10 Questions with ... Megan Vaughan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started working in radio full-time in 2003 at WYNU in Jackson, TN doing middays. From there, it's been middays and then afternoons at 98.1 the Max in Memphis -- THEN I fell in love with a solider in the Army, and to stay in the business while moving around the country, I started voicetracking outside markets from my home studio. I was PD/morning drive at B104.7 in Manhattan, KS, and now am middays at 95.7 the Vibe with Cumulus in Kansas City. I also voicetrack four markets from the home studio. I stay busy, but I LOVE it!

1) What led you to a career in radio?

I was obsessed with radio ever since I can remember. I used to repeat call letters as a child, and make tapes of me interviewing my little brother and my stuffed animals. I started doing radio part-time at 17, and by 20, had my first full-time gig, and never looked back.

2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

Kansas City has a lot of great stations with some serious talent. It's a very busy market, with so much going on -- so much to be involved with ... which I absolutely love. Working at Cumulus in this market has been a great experience so far.

3) What is your favorite part of the job?

I love it all really ... but it's especially rewarding being involved in charities and making a difference in the community. I also love doing contests and making peoples' day by hooking them up with whatever prize we're giving away. I get more excited than they do sometimes!

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

Carly Evans on 98.3 KORA in College Station, TX. We worked together in Manhattan, KS and she is one of the best radio personalities and people I have ever met. I am so lucky to have worked with her.

5) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

107.7 in Henderson, TN. I pretty much stalked the station. I would call every Sunday night during the request show and dedicate songs to my horses. The DJ finally told me to stop calling.

6) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Steve Burke was my first PD and he taught me so much in those first two years, and really made me appreciate the business. Jon Zellner has also been a massive influence on me as far as programming as well as on-air, and I have been so lucky to be able to have worked with him. And my current PD -- Mike O'Reilly at Cumulus Kansas City -- has been a huge help in polishing me up and helping navigate the PPM world.

7) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?

I love ALL the decades, but I think the '90s were big for me. I was an awkward teenager and music helped me get through a lot of it. I LOVE '90s Country, the cheesy Pop, the Grunge Rock ... it was all good. I remember being obsessed with Gwen Stefani and even wore a bindi to school once. Everyone thought it was a zit.

8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

Singing! I actually sing in an '80s tribute band in Kansas City. It's another childhood dream come true.

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

I still find radio magical, just as I did as a child. To be a part of it everyday is still a thrill to me, and I love the music, the people I get to work with, the stories you can tell ... and most importantly to me, the fact that you have a chance to make an impact.

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

Never stop learning. And what I tell people is that you have to start at the bottom. Work your way up. You are never better than anyone, and don't you EVER get an ego! Be nice, work hard, and it will happen. Always keep getting better. Never say, "Okay, that's good enough!" Because it's not.

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

Aside from a radio personality? She-Ra.