Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Geauga Lake Remote!!

I was definitely busy the first week of my internship. Besides the 33 Miles concert, I also helped out at a radio remote at Geauga Lake on Friday along with Christina and Andrea. The three of us left early in hopes of getting to ride a couple of coasters. However, we were all hungry and decided to get lunch at a Burger King before the park in an effort to save some money. It took 45 minutes!! This fast-food restaurant was so crowded. After lunch, we met up with our other boss and Promotions Director John. We had no trouble getting into the park by ourselves after we said we were with the Fish. We put up a couple of banners and set out some Fish bumper stickers. Soon after, the afternoon DJ Josh Booth arrived with his wife and baby daughter.

I stayed the whole time during the remote...it was a lot of fun listening to Josh's breaks as well as talking to John about his experiences in the broadcast world. Besides a torrential downpour halfway through the remote (during which most of us squeezed into the booth), the day was a lot of fun. And I even got to ride one roller coaster before the weather got too bad: the Villain!

33 Miles Concert!

The first week I went to two events, one being a 33 Miles concert at Word of Grace Church in Chesterland on Thursday. I was excited and nervous, first of all, because it was my first promotional event for the Fish, and secondly, because I was going to meet 33 Miles!! Early at the office, Andrea and I walked around to record some listener comments with a mini-disc recorder for new Fish liners. At the concert, we were supposed to record a couple more.

We arrived early to set up (Andrea, Christina, Cassie, and I). Cassie is another intern who just helps out at events. Andrea and Cassie both go to the Ohio Center for Broadcasting and both are in need of intern hours. Unfortunately, all four of us are on the shorter side, making it hard to set up the backdrop. The members of 33 Miles saw our dilemma and decided to help us put it up. They introduced themselves...the three-member Christian band includes Jason (Louisiana), Chris (Alabama), and Collin (Colorado). I fell in love with their Southern accents! I only had heard one of their songs, What Could Be Better (the Days Ahead), before this concert because I added it to the Covenant's currents when it neared the top of the charts a couple of months ago.

Anyways, the interns and I talked to the listeners, handed out fliers, and got a couple more listener comments before the concert. Then, we went in and listened to a couple of songs...I was really impressed...I loved their music, and I could see a lot of potential in this group. I think 33 Miles has a lot of talent and a bright future. All three could really sing well. They almost reminded me a little of Mercy Me. Check out this link if you get a chance! 33 Miles!

The First Few Weeks...

I know it's way past the time I started my radio promotions internship at Salem Communications (mainly 95.5 the Fish), but I finally have time to reflect since I'm kind of out of commission. (I got my wisdom teeth out a few days ago). I really do love my internship, and I'm learning so much from really great people. My first day was Tuesday, June 5. I remember getting dressed up (because I wasn't sure about the dress code) and driving to the office which is right across the street from where my mom works. I remember walking in thinking, "This is just so cool!" I could see that the dress code at the office was more casual than I anticipated. A few minutes later, I met my boss Greg for the first time.

I had my interview on the phone, and he hired me right afterward. Greg is Morning Show Producer and Events Coordinator for 95.5 the Fish. He introduced me to the other two interns, Christina and Andrea, and then had me sign some paperwork. I began working that same day as well as meeting everyone in the office. Granted, I still don't remember everyone's names; however, over time, I'm sure I will learn everyone's names. Also, I've met the majority of the on-air personalities: Len, Brooke, Gina, and Josh.

Although I'm still learning the ropes, I've already started helping out in the office. The interns' duties include mailing out the prizes, making weekly prize sheets, handling half-prize dining deals, organizing, filing, and other random responsibilities that may come up. In addition to working in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (Andrea, Christina, and I developed a weekly schedule), I also help out at events during the week and on the weekends. The first week I helped out at two events, which I will describe in the following posts. Needless to say, I'm having a wonderful time!!

Monday, June 18, 2007

Entering the Blogging World...

So I've finally done it...I've decided it's time for me to start keeping a blog, specifically describing my broadcasting experience. Later on, when I'm looking for a job after graduation, I will definitely be glad that I documented everything I did in the broadcasting world and all the people I've met along the way.

Actually, my professor and adviser, Mr. Weaver, suggested I keep this blog for my internship this summer; however, I would like to continue writing this blog throughout my college years so I can look back at the memories and display all my hard work. Anyways, this summer I have a radio promotions internship at Salem Communications, particularly 95.5 the Fish radio station in Cleveland...this is such a wonderful opportunity for me, which will hopefully help me figure out more what I want to do for a career in the future!