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10 Questions with ... Michelle Jerson
November 7, 2006
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NAME:Michelle JersonLAST WITH:Sirius' Howard 100 News, New Jersey 101.5EMAIL:michellejerson@aol.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I started out in radio reporting for Shadow Traffic in NYC and jocked on "New Country Y107" in NYC and WMJC on Long Island. I began my career in Talk radio on the largest FM Talk station in the country, "New Jersey 101.5" (WKXW/Trenton & WXKW/Millville-Atlantic City), hosting a relationship/lifestyle show. After 101.5, I did a quick stint at WBBO/Monmouth-Ocean co-hosting the morning show and filled in on "Our Time," a lifestyle talk show on Sirius Satellite Radio and CFUN 1410 AM in Vancouver. Most recently, I was a reporter for Howard Stern's news team, Howard 100 News, on Sirius Satellite Radio and was back at NJ 101.5, frequently filling in for the evening relationship show. I've reported traffic on WCBS-TV in NYC and NBC 10, CBS 3, and UPN 57 in Philadelphia.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
In general, I am a positive person with the attitude that everything happens for a reason. This business can be tough and make you second guess why you put up with so much BS sometimes, but then I find joy in pursuing my next adventure, which always turns out to be better than the last.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I enjoy working out and have added reformer Pilates classes to my routine. I love riding my bike in Central Park and down the West Side Highway in Manhattan. I've been doing a little traveling, visiting friends and socializing as much as possible!
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Yes, I do. At one point in between radio jobs, I thought maybe I'd work for myself from now on and get out of this crazy field. I had a successful personal training/Pilates business, but as soon as the Howard 100 News job came about, I dropped everything. I know I still love the business and intend on staying in it for some time. I still have my syndication deal to work on!
4) So far, what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
ALL ACCESS, of course! If I'm interested in a particular station, I'll call them directly and try to set up a general meeting, even if there are no positions currently open.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I love so many aspects of the business and have been fortunate to work on the music, talk and news ends. I'd be open to a great morning show, jocking on a strong music station, or hosting/co-hosting a lifestyle talk show -- basically any job in which I can connect with my audience.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I am a young female with a great deal of top radio experience under my belt. Not a lot of people can say they've hosted a talk show in their mid-20s and worked in the #1 market and on satellite before they were 30. I can relate to the younger demos as well as the 25-54 market, and I come to you with over 10 years' radio experience!
7) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
I am trying to make a huge effort to do so because I tend to work even harder when I'm out of work and always feel I have to secure the next job ASAP. I have to consciously tell myself that it's OK to stop putting together demo packages and go out and enjoy the beautiful weather! It's always a mental struggle, but I'm working hard at learning to enjoy my time off!
8) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
No, I would not. I choose my jobs carefully. As much as I love radio, a girl has to live! I'm not married to a rich man yet, so I have to make a good living. I've been in that position before, and as much as it hurt to turn down the job because I loved the format, there was just no way I could've taken it for the amount of money they were offering. It's sad how some companies feel the talent is a dime a dozen. Maybe it is, but if you want good talent for your station, you may have to invest a bit. A good talent means greater sales. You know what they say -- you have to spend money to make money!
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Do as many internships as you can, talk to everyone at the station, put together demos while you are there, and ask for feedback. Go to industry seminars and network! Aim high! If the next person can get the job, why can't you?
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Hopefully married (any takers?!) and with a syndicated talk show. However, I don't invest too much stock into a five- or 10-year plan because life always throws wonderful surprises at me, which keeps things exciting.
Bonus Questions
1) Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
I recently attended a folk festival, which was new for me, and came away with a love for some great artists, including Raul Malo (formerly of The Mavericks), Amos Lee, and Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus Of Dreams. Their music is very inspirational.
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