10 Questions with ... Gabrielle Vaughn

NAME:Gabrielle Vaughn TITLE:Music Director, Midday Host STATION:WBLI MARKET:Long Island OWNER:Cox Radio

Please outline your radio career so far:

1996-1998: WBEA/Long Island, Hamptons Radio Corporation, Morning show co-host.
1998-2006: WPST/Trenton-Philadelphia, Nassau Broadcasting, APD, Midday Host.
2004-present: Independent voice-over work and voice tracked shifts on WOJZ, WMOO, and WJYY.

1) After a lengthy successful run in the New Jersey/Philadelphia area at WPST, you returned to your native Long Island. How good did it feel to be home?

It was a wonderful homecoming for me to begin working at BLI last year. I had been focusing on returning to the New York area and becoming music director and midday host at BLI was a tremendous opportunity after eight rewarding years with PST. And I am still working with most of the same promotion reps with whom I've built strong relationships, which is a big plus.

2) You work in a top 20 market that's also embedded in market #1, and you compete with New York City signals. What unique challenges does this present?

There are a lot of parallels between my gigs at PST and BLI. They are heritage stations in the shadow of larger markets, but both stations' listeners are really proud to claim their loyalty and years of listenership. Relating to my at-work listener by localizing my breaks is paramount. I love connecting with my audience: I am constantly sharing stories about my life and my observances about living on Long Island. For instance, this winter I regularly described the wacky, over-the-top holiday decorations and lights that I saw while driving through different towns. The biggest compliment is when I receive an email request from someone who commutes to the city and listens to BLI online!

3) Tell us something we'd be surprised to know about your PD, Jeremy Rice.

I've been incredibly fortunate to work for PDs with whom I've had great relationships -- Steve Ardolina, Dave McKay, Eric McDonald, & AJ Dukette, and now Jeremy Rice. What's unique about Jeremy is that we are frequent running partners. We ran the inaugural NYC half marathon last August, and I was absolutely honored to run the last five miles of the NYC Marathon with him in November. What I've found particularly caring is the interest Jeremy takes in his jocks' lives. I was on vacation in January running a half marathon with my brother, and he called to wish me luck. He'll email or text our airstaff with encouraging words outside of the studio. It's a nice connection to share with your PD.

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

I am a two-time member of the "Polar Bear Club" -- January 1, 2005 I jumped into the chilly Montauk, NY waters with my father (who's always been my biggest fan!), and this past New Year's Day I was in Boston where I joined about 400 other revelers in Boston Harbor.

5) In the last six months, what song has pleasantly surprised you by becoming a hit?

Daughtry, "It's Not Over." (And I like the entire CD!)

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

I am a AAA girl at heart, and I highly respect and love listening to WEHM, WXPK, and WXPN. Plus I found a great local high school station that I adore: WSHR, which is programmed by students and headed by former BLI employee Mark Laura.

7) How would you describe your first radio gig?

I secretly always wanted to be a DJ. On my drive home from Bryn Mawr College one summer I stopped into WBEA where Steve Ardolina was gracious enough to see me. When he let me voice the overnight weather report -- and I set my alarm that night to wake up and listen for it -- I knew I was hooked! Steve offered me a promotions internship, and by the end of the summer I was filling in part-time. Throughout my senior year I would fill in at the station during holiday weekends and winter break. Right before graduation, Steve offered me the morning show co-host position. I received my diploma on a Sunday, drove home, and was on the air -- so green -- that Tuesday!

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

Growing up in suburban New Jersey, I listened to Z100 and PLJ. And during the summer of 1984 I could tune in WERI (RI104) on Long Island. Returning to school in September, we were asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. I have a framed crayon illustration of me wearing headphones, standing next to a turntable backselling Madonna and Huey Lewis and the News "on RI104, where we give you four in a row, every time!"

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

Ooh, many. Running, Pilates, traveling, and horseback riding.

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

I always tell my interns that we are in a customer-service business. Being helpful and answering the request line goes a long way in building and maintaining your P1 listener. Taking a few minutes to look up a phone number, website, or obscure song lyric separates you from your competition -- and can create station loyalty.

BONUS: Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?

Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) on "30 Rock."