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8.9 Questions with Chris Mossman

1) What made you want to get involved with Z89?

I had a pretty decent radio resume before I came to Syracuse so it was a natural.  I started at a college station as a High School freshman and started working on-air at a CHR station in Bangor, Maine as a HS Junior.  I spent time my first week at WJPZ and at WAER.  While the facilities at WAER were superior, I liked the WJPZ vibe and “real world mentality” much better.

2) How did your time at the station shape your career path?

There were a lot of talented people at WJPZ and in Newhouse.  It took me about a semesters to realize that I should pursue a dual major with Communications Management and Marketing rather than a “talent “ track.  I made the decision freshman year and it’s served me fairly well.

3) If a student wants to graduate and get on air, what are a few essential tips they should keep in mind?

You should have the right combination of attitude and talent.  Get a realistic idea of what sized market you should be targeting for first job and also think ahead to where you want to be for your second job.  I prefer talking to young MMJ’s who have a realistic sense of where they want to be and what they want to be doing.  Part two - you have to be a good writer.

4) What's one thing you wish someone had told you before you began your career?

 Computers are the future (which was true in ‘86).  Smartphones weren’t even on the radar at that point.

5) How has your business shifted or evolved since you began your career?

Radio was and still is my first love and the business had changed dramatically. If you’re top tier talent, there will always be a place for you but as the number of stations has expanded dramatically, the quantity of radio jobs that pay enough to raise a family has shrunken significantly.  I have a friend I won’t name who worked in sales for a major radio group in a major market who compared the career of a radio rep to that of an NFL running back. Part 2 - consolidation on both sides is dramatic.  Four or five radio groups control the majority of revenues while in TV, we’re down to the network O&O’s and six or seven major ownership groups. And there’s this little thing called the internet.

6) The thing I love most about my job is ____________. The thing I wish I could never do again is ________________.

- The people I work with - Make a bad hire

7) What makes a news story and/or a reporter stand out from the pack and really earn a viewer's attention?

We really like it when we can tell a story that makes a difference.  In Lexington, we’ve done investigations that have led to Kentucky’s Attorney General publicly thanking us for bringing an illegal scheme to his attention.  

8) What's a news story that's not grabbing as many headlines as it should, but is worth our attention?

The opioid crisis is attracting attention but not enough.  We’re losing far more people from all walks of life to this tragedy than we’re losing due to gun violence - and that’s a horrific problem that I don’t intend to minimize.

9) Who are some of your favorite reporters/anchors to watch? What about shows?

 I really like how CBS This Morning differentiates itself from the competition.  Am I biased? Perhaps but 60 Minutes does some great stuff.  Hard for me to single out specific talent because so much of what makes a story great happens behind the scenes. Favorite shows - really don’t have any appointment shows now.  Favorite new network show is “Young Sheldon.”  It’s nostalgic, funny and it has heart.  I’m at least a season behind on HBO, Showtime and Netflix.

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1.) What's your career path been like?

Frustrating. I haven't had to move around a lot or get fired from a million places, but it took forever for anybody to take a chance on me and let me host my own show. It's basically been me beating my head against walls until I finally broke through one. Don't think I'd change it though, if it had been easy I probably wouldn't work as hard as I do. In life, I've always operated with a chip on my shoulder. In a good way. The fact that I had so many people say "no" and tell me I didn't have what it takes to be a host makes me walk in every day with something to prove, and I like that. Even on days I don't want to work, or do the show, I still do it 110% because I never want those people to be right.

2.) What's the weirdest/funniest/best/most "wtf" moment you've experienced in your career thus far?

A moment I can think of that was rather weird was a few years back. I was working as the 3rd mic on a show and I was also the producer. I booked Tom Cruise for a phone interview and the hosts were incredibly excited about it. They told me, on air, that they didn't believe me and said he would conveniently cancel. I guaranteed he was booked and said "if he cancels, I'll get I LOVE TOM CRUISE tattooed on my inner lip". He cancelled, I fulfilled my promise and got the tattoo. RIGHT after the tattoo segment was over, literally right after, the hotline rang and he rescheduled for the next day. Couldn't have written it better. Plus, I got a free tattoo.

3.) How is doing radio in 2018 different than when you started?

In my opinion it's made it better. It's also made it harder. With all of the other entertainment options out there for people now and the creation of apps, podcasts and smartphones you really have to be on top of your game. Plus, PPM has really changed the game. We have so much data now that we can use to our advantage. It's no longer just up to the marketing department to get people to remember your name (in PPM markets). Your success really is based on your performance. Sure, there are outside factors that can hurt, but ultimately it's made people better because talent and content really make a difference. The days of heritage are gone. Just being on air in a market for a long time doesn't guarantee you ratings anymore. You've got to be delivering top quality content on every break. I like that, but I like to work and I am always looking for ways to improve. 

