10 Questions with ... Sonja Morrell

NAME:Sonja Morrell TITLE:APD/MD/Middays STATIONS:FM99 WNOR MARKET:Norfolk COMPANY:Saga Communications BORN:10/18/?? RAISED:Pennington, NJ

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

I went to Emerson College and started out at WERS-FM, their 4000-watt student-run station. My first "professional" job was working the Saturday overnight at WPLM Plymouth, MA. I did it for about five weeks until I realized that Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve fell on a Saturday, and there was no way I was going to work the holidays. I was already working two jobs, the station was an hour's drive, I had to borrow a car to get there, and it was AC. I am NOT an AC-type of girl.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?

I grew up in Jersey and was lucky enough to get both Philly and New York stations. Jocks like Pierre Robert at WMMR inspired me because I always thought it was the coolest job! I was right!

3) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Ice cream taster at Ben and Jerry's. Either that or put my crazy expensive degree from Emerson to good use and get a job in PR. Or I'd teach.

4) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?

WMMR Philly. I grew up with them and still enjoy listening. I know I'm home when I hear Pierre Robert.

5) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

I like the Mike/Bob/Hugo/Leonard stations. I like all types of music and some of those stations really do it right.

6) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?

Just one? If I had to pick one, it would be Alice in Chains last fall. Okay, technically it didn't happen in 2007, but it was within the last year. They are one of all-time favorite bands and I never got the see them with Layne. Close your eyes and you'd swear that William Duvall WAS Layne, but he also brought his own vocal style to it. They were brilliant!

7) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on-air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)

Again ... just one? You've probably heard about the disastrous "Big Dig" project in Boston. Well, I was doing weekend/swing at WBOS in the mid -'90s and I accidentally called it "the Big Dick" on the air. I was mortified! Saying that on FM99 would have been okay, but it didn't really fit WBOS! I felt better when I took a call from a listener who told me he had to pull over because he was laughing so hard.

8) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

We have done a lot military-related events over the years since the Norfolk area is home to every branch of the military. We also do an annual blood drive with the American Red Cross. We just did our 20th and collected hundreds of pints. It continues to be the largest blood drive in the Mid-Atlantic region

9) What approach do you take after a soft book?

We've had so many of them recently that it seems par for the course. We know we do great radio day after day, so we just keep doing what we do. Sure, we may tweak the music a bit and do shots in Harvey's office, but mainly we just stay the course. Does that's sound corny ... stay the course?

10) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep and what sources do you use?

I just added APD/MD to my title, so I'm multi-tasking now more than ever. The Internet is invaluable. I feel lost when it goes down because I get at least 95% of my music info from band websites and by Googling bands.

Who would be your dream guest on the show?

Bono. I've loved U2 since I was 12.

What is your favorite TV show?

I still love ER. I've watched it since day one.

Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

I have "Zenyatta Mondatta" from the Police in my car CD player. My husband and are going to Boston at the end of the month to catch one of their shows at Fenway. We're both huge Red Sox fans, so it was perfect! I love all of their albums and it had been a while since I pulled their CDs.