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10 Questions with ... Shelley Irwin
May 30, 2006
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NAME:Shelley IrwinTITLE:Host/ProducerSTATION:WGVUMARKET:Grand Rapids, MICOMPANY:Grand Valley State University (NPR/PBS Public Broadcasting)BORN:9/23/60 Erie, PARAISED:Midwest: St. Louis/Cincinnati
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Masters degree in Physical Therapy, practiced 15 years, initiated career change to broadcasting in 1998. Foot in the radio door thanks to ABC Radio's Detroit affiliate, WJR: reporter/producer; foot in the television door thanks to ABC Television's Detroit affiliate WXYZ-TV: PA/Associate Producer
Segued in 2000/early 2001 to full time Producer/Reporter, WJR; responsibilities included Executive Production of the weekend Warren Pierce Show, weekday Producer for the Paul W Smith Show, and fill in reporting.
December 2001: Opportunity to produce/fill-in host for Grand Rapids NPR affiliate WGVU's The Morning Show. Progressed to full-time WGVU Show Host/Producer, July 2002- The WGVU Morning Show plus Show Host for WGVU-TV's "Community Connection," "Ask the Expert," and "Kalamazoo Lively Arts."
1. From physical therapist to radio host- how did that happen? How did you get your start in radio- why did you choose radio?
-The "dream" has always been there...good friends in the business, a love for writing and reading the news, yes, even the on-stage acting bug a part of the sign. I had relocated to suburban Detroit from North Carolina and literally drove by the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. As many of us do in our "late 30's"... perhaps we have the opportunity to go after the dream, my dream of broadcasting. I stopped in to sign up for a class. I was enrolled for the next 8 months.
-I declared a concentration in Video, yet soon I began interning at WJR (radio!!)(4 am every Saturday morn), and "did" 20 hours of "physical therapy" to pay my mortgage!
-Therein... I fell in love with radio! Very lucky at present to do both!2. What are you passionate about?
-Ttruly about... the business. I have a "hobby" that I'm paid for. Of recent, I enjoy working on long form radio features that can share a wide variety of stories, in addition to live in studio interviews.
-Running. As I get older, I'm getting faster.
-Animals. Two such that greet me at the end of the day with unconditional love... and are still trying to figure out my schedule!3. You've worked in commercial radio and TV (WJR and WXYZ-TV/Detroit) before going to WGVU- how are a public radio morning show's style and mission different from a typical commercial station?
-TIME... a commercial format allows no more than a 4-6 minute interview, MOST often live. Public radio allows longer form interviews, more engagement with listener call-ins as applicable, OCCASIONALLY taped.
-COMMERCIALS... commercial often with 3-5 minutes of solid advertisements, public radio with "spots" but interspersed and not as frequent.
-PERSONALITY... often key to a commercial station, often emphasis more on CONTENT with Public (i'm guilty of personality in both!!!)
-MISSION... commercial focuses on ratings, public on pledge drive/fundraising4. You produce as well as host the show- what, in your opinion, are the most important roles a producer can play for a morning show (keeping in mind that "producer" in radio can mean several different things depending on the station and show)?
-open communication
-mutual respect
-team playing
-passion for the business 24/7 if need be5. Who's the most interesting guest you've ever interviewed?
-Dr. Maya Angelou, talking on her "cookbook" and her favorite meal (not on her poetry)
-The oldest living Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz
-David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer, one of the "heroes" of United Flight 936. Who are your mentors, your inspirations, the people you've learned the most from, in radio or in life?
-I've had the honor meeting NPR's Diane Rehm and Susan Stamberg, 2 journalists I respect and study
-The TV presence of NBC's Ann Curry
-A 6th grade teacher, one Mrs. Sue Clover, that I idolized, respected, and "took to lunch" several years ago to tell her!7. Of what are you most proud?
-Parents soon to celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary
-My true passion for the business
-A nephew that still calls me "Sha She" as he approaches his teen years8. What do you do for fun?
-Run
-Short road trips with the top down
-Lunch out!9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.
...checking the planner!
10. What's the best advice you ever got? The worst?
Best:
-Say thank you after a compliment.
-Stay the course.Worst:
-You don't have a broadcast voice.
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