4.) How do your standup comedy and morning radio skills overlap?

I started performing standup and started working on getting a radio job at the same time. I think the skills that I've learned from standup have helped immensely with timing and writing. It's taught me economy of words. In comedy, as in radio, brevity is key. Get to the point, get to the joke. Learning to cut out the fat has been huge. Especially for PPM.

As for writing, people often try to discredit me in radio for writing out my intros to segments or preparing jokes to deliver during segments. Sometimes I throw away what I've written and improv but just as I do in stand up, I go into every break with a plan. Nobody is good enough to just "wing it" and be great every time. Having a respect for the craft of being entertaining by being prepared is key. It's also helped me know when a joke has gone on too long and when to get out of a bit. Also, humility. Learning to shake it off when you bomb. That's a very important skill to have. I've seen many hosts get hung up on when a bit doesn't work or when something doesn't go exactly as they've planned. They carry that frustration throughout the show and they take it out on their staff. Learning to bomb is key. You sucked that night, or you sucked that segment. Don't worry about it, move forward, and get them twice as hard the next time. I've never understood why that's one of the main critiques I get as a host. Yes, I write things. I think it's very disrespectful to your audience to not be prepared and put on the best show you can. The people that do say these things always point out that they are passionate about "true radio" being unscripted. Um, it started as a scripted form of entertainment. To me, that thinking is lazy and egotistic. Write, work, get better. There's always room to improve. I argue that if you prescribe to your show always being off the cuff and never preparing anything, or giving yourself a guideline to work from then you're not truly and entertainer. If you are passionate then you'd want to be the best you can be, at all times. Sorry, did I mention I operate with a chip on my shoulder? 

5.) What's the most important skill an aspiring broadcaster should have?

Trust. Trust in themselves. You can learn diction, you can learn to press all the buttons correctly, you can learn how to be a broadcaster. What sets you apart from the rest though? You. If you truly believe that what YOU want to do is great, then trust your gut. Entertain and deliver whatever your passion is the way you believe it will work. You may be wrong in some situations, but you'll ultimately find your lane. That comes with trusting yourself and learning your voice and compromising without trying to please. You can't please everyone, but if you're being true to what you believe is great, you will be. You hear people critique certain broadcasters saying things like "how is that guy successful, he's so boring, no energy". Or "how can people listen to her, her voice is so grating". You know why those people win? Authenticity. Even if who you want to be on air is a faux persona, if it's what you truly believe will win, you'll win. Along with that be willing to learn. Trust yourself but also realize you can take what others teach you and make it your own.

6.) The one thing I've learned from setting my alarm absurdly early to do a morning show every day is ______________.

You never get used to it. 7.) Who's your favorite interview subject?

I'm not a huge fan of interviews. For me, it was Steve Buscemi. The reason: he hated me. We did not get along at all for some reason. I wasn't because I was being disrespectful or asking bad questions. Maybe he was just having a bad day. Either way it was so painful and awkward. The interview ended when I stopped him and said "this isn't going well for either of us is it?" He agreed and I replied "well how about we just end the interview now". I shook his hand and walked out. It was so hilarious to me and it did end up making for some funny audio to play on air. I take a lot of pleasure in the really awkward moments in life. Hence why I'm okay with bombing. It's fun sometimes to see just how bad you can do.

8.) What's your favorite city to perform standup?

West Palm Beach, Florida. For whatever reason those crowds love me. Still not sure if that's a good thing, or a bad thing. Either way, I've had some of my best shows there. I write on stage too, so when you're on a role you can riff and write new jokes and tags to jokes. I was scared at first because the audiences were very old. Old people usually hate my act, but they loved it. They're weird and I like them.

9.) What's a topic that constantly creates "radio gold"?

It depends how you define "radio gold" I guess. If you're talking lots of phone calls and listener interaction the most mundane topics usually do the best. Just life, it relates to people. You can work hard on a topic and it bombs and then you can just say "screw it we're gonna talk about what condiments people like to put on hot dogs" and the reaction is huge, and the conversation ends up being fun. We did a topic one time that people still talk to me about. We did it as a joke. My producer and I were arguing about what cereal mascot faces would be on "cereal Mount Rushmore". We decided to do it on air, more for ourselves than anyone else, and it ended up being really fun/funny. I think anything that everyone can relate to usually makes for the best topics.

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[wjpzalumni]

Fall Conference 2017 Schedule

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8.9 Questions With Steven Krainin

1.) What made you want to join Z89?

Z89 felt like a family the minute I walked in. It was Eileen Spath and Eva Zymaris who were the first Z89ers I met. They made me feel like I belonged at the station. Getting to have fun on the air was second.

2.) If you could permanently banish one song from the station's playlist, what would it be?

That’s a hard one. Right now, I would probably have to say “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna. She’s talented, but I’m over the song.

3.) What's one thing you were most surprised to learn about radio/the station/the industry when you got involved?

That community feeling doesn’t end at Z89. I’ve been fortunate to intern and work at other radio stations and I’ve felt it there too. Also, and this is going to sound silly, I didn’t realize the artist drops (“Hey it’s Ed Sheeran”) is something he records once and then gets sent out to all the stations. I honestly thought they did it for each station!

4.) If all goes well, what will we find you doing in 20 years?

I don’t even know what I’m doing after graduation! I love morning radio. I’ve had the pleasure of interning with Elvis and the joy and fun he brings to his staff and his listeners is infectious. If I’m doing even a sliver of that, I think I would be really happy.

5.) WJPZ highlight thus far?

Every time I get to host the Z Morning Zoo. I’ve been really lucky to have amazing co-hosts who are also my friends. I look forward to waking up to be on the air at 6!

The most memorable moment would have to be the time the plumbing in Watson Hall above the station got clogged and sewage water began to leak into the rack room. For a few hours I was putting trash bags over the equipment. As a germaphobe, it was a memorable experience I hope I never have to experience again. I took a loooooong shower after that.

6.) What would you tell students younger than you?

Get more involved at Z89. It’s great to come in and do a DJ shift once a week, but I know that everyone who gets more involved has exponentially enjoyed their Z89 experience. Also, be nice.

7.) What's one thing still left on your SU bucket list?

To walk on the Carrier Dome roof! I actually emailed someone at the Carrier Dome to do a story about the roof, but they never got back. I feel like it would be fun to bounce on.

8.) What's one thing you couldn't have gotten through school without?

My bed. I’m a big proponent of napping.

9.) You suddenly win the lottery. What's the first thing you buy?

A Panera Bread gift card.

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8.9 Questions with Phil LoCascio (’84)

1.)    What made you want to join Z89? 

I wanted to get into radio since I was a little boy. And be a top 40 DJ like my heroes on MusicRadio77WABC . JPZ sounded like the type of radio station I wanted to work at as opposed to WAER. And when I went to the initial meeting, all of the JPZ Senior Management was very welcoming and had a passion for radio like me.

2.)    What are your favorite and least favorite songs from your time at the station?

 I would say Rosanna by Toto is one of my favorites, and really anything I played by Dexys Midnight Runners was garbage

3.) What was your first big break after college? 

My first big break actually happened in college when I got hired as part-time DJ at 94 Rock. I then stayed at the station when they changed format to Y94 and eventually I became assistant program director / afternoon drive DJ during my senior year. That made for interesting scheduling!

4.) In 300 years when you're no longer around and everyone's riding around on spaceships and such, what's one thing you hope people say about you or remember you for? 

Who says I won't be around in 300 years? I'm headed to the same company that froze Ted Williams. Put both of us down for banquet #332!

5.) What's the WJPZ moment that stands out the most in your mind? 

Before we had an FM signal, we were distributed via carrier current and as audio on a cable system's public access channel. One night, the audio feed to both of those distribution channels went out. We all still came in for our shifts, because we wanted to make airchecks!!

6.) If you could go back in time, what's one piece of advice you'd give your college-aged self?

 Buy radio stations in 1985 and then sell them in 2005

7.) What's something you'd like current students or recent grads to know about off-air opportunities in the media business? 

Audio is exploding due to podcasting; opportunities in video are even more plentiful. There will be a growing need for talent, producers, and salespeople in both mediums.

8.) If you weren't in media, what type of career could you see yourself pursuing? Something in the business of sports.

9.) What do you love about your job and about this industry? 

Every day is different, every day is show business, and knowing the station you work for makes a difference in people’s lives.

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8.9 Questions with WJPZ Hall of Fame Inductee Mark Humble (’85)

1.) What made you want to join Z89?

I love Top 40 radio and I wanted to be a DJ!  

2.) What are your favorite and least favorite songs from your time at the station?

Fave:  "Let's Groove" by Earth Wind and Fire; Not so fave: "Separate Ways" by Journey.

3.) What was your first big break after college?

