-
10 Questions with ... Alexandra Gervasi "Alex On The Mic"
February 5, 2013
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started in radio as a board operator at Clear Channel/Lexington in January 2010 doing overnights before eventually running the board for the Sunday morning sports talk show. I interned at Clear Channel Philly that summer (2010) and learned so much working with Maxwell for Q102 and Power 99FM. That summer I met with Eric Chase, who was the PD of the Top 40 and Sports stations in Allentown and he let me do on air work from CC/Lexington for his stations so I could get more experience while in college. While doing that and still board opping, an on-air position opened up at the Top 40 station in Lexington and I was hired part-time to do that during my Junior year ... that was very exciting for me. I continued to board op and work for 104-5 the Cat until I graduated this past May and was hired in Norfolk, VA for Now 105-3 in July. Since then, I've also been added on to Kiss107 Cincy and 105-7 Now Greensboro. It's been a great ride so far.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Oh man, I was a sophomore in college and heard Clear Channel/Lexington had an opening for a part-time board operator for the News/Talk station. I didn't have a car and lived 30 minutes away, but I applied anyway. When I got it and started working overnights, I would borrow my friend's cars to get to work!
2) What led you to a career in radio?
My mom was a single mom when I was growing up, so my aunt would babysit me a lot. Before becoming a salesperson, she worked for promotions at Q102 Philly. I would start going with her to events when I was around four or five! Ever since then, I wanted to get into radio. So I picked the right college (Asbury University) for media and worked from there!
3) What makes Kiss 107 unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
Kiss is always looking for ways to do things differently. We just started this thing where we'll tease something on air. For example: Zayn from One Direction was caught cheating when a waitress tweeted a picture of him in her bed! Text us and we'll text you back the picture! We live in a world of instant gratification ... what a great new way to interact with listeners!
4) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
Oh for sure ... in my Norfolk market I'm very involved with production, promotions and programming. There are some long days, but it's great to learn all aspects of radio.
5) What are you doing social media-wise?
When it comes to my stations, I am very heavily involved with the Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts, as well as my own (@Alexonthemic)! I believe this has become a HUGE part of radio. It's another way to reach the listener and entertain.
6) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
One example and one of the things that I love about Kiss is their involvement with The Animal Friends Humane Society. We post pictures of animals that need new homes in Cincy! I'm trying to encourage that in my other markets as well!
7) What is your favorite part of the job?
Connecting with listeners. It's encouraging to meet someone and have them say, "I love listening to you at work. You get me through the work day." It makes me feel like I'm doing my job right by entertaining them!
8) What is the most challenging part of the job?
With being given so many different tasks, I've really been challenged to manage my time. I literally schedule out EVERYTHING in my Outlook calendar now. It really helps with my time management.
9) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I played percussion in band from 5th grade till my senior year of college. I even had a scholarship for it. I have a blue drum set that sits at my parent's house back in South Jersey.
10) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
I grew up listening to Angi Taylor and Lisa Paige. Lisa was the first person to put me on air when I was in 8th grade. My aunt took me to Q102 one day knowing my desire to work in radio and Lisa asked me to put on headphones and talk about Hilary Duff's new album with her on-air. (My 14-year-old self was not impressed with her album.)
Bonus Questions
What ringtone do you have on your cell?
"We Found Love" and "Tupac Back."
-
-