10 Questions with ... Sally Jessy Raphael

NAME:Sally Jessy Raphael TITLE:Talk Show Host MARKET:Syndicated

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Hosted radio shows for NBC Talknet and ABC Radio, longtime host of syndicated TV talk show (1983-2002).

1. You went into the news media early, even before college- why did you choose the media as a career? What attracted you to the business?

I fell in love with radio- a monkey on my back. I started on-air at 6 (NBC). Nothing attracted me - not the lifestyle nor the money. My father told me not to learn how to type or take short-hand. I had to live by my wits.

2. What are you passionate about?

How bad radio and TV are today...especially radio, an iPod programmed by "has-beens." Not relevant in music and relying on "nasty" for talk.

3. Why back to radio now? And do you think the talk radio field's changed since you were last on the air in syndication?

It's changed completely! Mostly a one note band. Deregulation ruined radio. I would like to be part of a movement to change things. It can work but the bean counters are in the way.

4. Is there a difference between "talk for women" and the standard-issue talk radio? What do you think women are looking for in a radio show?

A big difference! They want information to improve their lives. They want companionship. They want to relate to someone they admire and care about. They don't like "mean" or crude or angry. So tell me, what is there for them? Not Rush or Stern or Imus. Tell me who? They want gentle and they want to smile.

5. On radio and on TV, you had a knack for getting people to open up to you. Why do you think that came about? How do you get people to communicate with you on a personal level?

Be non-judgemental and very, very open. Let your guts show.

6. Of what are you most proud?

Being way ahead of my time on radio and TV. I can talk about 20 spin-offs that we gave birth to. That is true of this new show also - it's NEW.

7. Who are your mentors, your inspirations, the people you've learned the most from?

NO ONE. I run with blinders on.

8. What do you do for fun?

1) radio show 2) oil paint 3) flyfish 4) model railroading 5) act in movies 6) travel 7) movies and plays 8) drink wine 9) classical music 10) read.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.

...communicating, brushing my teeth and chocolate.

10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?

People who give advice are fools and people who listen to advice are even bigger fools.