The summer after college, I was given the chance to help write WYNY's annual report to the network. I put in a lot of hours, got very little sleep and it paid off.  Yay, Mountain Dew!

4.) In 300 years when you're no longer around and everyone's riding around on spaceships and such, what's one thing you hope people say about you or remember you for?

Wow!  300 years?  Hopefully it's not for an overdue library book. Something really good!

5.) We've got a lot of people in creative fields who check out this page, so if you're ever lacking in the creativity department, how do you go about finding inspiration?

Writing most days is a good habit I've developed over the years. I play in a few different bands. Playing sports.  Learning to play songs by heart and exploring the arrangement possibilities.  Getting outside of my comfort zone by learning new instruments and trying new recording software and gadgets.

6.) What's the WJPZ moment that stands out the most in your mind?

No doubt about it:  WJPZ-FM is on the air!  6pm on January 30, 1985.  At the microphone: General Manager Chris Mossman!  Yes!!!

7.) What's one piece of career advice you wish someone had given you as you were getting ready to graduate?

"Buy as many shares of Apple stock as you can."

8.) I only have 48 hours in New York City. What are a few must-dos while I'm there?

30 Rock!  Central Park!  Brooklyn Bridge!  

9.) Which bands or artists inspire you?

These days I'm inspired by the outstanding work of the New Orleans R&B and rock recording artists of the 1950s and 60s. Fats Domino, Alan Touissant, Little Richard, Dave Bartholomew, Lee Dorsey, Ray Charles, Dr. John and more.

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With Banquet 31 just days away, it only seems appropriate to use this edition of 8.9 Questions to chat with our keynote speaker, Erica Farber, for a little Banquet preview.

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Who could have predicted this, baby?? 

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The official *updated* schedule for Banquet 31 weekend. LET’S GO ORANGE!

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Banquet 31 Weekend Schedule

Greetings Broadcasters! Here is our Banquet 31 'Then and Now' weekend events schedule:

Thursday, March 31st 9:00p -Faegan’s "Preshow Meeting" for the early Thursday night arrivals

Friday, April 1st 

2:00p-5:00p - Friday Conference,Newhouse I, Rm 101 2:00-2:45pm - Wake Up: Morning Show 101, presented by Josh Wolff Josh walks us through tips to having a successful morning show 2:45-3:30pm - Digital Content: Where to find it and How to Share It Take a journey with our panelists into the world of social media and learn the tools to keep the conversation running with your audience throughout the day.Panelists include: Eric Silverman, Geoff “DeafGeoff” Herbert, Mina “Saywhat” Llona, Lauren Levine 3:30-4:15pm - Hiring and Getting Hired in 2016 You’ve worked hard for the past 4 years but now it’s time for the final test... getting a job. Panelists Include: Jeff Wade, Stephen Kurtz, Alex Silverman, Rocco Macri, Dena Giacobbe, Jeff Kaczmarczyk, Josh Wolff, Eric Silverman, Corey Crockett 4:15-5:00pm - Networking/Reception Outside of Newhouse 1, Rm 101 Refreshments to be provided by Newhouse 5:30-6:15pm - Tours of Remodeled Newhouse, including the new Dick Clark Studio Originating from the Friday Conference Reception Area 6:30-8:00pm - Dinner at Varsity 8:00-10:00pm - Faegan’s 10:00pm-Close - Late Night at Chuck's

Saturday, February 28th 

9:00-9:45am - WJPZ Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting,Newhouse I, Rm 101/102 (Exact Room TBD) 9:30-10:00am - Breakfast, Newhouse I, Rm 101 or 102 (The old A1/A2 - Exact Room TBD) Donuts, Bagels, Coffee and Juice served. 10:00-11:00am - Annual Alumni Meeting, Newhouse 1, Rm 101 or 102 (Exact Room TBD)  -  ”Out by 11”-You will be out the door with time free time to spare!  - $25 Dinosaur BBQ giveaway in the 1st 60 seconds!  - State of the Station - Sam Kandell, GM  - Annual Reports  - Introducing the NEW! WJPZ Alumni Website - Marty Dundics 11:00-12:00pm - The "ALL NEW"  http://www.wjpzalumni.org/, Newhouse 1, Rm 101 or 102. Stick around for a hands on demonstration of the ALL NEW WJPZ Alumni Website 5:00-6:00pm - Pre-Banquet Cocktail Party, Lower Lobby, 1st Floor, University Sheraton

6:00pm-12:00am - WJPZ 31st Birthday Banquet, Comstock Room, 2nd Floor, University Sheraton

12:00am - ?? - The Nighttime is the Right Time After Hours Party, Location TBA Sunday, March 2nd 10:00am-12:00pm - Broadcasters, Breakfast and goodbyes, Marshall Street             Varsity, Funk n Waffles, Starbucks, Bruegger's, grab some friends and enjoy some breakfast before hitting the road 1:00-7:00pm - WJPZ Hall of Famer Professor Rick Wright on air, Power 620. Join Rick in studio.  See the legend at work.  If you can’t visit, at least call-in on your way to the airport for a shout-out.

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We’ve got a major market lineup for the 2016 Friday Conference! Will we see you there on April 1st? 

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We’ve already got a major market list of broadcasters registered for Banquet 31! Will we be seeing you on April 2nd in Syracuse?

Jeff Kurkjian Josh Wolff Alicia Verdile Maureen Cooper Alex Silverman Rocco Macri Greg Hernandez Romina Llona Jordan Hayes Marie Strycharz Jeff Kaczmarczyk Dena Giacobbe Kevin Rich Tom Giarrosso Chris Bungo Alex Brewer Brett Bosse Mark Humble Corey Crockett Bob Flint Lauren Levine Jon Gay Eva Zymaris Scottie MacFarlane Dan Girard Stephen Kurtz Geoff Herbert Jeff Wade Eric Silverman Ralphie Aversa Christyna Vincent Eileen Spath Harry Wareing Matt DelSignore Rob Berrell Sandy Robinson Hey Marty Dundics Gabe Altieri Veronica Ripson A. Randall Wenner Stephen Donovan Erica Farber Rick Wright

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Broadcasters,

The smell of Dinosaur BBQ, the sound of snow crunching as you walk down M Street, the laughter of friends, and the hits playing on Z89!  That’s part of the experience of Banquet Weekend!  I’m sure you share my enthusiasm for April 1-3, 2016.  Before we convene in Syracuse to catch up with old friends and make new ones, induct our next WJPZ Hall of Fame Class, listen to a funny monologue from Steve Donovan, award another Lock Scholarship, hear Dr. Wright’s captivating and (financially) rewarding account of WJPZ’s history, be inspired by a fabulous keynote address from Erica Farber, and have an all-around fantastic weekend, I’d like to share some news from the WJPZ Alumni Association Board of Directors.

In addition to preparing for a memorable Banquet and Friday Conference, and getting ready to unveil a new alumni association web site, the Board has been hard at work making plans for the 2016-17 term.  Part of that planning includes setting up our Board structure and officers for the following year. We’ve been fortunate to attract new board members, while retaining many long-serving members, too.  The natural evolution of the board means, however, two board members are stepping down.

Please join me in thanking TJ Basalla (’06) and Jeff Kaczmarczyk (’06) for their tireless work, humor, insight, and perspective to elevate our Association.  Their contributions have been numerous, but more importantly to me, they’ve become even better friends through their service.  They will be missed!

I’d also like to announce that I’m stepping down as President.  It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve.  I’ve especially enjoyed getting to know alumni, working with our board, and interacting with, teaching, and learning from the students. I’m incredibly excited about our progress and some initiatives to come.  I can’t thank you enough for this experience.  We’re so fortunate to have a strong group who has such passion for our Association. I’d also like to offer a special word of thanks to the many alumni whose support, feedback, and guidance has been invaluable over the years.  

On February 29, the Board met to elect our slate of officers for 2016-17. I’m elated to announce that Kevin Rich ('07) will once again serve as the Association’s Treasurer/CFO and Dena Giacobbe ('99) will lead our organization as President/CEO. I’m delighted to have been elected to continue serving on the board as its Secretary/COO.

I know with Dena at the helm, she will take our Association to new levels.  Her wit, perspective, and no nonsense style will lead us well.  Dena is extraordinarily passionate about giving back to the station and her experience in education and recruiting will serve students and alumni alike.  Please be sure to congratulate her Banquet weekend.

Thank you once again for your support in helping to make the WJPZ Alumni Association the most active college radio station alumni group anywhere in the country. We truly are one-of-a-kind, and I can’t wait to see you in Syracuse.

All the best,

Josh Wolff

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Getting WJPZ on the FM dial is one of the major market highlights in the story of the station. This year, we’re honored to induct another key member from that era to the WJPZ Hall of Fame, Bob Flint (’84)! After working for several years in radio, Bob’s career took an interesting turn which led him to a career in community development, proving once again that the reach of the Alumni Association extends beyond media and broadcasting. Bob now serves as the Executive Director of the Springfield (VT) Regional Development Corporation, bring more to Vermont than just maple syrup. We were lucky enough to catch Bob at a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop for this edition of 8.9 Questions!

