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10 Questions with ... Sytonnia 'Toni' Moore
October 8, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
A true junkie, my career as a multimedia broadcaster started with Cox Communications as a TV Host and Reporter for an Entertainment program, at the age of 17. In my 20+ years in the business, I've done work for WSB, TV-One, ESPN, Fox Sports South, Fox 5 Atlanta, The CW-69, CBS Radio Orlando and Atlanta, Atlanta Hawks Radio, V-103, WCJB TV 20 News, Unique Discoveries-Cox Communications, Magic 101.3 and now Cox Media Group in Atlanta. Currently, I am the Co-Host/News and Entertainment Announcer for The Morning Groove on KISS 104.1 and hold the positions of Editor-In-Chief, Booker and lead reporter/videographer for Sports Wire Magazine where some of my work has been featured on ESPN's Undefeated, NBA TV and TNT. I also run my own charity, The Moore Help Foundation of Atlanta, Inc.(501(c)3).
1) What do you like about doing morning drive?
Knowing that I'm part of my city's morning, part of the hustle and bustle as they prepare to get their days started, get to work and get the kids off to school is rewarding. It also feeds the creative in me. Morning shows are designed. That construction of funny, informative and entertaining (to name a few) gives me a rush every time we deliver it. I don't want to be a liner jock so being part of a 'show' is gratifying in several different ways. Broadcasting is one hell-of-a drug. And being able to do it at this magnitude, in a top 10 market, gives me the biggest high.
2) Do you consider radio a blessing and a curse?
It's just a blessing to me. To be able to do what I love and get paid for it is nothing but the Lord!
3) Who have been your mentors and career influencers?
Mentors, my old PD Quincy in Gainesville and my new PD Terri Avery. Career influencers for me begin and stop at Robin Roberts and Oprah Winfrey. Robin represents real talent that took a respectable route to the top. She's versatile and that's something that I pride myself on as well. There were no shortcuts with Robin. Oprah's blueprint shows you how to turn a job into an empire. I don't want to say that I will be the next Oprah Winfrey, but my success will mirror hers. What day is it? Mark this date down.... I'm telling you today that I will be a media mogul billionaire. My empire is already in the making.
4) How would you describe your show in terms of content and tone?
Euphoric. It's fun, entertaining, engaging. We give you a nice big plate of protein with the proper sides to make sure you get everything you're looking for in a morning show. If you're looking for drama and bickering, it's not for you. We cater to a mature crowd that doesn't run away from real issues but maintains a positive vibe. Most importantly though, we want to keep you up, keep you laughing and feeling good!
5) Who would be the ultimate "dream guest" to have sit in across from you?
That would be "guests" for me. I can't name just one. My Grandmother, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and the Duchess of Cambridge. These people have both fascinated me and motivated me at the same time. I need tips from Oprah to become a media mogul. Being the first black President of the United States and the legacy that Donald Trump has been working diligently to destroy would be one of the first bits of conversation with President Obama. I want to know how Michelle is wired because you've got to be built uniquely to be who she is. She never once cursed anybody out. (Just kidding). The story of Kate Middleton, a commoner who lost her Prince for a while and then married him, is a real fairytale love story. And my Grandmother Amy Mae Walton Law was the epitome of a phenomenal woman. She was Jesus walking on earth. She passed away earlier this year just shy of 95 years old. That wisdom, her faith, the history and stories that she could share, I can only now wonder about. I wish I had more time to get more from her.
6) How did you first become interested in radio?
I was working my first gig, a TV show, and a local PD saw me on-air. He called and asked if I was interested in doing radio and when I saw the board, I fell in-love. I couldn't wait to figure out what the function of each button was. The process of creating this musical theatre of the mind snatched me up quick. I remember my debut. I had negotiated a whole $10/hr. salary for a part-time slot lol. I had the worst headache. With less than 7 minutes before that on-air light was set to come on, one of the women who worked for the station came in with some water and BC powder. She said, "Here take two of these. It'll knock it right out." Headache was gone within a couple of minutes. I cracked the mic and took care of business. The PD came running down the hall, "That's what I'm talking about!" Lol. I said, "Okay, let's do this." It was the first show of what would turn into a career.
7) What's your plan?
I will be a Media Mogul. The plan is to keep building my empire and helping the people in my community.
8) What are some of the craziest or most memorable things that have happened to you on the air?
Oh Geez. Besides the stalkers, which come with the territory, I would say that one time when I was live on the air and a co-worker whipped his Johnson out and put it on the studio glass. The "Oh My Gawwwwwwd" that I let out would for sure be a useful sounder to this day. There were all kinds of HR violations going on there. But when you're in college, you don't think about the severity of such actions. Activist, rapper and actor TI talked about this kind of behavior during a recent interview. He referred to it as BDE. I'll attribute it to that *wink*. Look it up!
And then there was the time that a relative of Casey Anthony came to the station and wanted to talk to me on-air. She was the Orlando woman who was accused of killing her daughter Caleigh. I was doing middays in Orlando at the time and had did a break talking about the allegations. One of my bosses came in the studio and said don't go to the welcoming desk for anything right now. (Welcoming desk.... meaning outside of buzzed in secure parameters.) I asked why and he said, "Because a man claiming to be Casey Anthony's uncle wants to come and talk to you." I said, "Bring him in." But my boss said, "NO." I then told my boss to give him the studio line so he could call-in and he did.
9) Is there a question you wish someone would ask you?
A lot of people applaud me for getting this far in my career on my own. Besides my mom letting me live with her and borrow her car to go to interviews and auditions until I got that one gig that afforded me the luxury of becoming and independent woman, I've had no help. No agent-No hookup-No nepotism, nothing. Just my talent, my passion and my grind. I work hard.
That question would be: Is it difficult to do it on your own?
My answer would be, yes. And it might take me a little bit longer to get where I'm trying to go. But in the end, I don't owe anybody anything but my Mom. Nobody can take responsibility for my success but me. It hits a lot different when you can say, "I did this." And don't get me wrong. I need an agent. I want an agent. Agents open doors for you that would otherwise stay closed. But until then, I'm on my own in this and I'm okay with that. Either way, what God has planned for me is for me.
10) What kinds of social media engagement works best for you?
Social media is the devil. I've seen people lose families, their freedom and their jobs because of social media. But I engage responsibly because it is necessary in this digital age and in some cases for employment. Employers want to see how you utilize the platforms and it's where your listeners and viewers can easily find you and communicate with you. For me, I pretty much keep my posts work related. Outside of sharing images of my beautiful nieces and my handsome nephews, I don't post any personal stuff. You've got to be careful with that. And don't call me through Instagram or Facebook. That's creepy. I won't answer.
Bonus Questions
What would surprise people most about you?
I eat chitterlings or "chitlins," if you're Southern. Don't judge me.
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