10 Questions with ... Miss Sarah

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Starting in 2006 in upstate NY with Albany Broadcasting, I started with the morning show on WAJZ (Jamz 96.3). I also had shows on the other stations in our cluster as well as our Adirondack Broadcasting stations in Glens Falls, NY and Catamount Broadcasting stations in Vermont over the years I was in NY.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Life-changing. When I started as an intern I knew I was just crazy enough to love it and I wouldn't leave, so they had to start paying me.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

Boredom. At the time I was in college, getting a degree in social work, but I was already working in the field and was getting burnt out. So, with full-time school, two internships, and theater, I thought, well I don't have anything to do at 5a, so, cool. I'll get in where I fit in. A friend of mine from my hometown, Damian "JD" Redman, was half of the dynamic duo that was the JAMZ morning show and he told me about an internship opportunity.

3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Probably just as many, although they are different hats. Instead of being five different personalities in three markets at the same time, I get to be just me :) Being the digital media manager for four stations does, however, mean some split personalities.

4) What are you doing social media-wise?

Staying honest and organic. The listener feels connected to "real people." Real moments on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat ... you aren't going to find boring pictures of a perfectly set up remote table and prize wheels. You're going to find images and videos that reflect the fun we're actually having and the listeners who are why we do what we do. Just like people love to hear themselves on air, it's almost more gratifying for them to see themselves on our social assets. My goal for 2017 is to take more and more listener selfies. Share more of THEIR content. Like Lori Lewis says, give THEM the "oh crap" moments.

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

Meeting the people I get to talk to everyday.

6) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

Man, where do I start ... I don't like cheese or wine, I've never seen The Godfather, Star Wars or Alice in Wonderland, and I have an incredible fear of public speaking.

7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

Zann on Hot 933 in Dallas. She's real, she's honest, hilarious and isn't afraid to showcase who she really is. She gets to the point, gets in and out of a break flawlessly. She's a beautiful woman on and off the air

8) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?

That would definitely have to be "Topless for Toby" at JAMZ in Albany. We were "#1 for hip-hop and hits" and for whatever reason, we got a pair of Toby Keith tickets to give away. I can't remember how we picked the qualifier, but she came in and sat through the whole morning show topless. What made it even better was running into Toby Keith after that night's concert, at a gas station, and telling him the whole story. I don't totally remember, but the whole promotion may have been something Paige Neinaber cooked up in his odd little mind. Or maybe he wished he had.

9) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

If I listen to anything, it's Reggae, Soca, Jazz, Old School Hip-Hop, Country ... most of the time though, at home, I prefer the sound of silence.

10) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

A couple years back, when I first moved to NC, a young listener sent me a message on Facebook, that said they missed hearing me on the air in Albany ... that they really were thankful for the "big sister" quality I gave them. That I was teaching them, and they quoted my outgoing message of "wrap it up, click it or ticket, I need you in my world tomorrow."

Knowing that if I reach even ONE person with something, and it makes a difference to them, then I'm happy.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I never wanted to grow up. Unfortunately my parent kept watering me so here I am, adulting. But I did have plans! I wanted to be a hairdresser, a DJ like Venus Flytrap and an astronaut. Two out of three ain't bad! LOL. In high school, I was in the cosmetology program at BOCES and was working in a salon. So Ted & Amy on 93Q were doing a Valentine's wedding on their show my senior year and I was lucky enough to be the official hairdresser. So I guess, combining two was pretty cool. ;)