audacy

Another edition of The Top 5 at 5 and Textline.  Plus, a story about a "stat-juicer" brings suspicion into Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point legendary performance.

Francisco Rojas is back with another Top 5 at 5.  This time, the top five times a WIP personality needed a standing ovation.

Kelly Sutton, '92, is the first female general manager in the history of WJPZ.  And, like many of us, the station launched her into a prolific media career.

This Buffalo native went to Syracuse, in part, because of the opportunity to double major in both Newhouse and business.  And when a local radio owner back home promised a summer job, she knew she needed experience.  By the spring, she found Z89, and folks like Scott Meach, Hal Rood, Dave Gorab, Dave Roberts, Dave Morgan, and more. 

Despite doing an overnight shift, she knew she wanted to work off-air, and she worked her way up to promotions director, and also doing sales (there was a commission structure in place at the time).  Kelly was encouraged to run for General Manager, which she did, and won.  While she didn't see it as a big deal at the time, she's certainly proud of the legacy of strong female leaders at the station since.

After Syracuse, Kelly returned home to Buffalo where she worked in various sales and management roles.  Soon, she got her "major market" opportunity to head east to Boston.   She relied on the advice of some lifelong JPZ friends to make the move, and the first person she met at CBS Boston also had JPZ roots.  The conversation starter of "where did you go to school" was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Julie Bruno.

After a succesful run at Boston's rock station WBCN, she was recruited to head over to then-Entercom, and sports station WEEI.  We spend some time on what the sales side of sports radio looks like.   Do wins and losses matter?  What happens when a personality crosses the line?  Or an advertiser THINKS they did, but got bad information?

The radio industry is tough, and Kelly prefers to be in the sales side over the management side - through COVID, corporate mergers. and more.  (The Entercom/CBS merger in Boston was so complicated, the DOJ took Kelly's laptop at one point!)  We talk about what it takes to be successful today in radio, from both an an on and off-air perspective.

We close the conversation by getting very personal.  Kelly has a special needs son, Devin.  When she moved to Boston she was a single Mom, and certainly had a lot on her plate.  That first encounter with Julie Bruno resulted in a piece of advice from Julie that Kelly says changed her life.   It's one of our favoirite JPZ'er-helping-JPZ'er stories yet. You'll hear about that today, as well as the inspirational young man Devin is, as well as Kelly's other son, Brady.

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG in Detroit Podcasts.

Sign up for email alerts whenever we release a new episode here: jagindetroit.com/WJPZat50

Want to be a guest on the pod or know someone else who would? Email Jag:  jag@jagindetroit.com.

Want to stay in the loop with WJPZ Alumni events?  Subscribe to our newsletter on the right hand side of the page at http://wjpzalumni.org/

BANQUET 2024 WILL BE MARCH 2ND! Get your tickets here before prices go up!  https://bit.ly/3RmN0V4

From clothing stores to pharmacies, retail accounts for about one-fifth of Illinois' workforce and is the second-largest revenue generator in the state. So as crash-and-grab robberies (those that use the force of a large vehicle to break the entrance of a store) continue to rise, how does this affect our safety and our economy? This week, host Jim Hanke speaks with Rob Karr, President/CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association -- or, IRMA -- to find out how the organization works with state representatives to deter these ram-and-raid crime sprees, as well as balances the needs of both national chains and local independent stores.

Follow IRMA on Facebook | Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram
Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

From clothing stores to pharmacies, retail accounts for about one-fifth of Illinois' workforce and is the second-largest revenue generator in the state. So as crash-and-grab robberies (those that use the force of a large vehicle to break the entrance of a store) continue to rise, how does this affect our safety and our economy? This week, host Jim Hanke speaks with Rob Karr, President/CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association -- or, IRMA -- to find out how the organization works with state representatives to deter these ram-and-raid crime sprees, as well as balances the needs of both national chains and local independent stores.

Follow IRMA on Facebook | Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram
Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Just before passing away earlier this month, 104-year-old Dorothy Hoffner of Chicago completed a record-setting tandem skydive, potentially becoming the oldest person to ever do so. On this week's episode, host Jim Hanke showcases audio from WBBM reporter Nancy Harty -- highlighting interviews with both Dorothy herself and close friend Joe Conant -- learning how skydiving became a passion for Dorothy in her golden years. Plus, WBBM social media editor AnnMarie Welser discusses her experience filming the skydive from the plane.

Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram
Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Just before passing away earlier this month, 104-year-old Dorothy Hoffner of Chicago completed a record-setting tandem skydive, potentially becoming the oldest person to ever do so. On this week's episode, host Jim Hanke showcases audio from WBBM reporter Nancy Harty -- highlighting interviews with both Dorothy herself and close friend Joe Conant -- learning how skydiving became a passion for Dorothy in her golden years. Plus, WBBM social media editor AnnMarie Welser discusses her experience filming the skydive from the plane.

Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram
Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

More than 45,000 people will descend upon the city this weekend to compete in Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon, but what's it like to convey all that action over the air? Longtime WBBM sports reporter Josh Liss joins host Jim Hanke this week to provide expertise on his two-plus decades covering the event, and the backstories of particular runners that intrigue him. Plus, 2022's quickest Chicago resident to cross the finish line -- Dan Kremske -- describes his approach and what fuels him on his quest to make the U.S. Olympic team. Listeners can tune in starting at 7am to 670 The Score or on the free Audacy app for complete marathon coverage this Sunday, October 8th.

Follow Josh Liss on Twitter | Follow Dan Kremske on Instagram

Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram
Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

More than 45,000 people will descend upon the city this weekend to compete in Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon, but what's it like to convey all that action over the air? Longtime WBBM sports reporter Josh Liss joins host Jim Hanke this week to provide expertise on his two-plus decades covering the event, and the backstories of particular runners that intrigue him. Plus, 2022's quickest Chicago resident to cross the finish line -- Dan Kremske -- describes his approach and what fuels him on his quest to make the U.S. Olympic team. Listeners can tune in starting at 7am to 670 The Score or on the free Audacy app for complete marathon coverage this Sunday, October 8th.

Follow Josh Liss on Twitter | Follow Dan Kremske on Instagram

Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram
Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Some have called 2023 a “summer of strikes,” with almost 300% more total union-related walks off the job than last year. And while WGA and UPS have reached agreement terms, SAG-AFTRA and the United Auto Workers remain on the picket line, asking for better compensation in comparison to company leadership. On today’s episode, Detroit-based auto reporter Jeff Gilbert of WWJ Newsradio joins host Jim Hanke to discuss how UAW’s current strike has involved workers at a few Chicagoland plants, why this strike is so unprecedented, and whether we see an end in sight. And for further context on today's discussion, revisit our episode from earlier this year, about Chicago's own history with unionization.

Follow Jeff Gilbert on Twitter | Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram
Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Some have called 2023 a “summer of strikes,” with almost 300% more total union-related walks off the job than last year. And while WGA and UPS have reached agreement terms, SAG-AFTRA and the United Auto Workers remain on the picket line, asking for better compensation in comparison to company leadership. On today’s episode, Detroit-based auto reporter Jeff Gilbert of WWJ Newsradio joins host Jim Hanke to discuss how UAW’s current strike has involved workers at a few Chicagoland plants, why this strike is so unprecedented, and whether we see an end in sight. And for further context on today's discussion, revisit our episode from earlier this year, about Chicago's own history with unionization.

Follow Jeff Gilbert on Twitter | Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram
Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

On today's episode, we're joined by the charismatic Austin Huff, co-host of 'Melissa & Austin' on US99 in Chicago and the creative mind behind KorkedBats! Austin takes us through his journey from unexpected beginnings to becoming a radio co-host, sharing insights from working with Jim Rome and Steve Gorman. We delve into the early morning radio life, exploring the energy of being the first voices listeners hear at 6 am. Austin also opens up about his brainchild, KorkedBats, a sports humor website that evolved into a multimedia hub. Tune in to discover Austin's captivating journey in the world of radio, his star-studded encounters, and the evolution of KorkedBats from a simple blog to a thriving media platform!

The NFL Preseason is underway....the Miami Dolphins are finally taking the field tonight after joint practices this week with the Atlanta Falcons.

Former Miami Dolphin, Randy McMichael who is now the Midday Host on 92.2 in ATL joined Zach on the Korner to talk about Desmond Ridder, Bijan Robinson, Tua and of course had to sneak in some Georgia Bulldog talk.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects nearly eight to thirteen percent of all woman of child bearing age. Even though it comes with negative effects, life style changes could help in turning the corner. 

2023 is the 50th anniversary of hip hop. All year, we are dropping episodes in a special series that digs into one of the most popular forms of music. We’re kicking off the season with a look at the birth of hip hop. In this episode, we look at the connection between protest poetry and hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc’s iconic 1973 party, and all the external forces that contributed to hip-hop's growth like the fires that consumed parts of the South Bronx in the 70s. 

Guests: 

Darryl McDaniels

Ed Lover

Grand Wizzard Theodore

Rich Nice 

The Last Poets

Credits: 

Noa Caines, Researcher

John Davis, Researcher

Jill Webb, Producer

Dempsey Pillot, Producer

Anddy Egan-Thorpe, Audio Engineer

Femi Redwood, Host and Executive Producer

We are kicking off season two by digging into the recent study that linked hair relaxers to ovarian cancer. Turns out, relaxers aren't the only hair products that could be harmful. In this episode, we speak with beauty influencer and venture capitalist Blake Newby and  sociologist and natural hair care expert Dr. Taura Taylor. We explore the reasons some people get relaxers despite knowing the dangers, while also looking at the history of perms and the policing of Black hair. 

Credits: 

Dempsey Pillot, studio producer

Jill Webb, producer

Anddy Egan-Thorpe, audio engineer

Femi Redwood, host and executive producer

One of the amazing things about WJPZ is how many of our illustrious alumni actually grew up listening to the radio station.  This has been true for decades.  Liverpool native Corey Crockett, from the Class of 2015, is no exception. 

Upon arriving on campus, Corey quickly got involved with the sports and research departments. He eventually became GM at a pivotal moment for the radio station - the construction of the new studio.  FoodWorks was going away, allowing for an expansion of WJPZ and Citrus TV.

For a semester, WJPZ had to broadcast remotely from voice-track studios in Newhouse, while the new station was built.  Corey credits folks like Liz Doyon, Rob Crandall, Josh Wolff, Alex Silverman, and Stephen Kurtz for the rapid install of the station while the construction was still being finished. You'll hear the re-launch in this episode, and you can see it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/wE9wfQZ6TgQ

When the new studio was operational, Corey and his staff had to train a new group of talent who'd never done live radio before.  He talks about that. 

Like many of us, Corey describes his career path after graduation as "wonky."  He spent a few years in radio in Virginia Beach, before getting the itch and moving to New York City.   There, he worked in television and dabbled in radio, before getting an opportunity to work for the Audacy (formerly Entercom) Corporate Program team in New York.   There, he supports Audacy's local stations.  From his current role, he offers some great advice to current students.  And he shares his perspective of what radio needs to do going forward.

Join Us in Syracuse for Banquet on March 4th: https://bit.ly/WJPZ50BanquetTickets

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts

BANQUET 2024 WILL BE MARCH 2ND! Get your tickets here before prices go up!  https://bit.ly/3RmN0V4

1010 WINS sports director Marc Ernay chats with Stephen A. Smith about the iconic sports broadcaster’s brand new Audacy/Cadence13 podcast series, “Know Mercy,” which debuts today.

Topics covered include who and what the podcast will spotlight, his thoughts on the Yankees’ chase for title number 28 in franchise history, his agonizing frustrations with the Knicks’ "dormant state of affairs," thoughts on the ongoing drama with the Nets, and what it's like to work with newly-elected radio Hall of Famer Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo.

DIS/Honorable Mentions 

Honorable mention to The King AND Queen Beyoncé on the cover of this month’s Harper's Bazaar.

Honorable mention to Jennifer Hudson and Marlan Wayans for their performances in Respect, which comes out this Friday, August 13th.

This Week’s Sponsor

Lumi Labs Microdose Gummies

Our show this week is sponsored by Microdose Gummies. Microdose Gummies deliver perfect, entry-level doses of THC that help you feel just the right amount of good.

To learn more about microdosing THC, go to Microdose.com and use code: FANTI  to get free shipping & 30% off your first order.

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FANTI is produced and distributed by MaximumFun.org

Laura Swisher is the senior producer.

Want insight into the booming podcast market? We have the guest for you: Paul Suchman, chief marketing officer at Audacy, a free broadcast and radio platform. He talks all about audio and the resilient power of local news. 

Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week: 

-The 2022 class of PRWeek’s 40 Under 40; 

-A former Weber Shandwick key executive pleads guilty in fraud case; 

-A new top communications executive at Boeing; 

-Good momentum in Havas’ Q2 earnings; 

-The end — or is it? — of the Choco Taco; 

Hot wing lip gloss

 at Applebee’s, and much more. 

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