was able to land another full -time gig at KHTI Riverside- San Bernardino, I started off doing middays and production from 2017-2019. Then in December 2019 I got promoted to Music Director!!! So now I’m the Music Director and do Middays!
1. How did you get started? What was your first radio job?
I started out as a programming intern at KPWR Power 106 in LA while going to college. My first radio job was at Power 106 in promotions on the Flava Unit aka street team!
2. When you arrived at Hot 103.9 that was a return home to Southern California for you. What’s it like for you to be on the radio where family and friends can hear you?
It’s a dream come true and I don’t take it for granted!! Chasing the radio dream can get lonely with moving, so getting to do what I love while near the people I love is amazing. I have friends and family text me that they’re listening or they’ll post about it on social media. It’s awesome having such great support!
3. Everyone is crazy busy these days and wearing more hats. What’s it mean to you to be able to get into the studio on a daily basis to do your midday show?
Doing my show in the studio is my happy place! It’s a break from the other craziness. It’s where I get to turn up the music, literally sing along to every song, spread love and positive vibes and make other people’s day!
4. What’s the best part about being the station’s Music Director?
Being able to play what I want and what I feel fits the station! Also, I love being introduced to new music and new artists!
5. How has navigating the pandemic made you a better broadcaster and what have you learned that will stay with you moving forward?
Navigating the pandemic has made me a better broadcaster by staying on top of what is happening in our community and being able to deliver it with empathy and reassurance for listeners. I knew that I was an outlet for listeners during this uncertain time while keeping them informed, entertained and getting them through their day. I learned that if there was any time to lean on listeners this was the time; I needed them just as much as they needed me, because I feed off energy. While on air I would say that if they ever needed to talk I was there taking their calls - I couldn’t believe how many people actually took me up on that and really appreciated it. We’re human and need human interaction!!!
6. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community when we really can’t go out and interact?
There’s nothing like being out in the community, but for the time being we had to pivot to social media and bring more entertainment there with live streams on Instagram and Facebook. We have done “Hot 1039’s Virtual Lounge” which included interviews with artists and mini performances. Also, doing zoom parties with artists and listeners to give listeners those “only with radio” experiences.
Also, finding a way to keep our “Darkside in Riverside” Halloween event alive and bringing that to the community, so I had to think outside the box and ended up doing a live streamed paranormal investigation with a team at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside!
7. What are the most effective social media platforms for you and the air staff these days?
Instagram and Facebook.
8. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
My favorite station to listen to when I was a kid was KIIS FM LA. I was always calling up to make requests and do shoutouts! My favorite jocks were Rick Dees, Jojo on the Radio, Ryan Seacreast and Sisanie. It's funny because I recently came across a cassette tape with recordings of me doing shoutouts on KIIS that my mom recorded! Thanks mom!
9. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
My mentors were: Mike Laponis, Yesi Ortiz and John DeSantis. They all influenced my career in some way. Mike Laponis was my college advisor and professor- he prepared me for the radio business with his courses and having the campus radio station operated like a commercial radio station. I met Yesi Ortiz when I was a senior in high school and she gave me advice about the radio industry. When it was time to make the leap for my first on-air gig she encouraged me to head out to Vegas to start my career. John DeSantis pushed me to be better while on-air helped me fine tune my craft!
10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It’s not going to happen overnight. Set your goals, put in the hard work, pray and the blessings will follow!
Bonus Questions
With an unlimited budget and the venue of your choice at your disposal, what 3 acts would you bring together to celebrate a “No More Covid” Hot listener event?
Well, with an unlimited budget to celebrate a “No More Covid” you have to go BIG!!! I would choose The Forum as the venue. As for the acts it would have to be Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd!
-
-