10 Questions with ... Elista Hathaway

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my career while attending Penn State on the local morning show, B94.5's Morning Zoo. Upon graduating in 2011, I also started working in the marketing department for the State College Spikes baseball team. After doing middays and nights on the B, then mornings on the Rock/Alt station, I took a full-time On-Air Personality and Promotions Director role for the company's stations in Parkersburg, West Virginia. After nine months, I made the jump to Pittsburgh for the night show on 100.7 Star. After moving over to nights on sister station Y108, I landed the midday show on 100.7 Star, and became the Music Director and Assistant Brand Manager. I'll be with Audacy/ Pittsburgh for a decade this August.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

A wild time! You never knew what to expect when interning for the Morning Zoo at the local top 40 station in State College, PA, B94.5! One morning we would be live on the air delivering an edible arrangement to a doctor’s office, and the next we’d be standing at the corner of Waddle and Clearwater passing out donuts to listeners driving by. I loved waking up before the cows so we could wake up Happy Valley. It was such an intense immersive learning experience.

We had a blast on and off the air. We’d surprise middle school dances by tossing out t-shirts, and had dance-offs for concert tickets. Our goal was to be everywhere and to be #1. The immediacy, music, impact, all of it. We became family. I fell in love with radio.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

There are home videos somewhere of me pretending to have my own show, but in college I came across this local radio show internship that sounded like a blast so I jumped at the chance. I never looked back.

3. You’re coming up on your 10th anniversary at Star. What are a couple of the highlights of your run so far in The ‘Burgh?

Raising millions of meals for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank during our ‘Feed The Need’ radiothons.

Meeting listeners over the years at our events and getting to hear and see their reaction to meeting their favorite artists.

It was a full circle moment for me when I got the chance to interview a childhood favorite, The Backstreet Boys, at our ‘O Starry Night’ concert.

Broadcasting on Federal Street at the Pittsburgh Pirates playoff game.

Interviewing artists & attending the 50th Anniversary of the ACM’s in Dallas.

4. On your midday show you’ve always made it a point to heavily interact with your listeners. Their trust in you makes for great radio. What are some of the topics and things that really gets the audience buzzing?

It really depends on the day, and the vibes. If the Steelers lose the night before, you know Monday people aren’t going to be in the best of shape. Yinzers however do love to talk and I love talking to them! Our afternoon host, Kelly, will be in the studio with me when I’m on with a listener, and she will just laugh because she knows I could and will talk all day with them. If all else fails, talk dogs or food.

5. Who would be a “dream guest” to have on your show?

Lady Gaga Momma Monster Please! Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta! Call me!

6. Is there such a thing as a ‘typical’ music meeting with Mark Anderson?

LOL! No.

7. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

Our station is once again a finalist for the prestigious NAB Crystal Awards for excellence in community service. I’m so proud to be part of our team at 100.7 Star that connects to and makes an impact on our audience daily.

8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

You never know who you’ll work with where. People always come back to radio.

9. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Kelly Dzanaj. She is our afternoon host on 100.7 Star and one of my best friends. I met her day one of radio and I wanted to be just like her! Having fun on the air, rocking yoga pants, talking to listeners on the radio about the wild night before!

10. With the PPG Paints Arena at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a station bash?

For Star I’d go with Adele, Britney Spears, *NSYNC, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga