Company News · September 9, 2014

Audio’s 30 Under 30: Why they made the list

By edison

Edison Research and RAIN News sorted through A LOT of talented nominees to create the 2014 list of Audio’s 30 Under 30. Want to know why we picked these young men and women to represent the next generation of radio and audio? Just read their bios below.

 

Adéllyn Polomski

Director of Artist Relations and EDM Initiatives for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment; Program Director for Evolution

Adéllyn joined Clear Channel in 2011 as an Executive Assistant and quickly rose through the ranks to become the Director of Artist Relations for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and has established herself as one of the most influential people in the EDM space. Adéllyn focuses on developing integrated campaigns between artists, advertisers, and Clear Channel.  Her close work with the artists and their labels truly brings unparalleled value to Clear Channel brands and its advertisers. With extensive music knowledge and an intuitive sense of what will be the next big thing, Adéllyn is instrumental in bringing about innovative new partnerships and knows the broadcast radio space inside and out, producing live broadcasts for events like the iHeartRadio Live series and the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party.

Adéllyn is also the Director of EDM Initiatives and Program Director for Evolution, the first-ever “All Things Dance” station for iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s all-in-one digital radio service.  Adéllyn was the driving force behind the creation of Evolution and oversees its programming as well as its operational and promotional direction.  As the Director of EDM Initiatives, Adéllyn introduced acts like Krewella, Armin van Buuren and Calvin Harris to an extensive broadcast and digital radio audience, and syndicates Pete Tong, dance music tastemaker and Diplo, world-renowned music producer.  Adéllyn has spearheaded the booking of prominent dance music artists for world-class Clear Channel events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party.

Prior to these roles, Adéllyn served on the programming team for Premiere Networks, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. During her time with Premiere Networks, she executed a number of live broadcasts from Clear Channel’s high-profile events including the 12-12-12 Concert for Sandy Relief and the inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival.  Adéllyn graduated from Leeds University with a degree in Honors History and she holds a Master’s Degree in International Events Management from Leeds Metropolitan University. It was in the UK that she first began her radio career with Leeds Student Radio and became immersed in the electronic music scene.

 

Amy Cherry

Assistant News Director and a general assignment reporter and anchor  / WDEL-AM

Amy Cherry joined WDEL’s award-winning news team in 2010 from WBZ Newsradio 1030 in Boston.  Amy is also President and co-founder of the Society of Professional Journalists Delaware Chapter.

Amy has earned the esteemed honor of “Best of Show” in 2013 from the Associated Press, beating out reporters in major markets in the Mid-Atlantic for the title.  She’s also been named “Best Reporter” by the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association three years in a row.  Amy is a four-time regional Edward R. Murrow award winner for her investigative and feature reporting.  She was also selected as a fellow in the Radio, Television, Digital News Foundation’s prestigious RIAS program in Germany in 2013.  She’s also received the 2013 Terry Harper Scholarship from the Society of Professional Journalists and was chosen to participate in Poynter’s “Covering Guns” workshop.

In her free time, Amy enjoys singing, going to the beach, and drinking a good craft beer.  She lives in Wilmington, Delaware with her French bulldog “Stanley” and her bunny, “Monster.”

 

Collin Jones

Director of M&A, Corporate Development & Strategy / Cumulus Media

Collin Jones is the head of M&A and corporate development for Cumulus Media, leading the structuring of business development and strategic initiatives as well as origination and execution of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and portfolio management.  Additionally, he serves as the key point of contact for investor relations for Cumulus.  Prior to joining Cumulus, Collin was an investment banker with Macquarie Capital, a leading Australian-based bank, focused on M&A, debt restructuring and capital markets transactions.  He graduated from Duke University in 2008 with a BS in Economics and minor in Psychology.

 

Ed Hooper

Co-Founder & CEO / 121cast, Inc.

Ed is a business-minded technology enthusiast who has worked on start-ups (Omny, rome2rio, SOAK) and for large enterprise (Groupon, ANZ Bank, Microsoft) in both Australia and Silicon Valley.

In 2012 Ed co-founded 121cast Inc to reinvent radio by creating Omny, which provides a personalized listening experience for each individual user that’s tailored to them based on their interests, location, and listening behavior. Check out http://www.omnyapp.com for more information.

 

Emily Lawrence

Vice President, Mobile & Video Initiatives / CBS Local  

Emily grew up in Denver, Colorado. After graduating from Colby College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, she moved to New York City and worked in Investment Banking at Bank of America for two years.  In 2009, Emily joined MTV Networks in the Corporate Strategy Group for Comedy Central.  It was here that she developed a strong interest in digital content strategies and the way new platforms were challenging and expanding traditional media.  In 2011, Emily joined CBS Local as Director of Business Development but within the year took over as head of all Mobile & Video Initiatives. As Vice President of Mobile & Video Initiatives, her responsibilities span app development, mobile web optimization, YouTube channel operations, and managing a growing portfolio of live video simulcasts of their top radio shows.

 

Grant Paulsen

Talk-show host and beat reporter / 106.7 The Fan in Washington, DC.

Grant Paulsen, 26, co-hosts 106.7 THE FAN’s midday show, “Grant and Danny,” which airs from 10am-2pm each weekday in Washington, DC. Having covered the Redskins daily beat for four seasons, Paulsen provides an insider expertise on the Redskins as a respected football analyst for CBS Radio and multiple DC-based television stations. The Virginia-native also hosts national baseball talk shows on MLB Network Radio. When Paulsen isn’t on the air he’s probably at a movie eating popcorn or on a driving range, slicing golf balls into the woods.

 

Jack Krawczyk

Director, Product Management / Pandora

As Director of Product Management at Pandora, Jack Krawczyk is focused on leading
the product technology team that is responsible for delivering advertising solutions. His focus is on creating experiences that allow brands and products to resonate with listeners.

Prior to joining Pandora, Jack was the Head of Monetization at StumbleUpon, where he
was responsible for the product management of advertising and partnership solutions.
In his time at StumbleUpon, he launched Paid Discovery, a social distribution platform enabling brands to maximize the reach of their produced content.
Additional previous work experience includes a position at Google where he worked on
the development of Google+, and previously industry marketing management of Fortune
500 advertising relationships. He has also worked as an analyst at Banc of America Securities. Jack is a frequent contributor to trade publications such as Advertising Age, TechCrunch, and iMedia, and was named to the Forbes “30 Under 30” list for his contributions in Marketing & Advertising.

Jack holds a BS in Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University.

 

Jordan Bernfield

Sportscaster & Host, WGN Radio / 87.7 The Game

Jordan Bernfield works as the afternoon sportscaster on Chicago’s WGN Radio, and is frequently heard hosting the “Cubs Central Post Game” on the WGN/Chicago Cubs Radio Network.  In addition, Bernfield works as a host and reporter for Chicago’s newest sports station, 87.7 The Game.  Bernfield also works as the television play-by-play voice for both the University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) and Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball programs.  A suburban Chicago native and a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University, Bernfield is heard as the host and fill-in play-by-play voice for Northwestern football and basketball broadcasts as well.

 

Justin Case

Director of Programming & Imaging / Benztown  

Since the mid 90’s, Justin Case has immersed himself in everything radio. He made his radio debut in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the young age of 14. He’s done it all from part time before he could drive, to afternoons/mix-show coordinator/imaging director/voice over artist and more.  Justin received his Master’s certificate in music production & technology from the Berklee School of Music in 2008.  In 2012 Justin took a leap and became the Director of Programming & Imaging with Benztown. Justin, age 30, is a true Radio Renaissance Man. He oversees all Programming, Voiceover, Custom Imaging, and Commercial VO for Benztown, an international radio imaging, production library, programming, and voiceover services company based in Burbank, CA, and Stuttgart, Germany.  Justin’s work serves over 1,900 affiliates on 6 different continents. Along with Andreas Sanneman, Benztown CEO, he oversees the curation of all 20 of Benztown’s production libraries across 13 formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Urban, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports and JACK. He produces content for 4 of these libraries, and oversees a team of 8 Production Directors/Format Captains around the world.

Justin produces all imaging for “America’s Morning Show with Blair Garner” (for Cumulus/Westwood One); “The Ace & TJ Show”; “Your Weekend with Jim Brickman”; the Dr. Laura Show’ (for Compass Media); and provides custom imaging for: XHTZ and XHRM – San Diego; KOAS and KCYE-Las Vegas; KABG and KDLW-Albuquerque; KBEE-Salt Lake City; KMVN-Anchorage; KQIE/KCAQ-Oxnard/Ventura; WBNQ-Bloomington; WJLI-Paducah; WLEV-Bethlehem; WVPL-Oxford; WVVV-Parkersburg; and WVVE-Panama City Beach.

Justin has been honored by the New Mexico Broadcasters Association) with an award for Best :60 commercial. He was also named “Best Radio DJ” by Albuquerque Local IQ and “Best Club DJ” by Albuquerque Alibi.

 

Kaitlyn Tracy

General Manager / Spring Arbor University Radio

Kaitlyn Tracy is General Manager of Spring Arbor University Radio in Spring Arbor, MI. She graduated from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor of Science in 2010.  Kaitlyn honestly never intended to work in the broadcasting field; she was originally hired to help with underwriting and fundraising for their two FM non-profit stations. After a short while, Kaitlyn was given her own on-air shift. This was a huge step for Kaitlyn, since she never intended to be an on-air personality! She was promoted to GM in December 2012 and has enjoyed learning the ins and outs of radio. Outside of work, Kaitlyn and her husband love to travel and hang out with their pets. They have two cats: Sandy & Omar, and a yellow lab, Charlie. Kaitlyn also enjoys running and is training for my first marathon.

 

Katherine Larner

Sr. Sales Executive / Pandora Media Inc.

Katherine has quickly moved up the ranks in her 6 years at Pandora. She started managing ad campaigns, next moved to Pandora’s NYC office to learn the tricks of the advertising trade, and then back to the Bay Area to focus on the radio market where she is now a senior radio & digital sales executive. Her focus is on creating experiences that allow brands such as Taco Bell, Playstation, and MINI Cooper to resonate with listeners.

During her time at Pandora, Katherine has been on the steering committee for Pandora’s Women in Business group, co-chairing both the Speaker Series & Networking Committees.  As a part of these groups, she has met with high level women across The Bay (such as The Mayor of Oakland, Pandora’s Board of Directors, Sr. Producer @ Pixar, Founder of StitchFix etc.).

Katherine has been quoted in Dan Schawbel’s book, “10 Ways to Promote Yourself at Work” and wrote an article for his “Gen Y Rockstar Series” blog advising on the Keys to Millennials’ Success.

In January of 2013, Katherine received San Francisco Bay Area Innovation Group (SF BIG’s) All Star award for “Next Big Digital Sales Person” for her contributions in Marketing & Advertising. Katherine holds a BA in Business Marketing from Loyola Marymount University.

 

Lux

Afternoon Drive/Assistant Music Director / KPNT 105.7 / The Point Emmis Communications

Lux is the lone she-wolf in the 105.7 The Point wolf pack. This St. Louis native and ex-sorority girl is pumped to be the sister in radio you never had. Having started in the promotions department in May of 2007 (before getting her bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from Webster University in 2009), she soon scored her first on air show – 10p to Midnight – once a week on Fridays, which was her introduction to the STL airwaves. Closing her chapter in the promotions department and as a weekend warrior, in 2011 she moved to the programming department full time as the midday DJ. Yet, one short year later, she flipped shifts and took on the afternoon drive gig before adding Assistant Music Director to her resume in 2013. Committed to promoting the KPNT brand, Lux loves entertaining her audience on air, meeting listeners at station events, interacting with artists in the alternative rock world and helping highlight the wonderful clients she endorses. Having an alternative rock heart of gold, it’s no surprise that when Lux closes the mic at the end of her shift, she tunes in to her own station on the drive home – strictly as a fan.

 

Maggie Stapleton

Assistant Program Director / Classical KING FM 98.1

Maggie Stapleton is the Assistant Program Director at Classical KING FM and manager of all programming and platforms for Second Inversion, KING FM’s 24/7 stream of new classical music. Interviews, music programming & hosting, community event appearances, social media, and blog writing are just a few of her fun daily tasks for Second Inversion.

Maggie holds B.M. (Furman University) and M.M. (University of Washington) degrees in Flute Performance and is currently a member of the Seattle Rock Orchestra, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra, and Parnassus Project.

Outside of the office and rehearsal hall, Maggie loves to cook, climb, run, bike, hike, and explore the beautiful city of Seattle and surrounding areas of Western Washington.

 

Mamie Shepherd

Program Coordinator for Seacrest Studios at Levine Children’s Hospital; On-air Talent at WNKS Kiss 95.1

Mamie Shepherd is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.  While in college, Mamie interned for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and worked for NBC’s The Voice, New York’s SmithtownRadio.com, and STAR 94 FM in Atlanta, GA.  Upon graduation, Mamie was hired to open, and run, Seacrest Studios (Ryan Seacrest Foundation) at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC.  In addition to her work for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, Mamie serves as on-air talent, on the weekends, at Kiss 95.1 (CBS Radio).  Mamie is affiliated with a number of organizations, including the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.  She was also named the inaugural winner of the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation’s Radio Personality Project and, this year, Mamie was named to the “Top 30 Under 30 Future Leaders of Charlotte” list by Elevate Lifestyle Magazine.

 

Marissa Morris

Vice President, Artist Relations / Clear Channel Media + Entertainment 

Marissa Morris, Vice President of Artist Relations for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, is a trailblazer in the industry and has established a career that has put her front and center with some of the most influential executives in the music industry by the age of 27. In her position, Marissa works closely with label and management teams on developing marketing programs in support of emerging and established artists, and integrating talent into iHeartRadio’s signature events. Additionally, she partners with the company’s National Sales, Marketing and Strategic Partnership team on marrying talent with brand partnership opportunities.

