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10 Questions with ... Teri Ann Schlesser
June 20, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started in radio fresh from graduating high school in 1988! After high school, I went to a broadcasting school taught by working jocks. Like most, I started with an internship and was then hired on soon after at the Mighty 62KGW. I was lucky to work in my hometown of Portland for the first 20 years in radio, now I'm in Fresno, CA. I am amazed what I can do from my studio here in Fresno. I do 3 shows a day for various markets in California and I still fill-in back in my hometown on another iHeartMedia station! I LOVE the work that I do!
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
It was 1988 and I was interning for a morning show in Portland on KISN-F. An Oldies station high above the Wilamette river with wonderful views of Mt. Hood. It was a fun place and all the jocks were helpful and excited for the extra help in the studios. I learned the art of the segue from Mike Tanner!
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I went to a high school that had an on campus radion station. I worked there and had a great time, giving me the spark I needed to pursue a career!
3. You got to be on the air in your hometown, Portland. What was that like for you?
I was on the air in Portland from 1989 to 2007 at several stations and really enjoyed it! From the iconic 62-KGW to KINK-FM, 95.5 FM and Rosie 105.1 which changed to 105.1 The Buzz while I was there. Some of the best days in my career were working in my hometown. Thankfully I am still able to do some shows for our sister station in Portland. Sometimes you can catch me filling in on KKCW (K103)!
4. You're closing in on 15 years at KSOF, mostly on middays – congrats! What is the biggest change in the way that you do the job these days?
In 15 years, the industry has changed so much! The biggest change would be that I am now doing 3 shows a day in 3 different markets! I am floored that while working in Fresno, we have the technology to be able to broadcast on any station in our company just by using a computer! Who knew that moving to Fresno would be one of the best moves of my career?!?!
5. Who would be a dream guest that you'd love to have come in and plug-in across from you in the studio for an interview?
Gosh, I've been so very fortunate to talk to some amazing people. From Kelly Clarkson, P!NK, Elton, Julie Andrews, and so many more! I would have LOVED the chance to interview Anthony Bourdain. He was an AMAZING chef and human with so many incredible experiences. My husband and I were and are still are huge fans of his. He would be a dream guest for me!
6. In the early days of the pandemic you and your husband were 'trapped' in Honduras. What was that experience ultimately like?
We make an annual trip with a bunch of friends to a tiny island off the Eastern coast of Honduras called Roatan. In 2020, we showed up on a Saturday. We were aware of the issues with Covid and it seemed that everything was fine and most travel issues were for Asia and Europe. We arrived for our 2 weeks and at the end of the first week, having had sent our parents home, we were notified that all cruise ships were no longer docking and the airport was closing. Essentially stuck on the island. The frantic part was the first few days when tourists were buying up groceries and water. Hotels were closing and that is what happened with us. Our hotel shut down and told us we could still stay in the 'villa' we shared, but there were no services or security. So we moved down the beach to another spot that stayed open. We had to wait an extra 8 days until American airline companies started flying in to get US passengers. So, we did a lot of snorkeling and sitting by the pool. Groups weren't allowed to sit on the beaches, to keep people from congregating. The most fascinating part was how quickly the sea life and bird life came back with hardly a soul on the beach. We were very happy to finally make it home!
7. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?
I would say when Duran Duran played Portland in the early 2000's – took a bunch of listeners backstage and we all hung out and played foosball! So fun!
8. If you could take a spin in the custom 'All Access Back To The Future Delorean,' which legendary station from the past would you like to work at for a week?
I grew up listening to Z100 (KKRZ) Portland, so I would have to say that one. It's a classic in Portland!
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
The Z100 morning show on Z100 Portland, Craig Walker, Bruce Murdock, Nelson (who I was fortunate to work with in 2000-2007), Iris Harrison!!!
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
There were two amazing women in broadcasting at that time that were my heroes! Francine Raften, one of the first AM and PM drive news hosts and Iris Harrison from 92.3 KGON. Both women helped me become the broadcaster that I am today and I let them know all the time how much I appreciate them!
Bonus Questions
If someone was coming to town for the first time, what are a couple of 'must-sees' that you would make sure were covered?
In Fresno, DEFINTILY Yosemite. It's so close and such an easy trip up to see the amazing waterfalls and cliffs! Jaw dropping. The Giant Sequoias are close too! We are close to the Sierras and close to beaches. Kind of in the middle of everything! Eat local – some of the best produce in the world is grown in the Central Valley and we are blessed to have the bounty at our fingertips!
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