What initially drew you to Syracuse and Z89?

BF: In terms of SU, it was simple - Newhouse!  Prof. Larry Myers gave me an impromptu tour and I fell in love with the place. For JPZ, Mitch Goldman gets the credit. I worked with Mitch part-time at a station in NH the summer before my freshman year. He was already an SU student and told me about JPZ. After visiting both JPZ and WAER (and having Mitch clue me in about the JPZ ethos), I knew what was home for me.

What is your favorite and least favorite song(s) from your time at Z89? BF: For "most favorite", hard to pick one, but I'd have to say anything with horns, like Kool & The Gang "Get Down On It" or Earth, Wind & Fire "Let's Groove" (suspect Phil LoCascio and Steve Simpson would tend to agree).  For "least favorite", probably some of the A/C drek that was still being played at CHR at that time, like "Driving My Life Away" or "Key Largo".*

*Editor’s Note: “Key Largo” is a Yacht Rock staple and not “drek” as the interviewee states. Here’s lookin’ at you, Bob Flint. 

What was your first big break after college and what made you interested in a career in community development? 

BF: Not sure there was a break per se, as it's been an interesting path!  I came back to my hometown and ran my local radio station for 14 years, through several ownerships. The last owner was a well-known Vermont political figure (who lost for the Lt. Gov. position to a guy named Howard Dean...who became Governor a few months later after the passing of RIchard Snelling).  He, for whatever reason, saw something in me beyond radio and arranged for me to be appointed by the Governor to a statewide board. I was serving on that (and another that followed) when the station was sold away from me, but that background set me up for where my professional life has taken me. I am currently one of 12 Regional Development Corporation Directors in Vermont and am the current Chair (as well as wearing many other hats) and work very closely with various branches of state government (and our congressional delegation) in trying to help my area of the state.

What has been one of your favorite projects to work on during your time as Executive Director?

BF: Our community (Springfield VT) used to be the "machine tool capital of the world" (which was still true when I was at SU/JPZ). It's not anymore and my challenge at SRDC (Springfield Regional Development Corporation) includes putting these large, industrial properties (at one point, over 1 million square feet!) back into use (several of them are "brownfield" sites, i.e. contaminated). As of the moment, we've taken care of a little more than half of that and the project I'm the proudest of is the original Fellows Gear Shaper facility, which was the subject of a $15 million redevelopment that I facilitated. The site, now known as One Hundred River Street, includes a community health center, an acclaimed art gallery space and a brewery (with more to come!). That project took coordination of a multitude of resources, including historic preservation, EPA and various state and Federal programs.

What does being inducted into the WJPZ Hall of Fame mean to you?

BF: I'm very honored and humbled by this honor. JPZ, in many ways, was the most important part of my SU years and I'm very proud of what we were able to overcome and accomplish.  I am blessed to still have so many wonderful people in my life that I met through JPZ, that will always be a part of me. I'm glad that Eric Fitch and Ed LaComb, from my era, are already in the Hall. I hope that there will be consideration of folks like Mark Humble, Steve Simpson, Chris Mossman, Marc Ellenbogen and others that were also involved in the great adventure to take WJPZ from the brink of oblivion to the promised land of Frequency Modulation!

Give us one good reason to visit Vermont.

BF: There are so many vistas to lose yourself in, that will recharge one's soul. (Oh yeah, there's maple syrup too! My brother just started sugaring for the season last week.)

What advice would you give to a current student interested in a career in broadcasting?

BF: Make sure that the interest is not based in a desire for fame or celebrity, but rather in a genuine desire to be a real, effective, communicator. Last question, what's the better Vermont brewery - Magic Hat or Long Trail?

BF: Trout River Brewery, which has just relaunched!  (Harpoon - which has a facility in Windsor VT is pretty good too!)

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This year, we’re proud to induct two new members into the WJPZ Hall of Fame at Banquet 31! The first has an immense passion for broadcasting, was a former President of the Alumni Association, and is an all-around snappy dresser. I’m talking none other than Jeff “Jefferson” Wade (’97)! We were lucky enough to catch up with Jefferson while buying tax free liquor before we hit up Hampton Beach for this edition of 8.9 Questions!

What initially drew you to Syracuse and Z89?

