Charese Fruge’ (@MCMediaonline) Talks To Hannah B

She’s probably half my age, but twice as inspiring. Hannah Brummer (Hannah B) is fresh out of college at Elmhurst University, but already has solid experience in the radio and audio business and her charitable efforts are impressive and already making a difference in the lives of people in dire need of hope and awareness. She’s currently a Promotions Assistant at Cumulus/Chicago. “My role includes leading all station and sales promotional events, representing each radio station in the best light, corresponding with clients and vendors at concerts and promotional events to ensure that all needs are met, logging prize winners and distributing prizes, etc. I absolutely love what I do!” She says. “You can always find a smile on my face when I am working!”

Hannah also has her own Podcast, “Monday Motivation with Hannah B,” which originally started during her work at her college radio station. Here’s what her experience looks like. “I started working as a Promotion's Coordinator in June of 2019 for US*99 and 104.3 Jams. In September of 2019, I started my own college radio show with WRSE (88.7FM)/Elmhurst Rock Variety,” she explains. “Unfortunately, my senior year was moved to virtual learning, but that didn't stop me from following my dreams. I transitioned my radio show to a podcast in March of 2020. I worked on my podcast, brand, and partnerships throughout the summer of 2020. I began my career at the Illinois Media School on August 3, 2020. While continuing my podcast and working at Illinois Media School, I also became a Student Ambassador for Camp Broadcast and an Assistant Producer for Brandwidth on Demand. I began working as a Promotions Assistant for Cumulus/Chicago in June 2021.”

Hannah got the radio bug during her first internship. “It was with the Chicago Bandits, a professional softball team, in August 2018,” she says. “During the championship series, I had the opportunity to work with ESPN in the media truck. Immediately, I knew I wanted to work in media.”

So far, it’s turned out to be a fantastic opportunity for Hannah. “One of the most exciting things I have experienced in my career was when I attended Camp Broadcast, hosted by Sam Alex, and had the opportunity to interview Country music artist, Scotty McCreery,” she says. “Another exciting moment I experienced in my career was working Lakeshake with US*99. It was such an amazing experience. I loved seeing all the smiling faces of listeners!” Brummer adds. “In addition, I really enjoyed the ‘Women in Radio’ Conference and ‘Women on Air’ Seminar. It was so great to see so many women supporting other women in the industry. I’m looking forward to attending more in the future!”

Hannah also attended this year’s “Morning Show Boot Camp” in Chicago hosted by Don Anthony. She was one of the “first time Boot Campers” who brought a lot of new energy to the conference. “Morning Show Bootcamp was truly the best experience! I didn't want it to end. The best 2 days of my life,” she says. “I learned so much about how to be a successful female in the industry while making connections that will last a lifetime. One of my favorite panels at ‘Morning Show Bootcamp’ was the ‘Women’s Forum.’ I couldn’t believe I was sitting in the same room with the women I have looked up to since I found my passion in radio. I learned so much about how to be a successful female in the industry. I felt inspired the first minute they started to speak. So inspired that I gained the courage to stand up and ask a question in a room filled with program directors, vice presidents, programmers, consultants, and lots of talent. I am looking forward to attending again next year!”

Despite Hannah being in the early stages of her career, it still presents its difficulties. “One of the most challenging things I have faced is getting rejected from a few different radio gigs that I really wanted,” she says. “I handled it by staying motivated and putting more effort into my podcast. In addition, I felt this was a sign to enable myself to learn more and become more equipped with the skills required.”

She hopes that all young women looking to get into the business will do the same. “The advice I would give to young women is to find a mentor that you can reach out to and ask questions. I have so many great people that I can count on to help guide me in the right direction. Send your airchecks to industry professionals and ask for feedback. I am all about looking for ways to improve.”

At “Morning Show Boot Camp’s Women’s Forum,” we discussed the lack of female talent in the business and its direct relationship to the lack of female program directors in positions of power who are also decision makers when it comes to hiring. Hannah’s advice to the industry on how to encourage more women to pursue positions of power: “We can get women excited about getting into programming and management by showing our extra support. The ‘Women in Radio Conference’ encouraged me to chase after my dreams of becoming an on-air talent because of all the amazing female professionals I met. We need to support one another and be each other’s cheerleaders every step of the way.”

In an industry full of “Type A” personalities, there is always some kind of anxiety that keeps us up at night. For Hannah, it is no different. “What keeps me up at night is wondering how my future will pan out. I constantly wonder about what my career in radio will be like,” she says. “I try to take things day-by-day but when you find a career you love so deeply, it's hard not to constantly worry about what the next step is.”

Hannah does find a way to try to bring balance to her life, a good lesson to learn early in any career. “I’m all about meditating, kickboxing, and self-care,” says Brummer. “I typically do a ‘Self-Care Sunday’ every weekend and meditate for about 20 minutes while doing a face mask. It helps calm my mind and any overthinking I may have. Kickboxing has also been a great stress-reliever. I feel like such a strong, powerful woman whenever I punch the bag!” she says. “In my spare time, I like to work out, get my nails done, and spend time with family and friends. I used to play college softball too so whenever I get the chance to play, I do!”

One of the most admirable things about Hannah is her giant heart and passion for incredible causes.  She’s recently partnered with a local family to spread some positive vibes and raise money for “The Children’s Tumor Foundation.” She has been able to do so by creating a line of apparel and partnering with a local restaurant. Hannah B will also be emceeing “The Shine A Light on Neurofibromatosis Walk” next month. One other thing to add to her schedule is she also recently took on motivational speaking for local schools as they begin their school year virtually.

As for what we have to look forward to from Hanna, “I will be continuing to work on my podcast and growing my brand. And my biggest priority is to land a full-time on-air gig, so hopefully you will hear me on the airwaves soon!”

Programmers, I’m just going to put it out there. Hannah is the perfect candidate to hire on your team. She may not have years of experience “on air,” but she’s the kind of person who will show up every day, do the job to the best of her ability, and challenge herself to learn everything as quickly as possible. Plus, she’s got an amazing personality and is “content gold.” Follow her on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok: @hannahb_onair and Facebook: Monday Motivation with Hannah B. Also here is the link to her website: hannahbonair.wordpress.com

You’re Welcome.