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10 Questions with ... Jess Phaneuf
July 25, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I attended Emerson College in Boston with a Broadcast Journalism major and started working at WERS sophomore year. After graduating college, I landed a full-time job at MVYRADIO on Martha’s Vineyard. I lived on the island for seven years before leaving to take a part time position at WUMB and returning to Boston… then in 2018 I accepted the full-time position of Music Director at MVYRADIO. I’m thrilled to be back with such a supportive and passionate team!
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Radio classes at Emerson College and working at WERS was what sparked my interest in radio.
2. Who were/are your mentors?
I remember Alden Fertig, who was at WERS at the time, was a huge mentor for me. Now I draw inspiration from my amazing co-workers!
3. How would you describe the music on the station?
Blues/americana is our main focus – we sound like the Island – Martha’s Vineyard – we do play a bit of reggae. You’ll hear soulfulness and smart pop. 50/50 male/female
4. WMVY seems to fit a specific niche in the radio landscape of Martha’s Vineyard/Cape Islands. Tell us about that.
“Martha’s Vineyard & The World”
5. What new artists are you most excited about?
I love the new single from Laney Jones – she went to Berklee School of Music in Boston. Cristina Vane just came all the way from Nashville to play for us on the island and she blew us away. She plays slide guitar and clawhammer banjo.
6. What do you like best about your job?
My favorite part about this job is getting feedback from listeners during our on-air fund drives. We recently reached our biggest fund drive goal yet - $260K!!! Listener supported radio is amazing. People show up for us in a remarkable way.
7. What would surprise people most about the you?
In my spare time I perform in community theatre productions – I love to sing and dance! I just wrapped a 9-show run of Guys & Dolls.
8. What are some of your biggest challenges as a public station?
Raising the funds we need to operate.
9. Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
I would have to say Oldies or Classic Rock.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...?
... COFFEE!!
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Working part-time at Whole Foods.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Going on long walks with my dog Elroy – he’s, my bestie! Working out! Yoga! Watching Bruins hockey.
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