JW: When I started high school in Coventry, Rhode Island, I planned to be a (print) journalist-I had been the editor of my junior high school newspaper and had won a writing award from the Providence Journal.  Syracuse's reputation as a journalism school was a well-known fact, so I was already eyeing it as a possible post-graduation destination, but then I got involved in my high school radio station, WCVY-FM, and I began thinking more about a career in radio.  Then a recent grad by the name of Jeff Dyson paid WCVY a visit-not only did he go to Syracuse, he worked at Z89.  He sang the praises of Z and told me that if I wanted to get experience in a professional setting, it was the place to be.  I ended up visiting Syracuse a couple of times, and was drawn in by the opportunity to be in an environment where I'd meet and mingle with people from all kinds of backgrounds.  But the clincher was a Newhouse-organized recruitment meeting where a graduating senior got up on the stage to tell us about the amazing experiences he had at Syracuse.  He'd worked at Z89 and had served as both its PD and GM.  His name was Dave Gorab and I remember leaving that meeting thinking "I want to be that guy".  (I don't think I've ever told Dave that story, so if you're reading this, my friend, thanks again!)

What is your favorite and least favorite song(s) from your time at Z89?

JW: As a former PD, I loved all my "children", but some more than others. I'm going to cheat and break this out into two categories:  Z89 songs and Pulse music.

Favorite Z89 song:  Everything But The Girl, "Missing".  Z89 was the only station in Syracuse playing this song for months, and one of the earliest in the country to add the record.  People would call in and say "What IS this song?  I love it!!"  I specifically remember calling the record rep telling them they needed to push the record more because it was blowing up here-it was top 3 in single sales in Syracuse with no air support besides us.  I made a lot of lousy calls with records, but that one I'm proud of.  

Least Favorite Z89 song: 20 Fingers, "Short Short Man".  This song makes me cringe more than 20 years later.  I had to play it a ton during my freshman year.  Worse than nails on a chalkboard.

Favorite Pulse song:  R.E.M., "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?"  For WJPZ historians, the first song ever played on the Pulse.  Still gets me fired up whenever it comes on the radio.

Least Favorite Pulse song:  Dishwalla, "Charlie Brown's Parents".  During one of the final seasons of "How I Met Your Mother" (for whom '96 alum Jaime Rhonheimer was a writer) there's a flashback to Ted Mosby in college and his attempts to get everyone to like Dishwalla post-"Counting Blue Cars".  Most of us were like Ted for a brief period until "Charlie Brown's Parents" came along-it's the song that made us all quietly agree to pretend Dishwalla never happened. 

What was your first big break after college?

JW: I didn't think of it as much at the time, but my first paid job post-college was running the board for WPRO-AM in Providence, first on the weekends, then from 10pm at night until 5:30 in the morning weekdays.  Stations still weren't automated then, so you were responsible for firing every commercial, every legal ID, and even playing back some taped shows via reel-to-reel.  I became intimately familiar with "Coast to Coast AM" and learned way more about UFOs than I ever thought I would.  It's the kind of experience that you don't get anymore, and it taught me self-reliance and the importance of attention to detail-you were literally responsible for everything that went over the air.  I would go back to music radio for a couple of years after that, but a couple of years later, when I was working in Vermont and homesick, WPRO's PD Ron St. Pierre remembered my work and offered me a job as a talk show producer.  I've been working in news and talk radio ever since.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the radio industry currently?

JW: Unquestionably, it's debt-ridden radio companies who needlessly gobbled up radio stations they couldn't actually afford to operate and are now on the verge of bankruptcy, forcing them to "find efficiencies" that dilute their product and alienate their once-loyal audiences.  Radio's reach is as strong as ever, and most halfway-decently managed radio stations are profitable-but the general perception is that the industry is failing because some of the biggest players are so far over-leveraged there's no hope of ever getting out from under the debt. Professor Wright has been saying it for years, and he's right-it's localization that will ultimately be radio's salvation.  I'm not opposed to big radio companies-I've worked for a few-but if some of the big players downsize a bit and there are more opportunities for local operators, that's healthy for everybody.

What makes you most excited about working in the radio industry today?

JW: In my line of work, it's finding out what's next-what's the next story that's got everybody talking, then figuring out how to present it and drive the audience to your product to engage in the conversation.  Social media's obviously played a huge role-not just for radio but for every other form of media-and learning how to harness its power and help it to enhance your brand is a fun challenge.  What gets me most excited is when we cover a big news story and I follow up with production elements to reinforce our image as the place to turn to for breaking news-creating that sense of urgency for the listener makes your product feel alive-and localized.   That probably sounds dorky for most people-but it's what programmers like me live for.

What does being inducted into the WJPZ Hall of Fame mean to you?

