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10 Questions with ... Marissa
May 27, 2008
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POSITION:Music Director/Afternoon DriveSTATION:WFLY FLY92.3MARKET:Albany/Schenectady/Troy, NYOWNER:Albany Broadcasting Company
Please outline your radio career so far:
I somehow started working in radio in November of 2004 at WFLY (FLY92.3). I was a kid who went to college for Fine Arts, then found myself behind a board with buttons and a mic ... it was weird. I began as a board op and quickly moved into weekends and then overnights, which I did for about two years. June 2006: I moved to Omaha, NE to do Middays/Music Director for KQKQ (Q98.5). I ended up moving back home to Albany after some family-related issues came up in 2007 and went back to part-time work on WAJZ (JAMZ 96.3) as well as FLY. After being back for a couple months, and A LOT of hard work and maybe a lil' influence of some co-workers, I landed the gig I have now - MD/afternoons for FLY92.3. I like to think my PD made the best choice possible. Of course, I think I'm a little biased.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
The best diet I've ever had in my life. My first month of doing overnights I lost 35-40 pounds ... and haven't gained it back since. It was like my metabolism needed a kick in the ass.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I was getting ready to graduate from college for Fine Arts when I realized, I did so much painting, drawing and design I now HATED it ... go figure. I was taking a TV class when I heard about a radio & TV school. I went for an interview, got accepted and after my first month in, I got my first gig. Not exactly the norm for the school by any means. I guess it was meant to be.
3) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Answering the phones between 2 and 4pm ... seems like every kid has a cell phone now!
4) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
What's surprising is I actually found my iPod after searching for it for over a year. That's what I get for putting it in a place I "wouldn't forget." I'm a '90s music junky. I've come to realize ... I've got Coolio, LFO, Fresh Prince, Snow ... the random crap that I love.
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
The real reason I'm in entertainment is because I was bit with the acting bug and figured this could lead to it eventually, but in the meantime I was bit by the radio bug. Thankfully. neither require medication.
6) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Kelly Clarkson. I see a lot of me in her; I think it would awesome. However, I'd most likely be at my giddiest and that's something no one should ever have to witness...
7) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
I mentioned the '90s already ... but that's about the time I REALLY got into music. Third Eye Blind, Hanson, Natalie Imbruglia, any boy band pretty much ... I loved it all... 3eb & Hanson are still two of my favorites.
8) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Work hard and you'll be rewarded ... eventually.
9) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Considering I did teach radio for about six months in between things, what I told my students was this: "Get ready to work hard, for no money and no recognition ... it'll pay off in the end."
10) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
It's amazing how different FLY92.3 is from any other station I've been at. The relationships we hold with each other, when it comes to the air staff, is unlike anything I've ever witnessed. We're not "co-workers;" we are a "family" ... and I believe it shows. Whether it's in the building, on the air, at events or just hanging out on the weekends, the people I work with are some of the best people I know.
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
Chrissy Cavotta's hot tub. I'm kidding, sorta ... go to downtown Albany and check out Pearl Street. You're bound to have a good time.
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