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10 Questions with ... Aly Presser
October 18, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
It all began in high school when had an internship with Bill Wills on WTAM 1100 in Cleveland, OH. While in college, I continued interning with WTAM for Mike Trivisonno. During my internship, I was part of the WZIP family in Akron, OH. From there I moved to Joplin, MO where I started in middays and then took over the night show. I then made my move to Tulsa, OK to continue the night show, which lead me to mornings.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
WZIP (student-run and Zips proud) was my first on-air gig. It was such a surreal experience when a friend of mine texted me asking if I was on the radio or if she was going crazy. Prepping, editing calls, and studying the charts ... I was in love! I was lucky enough to have my first band interview with Reel Big Fish through Z88. Forever grateful.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I'll never forget the first time I listened to Howard Stern, Elvis Duran and Rover. Those shows intrigued me when I was in middle school and all throughout high school. I loved how they set up calls and shared stories. I wanted to have those cool stories and radio was a way to make them.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
I love making a difference in a listener's life. The smallest thing to us could mean the world to them. A perfect example of this is during a concert, we had meet-and-greets to give away. A girl and her brother were sitting up front and they seemed really happy to be there so we gave them a pair. The joy and appreciation she had made me so happy. Afterwards, she got a hold of me on Twitter to say how much this meant to her that she could experience it with her brother. Sure, we get those odd ones, but the good ones make up for it.
4) What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with?
While I was in Joplin, we had a promotion called "Kissin the Pounds Goodbye" where my PD and I led two teams of three. Men vs. women on who could lose the most weight for the new year. It was a healthy promotion where we all had to motivate each other. It even got competitive when the girls talked about bringing doughnuts to the gym. At the end of the day, it wasn't about who won (the ladies, of course). It was about teamwork and health. So much fun!
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
While I was getting my degree, I had a choice to study a minor or study a language for four years. So I chose American Sign Language. Works great with radio!
6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
AM1260 Radio Disney was my first and favorite. I loved listening at night on my Nickelodeon alarm clock ... I'm kicking myself for not keeping it!
7) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
My mentors were Bill Wills, Joel Murphy (still is), Dr. Phil Hoffman, and Tom Beck. Mr. Beck has had the most influence in my career. From the first time meeting him to now, he has been my Yoda.
8) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
I have to say this year is by far the best. Seeing a show at the Brady Theater, BOK, or Cain's Ballroom is always a great time. I had the opportunity to meet some pretty cool artists. Selena Gomez, Coldplay, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Alice Cooper, to name a few. Weird Al is included, but that was last year.
9) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
If I'm not at the gym, I'm reading. I love losing track of time in a good book. Does binge watching Netflix count as a hobby?
10) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
It's the people for sure. This industry seems big, but everybody knows somebody you know or have worked with. You make great connections and friendships throughout the journey. I love hearing other people's stories and having a platform to start a conversation.
Bonus Questions
Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?
The first character that comes to mind is Gene Belcher from Bob's Burgers. I love food. Michonne from The Walking Dead is the character that most reflects my personality. Strong, independent, and can take down zombies.
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