JW: Being a WJPZ Hall of Famer is the ultimate honor for me, because it's coming from people I know, respect, and love-all of whom are extraordinarily talented themselves.  As I said on Facebook right after the announcement, it's special to because it's an honor based not just on my career in broadcasting-which, make no mistake, I am proud of-but also for the things I've perhaps enjoyed the most in my relationship with the station: working with and mentoring students I've watched grow into amazing broadcasters and people- Jon Gay, Alex Silverman, Ralphie Aversa, Kevin Rich, T.J. Basalla, Josh Wolff, and Geoff Herbert, just to name a few. My bio in the email announcement of the inductees led with The Pulse-which, I get it, I'm always going to be "the guy who switched the station to The Pulse"-but to paraphrase a legendary broadcaster, it's "the rest of the story" that made it possible for me to be part of such a special group, and knowing that I made a difference and helped some talented people makes it all the more special.

Give us one good reason to visit New Hampshire.

JW: Besides no sales tax?  I'd have to say Lake Winnepesaukee.  My family would vacation there every summer for years, staying in Alton at a cottage right on the water.  The highlight of every trip would be a visit to Laconia and Weirs Beach, which hasn't really changed all that much over the years-you've got a drive-in theater, classic video game arcade, and the MV Mount Washington.  It's timeless all-American entertainment.

What advice would you give to a current student interested in a career in broadcasting?

JW: Learn to write.  Next to production editing skills, good writers are probably the resource most in demand in the broadcast industry these days.  Most of my day involves writing-whether it's writing a newscast, writing promo copy, writing an article for our website, or even writing a diplomatic email to a listener who's mad about something one of the talk show hosts on my station said. Good writing opens up a lot of doors in this business.  

Last question, where can I find the best deal on tractor equipment?

JW: This question is really Jeffy K's way of bringing up a story I told him a few years ago that those who don't live in flyover states simply can't believe: 

(Editor’s Note - Yes, true!)

While working at WGAN in Portland I was asked to work with several other news/talk stations belonging to Saga Communications.  It was a tremendous experience and I got to visit a lot of pretty neat places along the way-from Northampton, Massachusetts to Bellingham, Washington.  In between was a station in Yankton, South Dakota-WNAX-AM, whose signal is so vast it covers 5 states. Each morning, they air a program known as the "5-State Trader"-it's a call-in show where people come on the air and announce what they've got for sale.  The concept's not new-many stations have been doing "Swap Shops" for years-they were the original Ebay or Craigslist.   What makes WNAX's so unique is that it's in the heart of farm country and the things being offered for sale on the show range from livestock to heavy-duty tractors.  The part of this story that led Jeffy to ask the question, though, was when I informed him that because this program is so immensely popular, the lines are almost always jammed...so the management of the station set up a special hotline where, for a $50 surcharge, you get moved to the head of the line.  They make tens of thousands of dollars just on charges from the "fast pass" line.  Anybody who wants to claim radio is dead is going to have to explain the Five-State Trader.

[wjpzalumni]

Broadcasters,

As we reflect on 2015, we recall the many ups, downs, and "what the heck" moments the year brought.  It was also another banner year for Z89 and our Alumni Association.  We had another stellar Birthday Banquet with record attendance, a strong Fall Conference, WJPZ was nominated for 5 awards in The Interstate Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (funded by the Association), elected a new GM, inducted two more members into our Hall of Fame, sent WJPZ's GM to "The Radio Show" in Atlanta, awarded a Lock Scholarship, and so much more. There are many things to celebrate as 2015 comes to a close.  However, none of these accomplishments is possible without your financial assistance.  And now is the perfect time to donate, so you can receive a deduction on your 2015 income taxes.

Your support helps The Alumni Association continue its mission of making WJPZ, "The Greatest Media Classroom" in the World through:

Funding the ”Lock Award”

Supporting the Fall Conference,  Friday Conference, and Annual Alumni Birthday Banquet

Sponsoring the East Coast Picnic and other Alumni Networking functions

Promoting Jobs, internships, and other networking opportunities with WJPZ alumni companies, partners, and friends

Funding the development of a new Alumni Association Website

Allowing WJPZ's continued inclusion in The Interstate Intercollegiate Broadcasting System

We thank you for your continued support of The Association and appreciate any tax-deductible contribution you can make.  Please consider sending a check to the address below. And, we'll see you April 2, 2016 for Banquet 31. Registration information to come in January.

All the best for 2016.

WJPZ Alumni Association 

WJPZ Alumni Association

c/o 

Kevin Rich

20 Beekman Street

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Online via Paypal with Credit or Debit Card: Visit wjpzalumni.org