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10 Questions with ... Marie Cristal
February 7, 2006
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NAME:Marie CristalPOSITION:former MD/middaysSTATION:formerly WWKXMARKET:Providence, RICOMPANY:CitadelBORN:Albany, NYRAISED:Albany, NY
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my radio career in college on WCDB 90.9 at SUNY-ALBANY, and then was given the opportunity to work at WAJZ (JAMZ 96.3)/ALBANY. I started as a board operator for the TOM JOYNER MORNING SHOW and worked my way up to APD. After four years at JAMZ, I moved to Rhode Island to take on the Music Director position at WWKX (HOT 106.3), which I held for more than a year and a half.
1. What was your last non-Industry job?
I worked as a hostess at the OLIVE GARDEN. Love those breadsticks.
2. What got you interested in Radio?
A colleague of mine thought I had a good voice and would harass me in our Communication Theory class about his show on our college radio station. I finally gave in to be a guest on his show and after about an hour on-air I was hooked.
3. What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio?
The inability or lack of interest that radio stations have with helping and cultivating local talent. I believe we get so wrapped up in the hype of celebrities that we forget that at one point in time every star was a local artist.
4. What's the highlight of your radio career to date?
To be honest, the high points of my career are when I'm out in the community and someone approaches me to say they really enjoy listening to me.
5. It's natural to lump stations and markets within a region together. That being said, we know that there are some subtle and some not-so-subtle differences in "neighboring" markets. What might people find surprising about the difference between your market, Providence and say...Boston?
People would be surprised to find out how big the Hispanic population in PROVIDENCE is compared to BOSTON.
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I will be programming a station in a major market.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
The only man that gave me my first radio gig and helped me gain the knowledge and experience I needed to spread my wings in this business is RON" THE SUGAR BEAR" WILLIAMS. He is one of the most compassionate, innovative, and knowledgeable programmers in the business. I could never thank him enough or repay him for the patience, guidance and commitment he showed me.
8. You are giving three market choices for your next gig. NY, LA or Miami...which would it be?
MIAMI BABY!!! That is the hot spot and you have to be where it's hot.
9. Which new artist do you think we'll still be playing 10 years from now?
JOHN LEGEND. He has such a pure and eclectic sound. There is nothing about him that is like anything else that is out there now. He definitely has what it takes for longevity in this business if he continues the path that he is on.
10. A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours?
I would spend those hours talking to and spending time with my daughter. She is one of the coolest people I know.
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