Hannah On-Air: From Promotions to The Microphone
“ I genuinely enjoy getting up and coming to work every day, I am so grateful to be so passionate about what I do.”
By: Elandra Fernandez
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” and Hannah loves what she does
Hannah was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She moved away when she was 18, but after 10 years in Milwaukee, she is back in Green Bay and couldn’t be any more happier.
Hannah currently works for Midwest Communication and is the afternoon drive host on Y100. She always knew she wanted to have a career that involved music. But, her career in radio began through a college friend who had an internship at a local radio cluster. After seeing her friend in action, Hannah realized that radio could be a possibility.
As a little girl, Hannah would sit at her stereo almost every single night, recording her favorite songs on a cassette tape but never knew that radio would be where she would end up. She was in radio for almost five years before she ever touched a mic or went on-air. She started in the promotions department, moved to sales, then started doing graphic design and marketing. Knowing what it takes to be in radio, led her to be the best on-air personality she could be.
When asked, what is the best thing about being in radio, Hannah responded,“being able to connect with the listeners. It is an amazing feeling when you get a message or meet someone in person who says that you helped them feel better on a crummy day.”
Realizing that this world is still a “boys club” pushed her to work harder to prove herself as valuable.
“Being able to wake up every single day and enjoy the job I have is all the value in the world. I genuinely enjoy getting up and coming to work every day, I am so grateful to be so passionate about what I do.”
The advice that Hannah would give to anyone who would like to work in this particular field is to, get your foot in the door wherever you can. Do not get discouraged, everything happens for a reason.
Bekah Berger: From Listener To Host
“I called a morning show once to talk about the Friends finale in 2004. That morning show is right across the hall from me now. My boss and some of my co-workers are people who have entertained me for years and now we park our cars in the same lot.”
Written By: Sam Comparone
Like most of us, Bekah Berger experienced some trial and error when figuring out her career path, but when she first got behind the mic, she fell in love. “I cracked the mic, the on-air light went on and I was hooked”.
A typical day for Bekah starts bright and early to prep for her 6am - 10am slot, and then a midday show. She also maintains a prominent social media presence, which in itself is a task. Working in radio also give her the opportunity to enrich lives. “I also love awarding big prize items on-site. When someone finds out that they’re going to see Beyonce and Jay-Z that night, their reaction is priceless. When someone tells me what we did will better their lives in some way - you can’t beat that feeling.”
Berger wanted to pursue radio for many reasons, but a main reason being that everyday is different. You’re not doing the same work and because news and current events are both always evolving, so does radio.
She has always loved listening to the radio. “I called a morning show once to talk about the Friends finale in 2004. That morning show is right across the hall from me now. My boss and some of my co-workers are people who have entertained me for years and now we park our cars in the same lot.”
Besides being on-air, Bekah is incredibly funny on social media. She has a winning personality, which is perfect for radio.
When asked what she thinks about people’s views of the radio industry, she said, “It frustrates me when people try to peg the radio industry up against other forms of media consumption. Podcasts, streaming, social media…yet- we’re still here. It’s OK to co-exist.”
As a woman in radio for more than 10 years, she has a lot of advice for a person just starting out. “In the appropriate circumstance and environment-always say, ‘yes’ while interning or just starting out. Every task asked of you is important. Make sure you introduce yourself to everyone and make sure your handshake is on point (no dead fish handshakes.) Get your foot in the door but don’t expect anything handed to you. Don’t burn bridges-a potential job could be one mutual contact away.” She emphasizes that networking in the industry isalso important.
The people in the industry who really motivate and inspire her are the ones constantly on their grind - doing IG live videos, club appearances, being present at station events, and substantial social media posts.
Bekah is proud to be a woman in radio and wears the Women In Radio t-shirt proudly! She loves to connect, so feel free to follow and connect with her on the following platforms: Instagram: @bekahberger Twitter: @bekahberger and Facebook: Bekah Berger.
Brianna Williams: Persistence Wins
“This industry is not easy, but as long as you stay focused, practice like crazy and network, you will be just fine.”
Written By: Sam Comparone
Brianna Williams is an enthusiastic and talented on-air personality, who has been working in the radio industry since 2012. In her 6th year of working in the radio industry, she is passionate as ever about her profession.
Brianna is one of many women who aspire to empower and support other women, not only in the radio industry but in society as a whole. The radio industry continues to provide a rewarding experience for Ms. Williams, and on top of that, she has so much fun!
Brianna had an interest in radio for years prior to being on-air. She began her career by interning in the promotions department and she would sit in on some of the shows. She knew then and there that she had to pursue radio. As a music lover, there’s nothing like playing the listener's requests!
When asked if she thinks men and women are treated differently in the industry, she said, "They most definitely do. I want all women to break the mold! From the way of thinking, to the pay. We should be treated equally as men”.
Her best advice is to practice and have others critique your work. Constructive criticism is so important towards advancing in any industry, but especially in radio/ media. Williams also stresses the importance of being one’s true self. Williams offered advice to other women wanting to pursue a career in the radio field. “Don’t give up! There have been plenty of times where I've said ‘you know what I'm not where I'm supposed to be so I'm just going to quit’, and I"m glad I didn't. This industry is not easy but as long as you stay focused, practice like crazy and network, you will be just fine.”
A woman in the industry who inspires Brianna is Karen Vaughn, a radio colleague based in Philadelphia. Vaughn taught Williams to never give up, and because of William’s persistence, she now has her own radio show!
If you work hard doors will open, and Brianna is exemplary proof of that.
Amy Pontes: Finding the Destiny Within the Journey
“TRY EVERYTHING! Get your hands on equipment and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
By: Elandra Fernandez
When tenacity meets purpose, it leads us to a career path that’s similar to Amy Pontes.
Amy Pontes is kind, loving and patient. She is from Rhode Island and currently resides there. She works for Cumulus Media's, WWLI, Lite Rock 105.
What led Amy to a career in radio was the love she had for it when she was a little girl. She pretended to be a radio DJ, taped herself introducing songs, doing radio bits, and even had special guests.
When asked what’s the best thing about being in radio, she eagerly responded, “meeting new people and sharing stories of my personal life that may resonate with my listeners to help them or make them smile.”
Outside of radio, Amy is a part of an improv comedy group, she works out every morning, she loves being outside, and is also a 'taxi driver' for her kids.
Obstacles that Amy had to face while in her career in radio was with a male co-worker who told her there were no “broads in broadcasting.” Amy instantly laughed in his face, but she also felt as if she was trying to break into a “man’s world” but in all actuality, she believes that the radio industry is run by both men and women who have a passion for the industry and always striving to make it better for the listeners.
The advice Amy would like to give people who would love to work in her particular field is to TRY EVERYTHING! Get your hands on equipment and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Amy Pontes loves what she does and always try to go hard with her work, the feedback that she gets from others makes her strive to do better every single day.
Alicia West: Home Is Where The Heart Is
“The best part is being in my hometown on the radio every single day. So many people have shown me love that it just makes my heart warm.”
By: Alyssa Kay
If home is where the heart is, then on-air radio personality Alicia West definitely knows the feeling. After starting her career far from her hometown of Toronto, Canada fate brought her back.
Like many, West grew up with a passion for music (hip-hop and R&B), but her love for entertainment came from watching and idolizing some of today’s greatest television hosts such as Ryan Seacrest and LaLa Anthony.
“Growing up I really wanted to be like LaLa Anthony. I loved that she worked in radio with Ludacris and eventually moved to TV as the host of TRL Live. She’s always been goals for me. I didn’t have MTV as a kid, we only had basic cable that stopped at channel 28. I used to put it on channel 29 and hope that MTV would kick in....it did sometimes but barely!”
West received her Bachelor's degree in Advertising from Sheridan College and later received her Master's in Radio Broadcasting from Humber College.
Wanting to fulfill to her dreams of being amongst the greatest entertainers in the industry, after graduating Alicia traveled around to different cities within the U.S. This became a huge obstacle but also a great lesson for her; “Getting into the industry was a challenge in itself. I had to move to three different cities in a different country before I was able to secure my current job. It definitely takes patience and persistence.”
Not letting anything get the best of her, West still went forth in pursuing her dreams of becoming the next LaLa Anthony. After moving back to Toronto from the states, West landed a spot on 93.5 The Move as a midday host. Uniquely, the station serves as the country’s only hip-hop station.
“The best part is being in my hometown on the radio every single day. So many people have shown me love that it just makes my heart warm! Being able to engage with listeners is definitely one of the many highlights,” says West.
Alicia is an entertainment mogul in the making. Having been working in the industry for some time now, Alicia West has yet to reach her full potential. “One of my many career goals is to be number one in a major market and syndicated! I'd also really like to get into TV. I want to be like Ryan Seacrest, he's never not working.”
Jessica Rose: A Radio Calling
“it’s the human contact that makes me want to keep doing it for a living. Connecting with people and being welcomed into their lives, creating positive change and being there when they need someone the most.”
By: Elandra Fernandez
From birth, one’s path to obtaining their true purpose lies in subliminal omens that occur through their lifetime. As it pertains to Jessica Rose, her first few omens occurred while she was stuck in L.A. traffic. She frequently found herself consciously imitating personalities that she heard on the radio. As well as playing the role of an announcer for billboards on the side of the road. It can be said that the little omens that occurred in Jessica’s early life made her successful career in radio come to fruition.
Jessica Rose was born and raised in California but currently resides off the strip in Las Vegas. She works for MIX 94.1 (HOT AC) and Q100.5 (Rhythmic AC.) She loves to laugh, crack jokes, and have a great time. Jessica brings more than enough to the table, an open mind filled with funny experiences, common sense, street knowledge and professionalism. She would describe herself as supportive, a team player, hardworking, and caring. Jessica is also driven by energy, the result, and ambition.
What led Jessica Rose to a career in radio was a calling. She was directed down a pathway that was exhilarating. Her first semester of college is what changed her life completely. Her professor Tammy Trujillo saw something in Jessica and suggested she should check out a school that specializes in radio broadcasting. During her college years, she interned for a record label and landed her first on-air gig on radio overnights on KOLA 99.9 in Redlands, CA. After a few years, she put together an air check and began sending it out. Jessica received one call back and the next thing you know, she was being flown out to Wichita, Kansas.
Jessica Rose is a risk taker, she went off the air for almost 10 years. Last year she decided to leave a secure full-time job to make herself completely available to her first love, radio.
When asked, what is it about your industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living? Jessica eagerly responded, “it’s the human contact that makes me want to keep doing it for a living. Connecting with people and being welcomed into their lives, creating positive change and being there when they need someone the most.”
The people that impacted Jessica the most is her professor Tammy Trujillo who pointed her in the right direction and provided a support system that allowed her to consistently progress. Also, her P.D. J. Love opened the door to radio for her and kept her on-air presentation versatile.
The advice Jessica would like to give people who would like to work in her particular field is to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable, hone your craft, SHADOW, listen to all the stations in your market, their personalities, the voiceovers, and also familiarize yourself with the equipment, use it and never stop asking questions.”