-
Charese Fruge’ (@MCMediaonline) Talks To Tori Hart
June 6, 2023
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
I first heard Tori Hart on the air while listening to a new online station I discovered. She’s the midday host for Rebel Media's EagleOnlineRadio.com - hits from the 80's and 90's and a super fun station, by the way. She can also be heard on TNNradio.com working in the Country world and serving up the weather through Radio Forecast Networks affiliates across the U.S. and Canada. In between all of these responsibilities, she also does VO work, works with one of her sons who has his own marketing company, and can often be found taking off road adventures and enjoying the snow with her husband in Southern Utah or taking occasional trips to enjoy her grandchildren all over the U.S.
Hart got her start in the radio business as a student assistant to the professor of the broadcasting program at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA. “This professor was a radio personality and was the host of the public affairs show for the Los Angeles Angels (Anaheim) baseball team. The show was called ‘Community Cares,’ and I was the producer of the show. I booked all of her guests,” explains Hart. “Next, I moved on to being a news production assistant for KNX News Radio in Los Angeles where I learned to work under extreme pressure and short deadlines. It was the most stressful and fun job working alongside some of the great newscasters, reporters, and writers.”
“Next stop was working at KFRG...my dream station,” says Hart. “I started as a board op there while learning from the best on-air personalities around. I was able to voice track for their cluster stations, most notably Route 101 broadcasting in the High Desert region of Southern California. I was then moved up to filling in overnights for some of the jocks which was amazing. After our move out of California (my family) to Southern Utah, I started working for Radio Forecast Network recording weather forecasts for seventeen different stations across the US and Canada. This has helped me continue to be a weather junkie lol. About a year later I was introduced to Rebel Media and started doing Saturday afternoons on tnn.com, then got the opportunity to do weekdays over on eagleOnlineRadio.com. It's been one heck of a ride so far!”
One of Hart’s biggest accomplishments was working for KNX News Radio. “It was quite an experience going from zero to heart stopping in 60 seconds some days. It was rarely the same day in and day out,” she says. “But I think my biggest accomplishment so far was earning a Golden Mike Award for producing a segment for ‘Community Cares.’ The segment was for the Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation. Justin Carr was a teenager in excellent health who died suddenly after swim practice. His whole young life was dedicated to wanting to bring the world together in love and peace. His parents were obviously heartbroken losing their only child, so they created this foundation dedicated to continuing on Justin's legacy. Finding unique stories to bring to the public has been one of my gifts and I loved meeting new people and learning from them.”
“I think one of the challenges I have had is that I started my radio journey later in life-I was in my 40's when I got my first job,” says Hart. “But I truly don't believe that age should hold you back, so I don't let it. I have been blessed that all of my bosses have not allowed my age to be an issue.”
“Speaking of which, connecting with the younger generation to keep radio alive, that is a tough one,” says Hart. “But I think being who I authentically am helps me connect with others, no matter the age. With that, organic engagement occurs and if you can make all of that sound and look pretty with captivating content, then it’s a win-win! Being an avid storyteller, sharing your journey and connecting with the art helps Millennial and Gen Z create an emotional connection. Plus, my life experiences and being a mother to both Millennials and Gen Z kids helps me connect because I think of them as I do my kids.”
“As far as diversity, equity and inclusion, I think the needle is moving but maybe not as fast as it should or could for that matter,” says Hart. “I think we have to be careful in making sure we are doing more than just moving people forward in the industry, any industry for that matter, by just checking off boxes. I think that does a disservice for everyone involved. The hiring of individuals should and needs to be based on an individual’s work experience, talent, schooling, etc. Not because an individual checks off certain boxes. You end up just hiring people that may not have the talent or work stamina to be in the industry,” she says. “I don't want to be hired because I fit into a box that a station thinks I should be in to make them look inclusive. I want to be hired because I have talent and I’m a good fit for the station (or office) and they are a good fit for me. We can work together and grow in a direction that will be a benefit for all. If businesses are just looking for the person who hits all the right boxes and doesn't look at them as if they have what it takes to perform the job, then everyone loses.”
Like many talent, Hart is skeptical about the use of AI in the industry. “It will only hurt us,” she says. “Already lots of talent have been let go with the introduction of jockless stations (Jack FM jumps to mind). Add AI to the mix and say bye-bye to on-air talent. If our jobs can be taken over by AI, then we're all doing something wrong.”
What would Hart be doing if not for radio? “I imagine if I wasn't working in the industry, I would probably be doing something with animals,” she says. “I wanted to be a killer whale trainer when I was younger...I still have a book titled ‘How to Train a Killer Whale,’ or acting, which I am looking into at this time.”
“What keeps me up at night? My ADHD usually, “she says. “Besides that, missing my kids and grandkids. They are all over the country and, like the mom I am, I worry about them and miss them a lot. Mostly I try not to let too many things keep me up. I love my sleep!”
“I work to find balance,” says Hart. “I love to serve others. I am always looking for ways to help and serve others. I feel the best way to get out of your own head is to help and lift others. I know if I am having a rough day the best way to deal with it is to find others to help. I also pray every day, read scriptures and exercise. These things help keep me balanced and focused.”
“As far as what’s next for me, as I mentioned earlier, I am getting my feet wet with acting. I also did a photo shoot for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for some of the church’s manuals. It will be released this September. I am always looking for auditions so we will see where this new passion leads me.”
Get to know Tori Hart @: torihartvoice.com.
-
-