Through hard work, leadership and perseverance, Marissa has worked her way through the ranks demonstrating creativity and results at every step.  Starting at Clear Channel in 2008 as the executive assistant to Tom Poleman, current President of National Programming Platforms at Clear Channel, she quickly became involved in national contest programs and oversaw relationships between the company and record labels. While working closely with the markets, artists and their labels, Marissa saw an opportunity for Clear Channel to develop the now very successful Artist Integration Program – the first program to join all local market efforts with national research and multi-platform implementation in order to drive unmatched visibility for new artist projects. In 2011, when the National Programming Platform division was created, Marissa became the very first Director of Artist Relations for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.

Marissa quickly became an integral part in the creation of several iHeartRadio branded events and initiatives such as iHeartRadio Theater performances and iHeartRadio Album Release Parties, where artists play songs from their new albums and sit down to discuss what it means to them for the first time.  Keeping music discovery at the forefront of the radio industry, Marissa was instrumental in developing Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio “On The Verge” program.  This program looks at key tracks and artists that Clear Channel radio programmers are excited about and know their listeners will love. Each month Marissa works with programmers at each format based on surveys and feedback from these programmers to launch a six-week program that includes on-air exposure as well as significant digital and social support across Clear Channel’s entire network.  These programs successfully utilize the power of Clear Channel’s multimedia platforms and unparalleled broadcast reach to maximize song exposure and create a deeper connection between fans and new music.

In addition, Marissa plays a key role in talent booking for all of iHeartRadio’s marquee events including the annual star-studded two-day iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, the new iHeartRadio Music Awards show, national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball holiday tour, client events and iHeartRadio Theater performances.

 

Melony Torres

Asst. Program Director/Music Director/Midday Talent at WRQX 107.3/Cumulus Media

Melony grew up in Orlando, FL and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Marketing in 2010. When Melony was in high school, she was the producer of her news network. Melody thought it would be cool to get a job at her favorite radio station since she had no clue what she wanted to do post grad. Eight years later, Melony is still doing what she loves and has worked in Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Los Angeles and now the DMV! Currently, Melony is the Assistant Program Director/Music Director/Midday Talent at Cumulus’ WRQX/DC’s 107.3 in Washington, DC! Melony is so grateful that her passion for music and hard work has gotten her where she is today… she is a lucky one.

 

Michael Hermalyn

Vice President / CBS Altitude Group

Michael Hermalyn is Vice President, Strategic Sales at CBS Altitude Group, local engagement experts marketing CBS’s television, radio, digital and out of home assets. His responsibilities consist of enhancing relationships with clients and educating them on product and service offerings. In addition, Mike is responsible for making sure all members of his team deliver proactive customer service.

Mike is one of a kind, in every sense of the word; he defies all the conventional expectations of a radio salesperson. His ability to forge and maintain lasting and results driven relationships is unmatched. From Fortune 500 businesses alone, Mike has made numerous important clients and closed top deals during his six years with CBS Altitude – but he wouldn’t call them clients, he’d call them friends. One of the hallmark characteristics of Mike is his ability to stop at nothing to deliver for his clients, while merging marketing challenges into creative ideas and executions. He re-imagines opportunities to see the potential that others may not.

Mike’s behavior is infectious due to his extremely outgoing personality and creative form of leadership. He knows how to make successful business deals while creating relationships and maintaining a sense of fun and excitement at the same time. According to many, working with Mike does not feel like “work” at all and his humor, empathy and warmth are genuine.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University in 2007.

 

Paul (The Web Guy) Costabile

Host / Personality / iHeartRadio 

Paul (The Web Guy) Costabile is a Web, TV, and Radio personality as well as a writer and producer for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. As iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s national digital radio service, expanded to include its own original content and event coverage, Paul quickly became known as iHeartRadio’s Paul The Web Guy, the face of the platform and its exclusive digital correspondent.  He is the host of iHeartRadio’s “5 Things You Need to Know,” a weekly roundup show of buzz-worthy music, entertainment and viral news surrounding the music and entertainment industry, “At the iHeartRadio Backdoor” featuring fun segments with top artists before they hit the stage at the iHeartRadio Theater, and provides red carpet and backstage coverage at national events including the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party, Jingle Ball and Music Festivals, as well as movie premieres.

Paul has ‘gone viral’ with numerous guerilla-style street videos for Clear Channel and iHeartRadio including Gangnam Style and Harlem Shake flash mobs and his newly created “Lyrics on the Street” series – some of which have been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, The CW Network, YouTube’s homepage, Buzzfeed, PerezHilton.comRyanSeacrest.com, Huffington Post, People Magazine and more. He also appears weekly on behalf of iHeartRadio on OK! TV, highlighting top stories of the week with his trademark ‘fun and unique’ segments and interviews with artists and celebrities, and can be heard on Clear Channel’s CHR stations across the country promoting iHeartRadio.

Paul’s charismatic personality has allowed him to seamlessly cross platforms between on-air, online and television, landing him national segments with The CW and E! News, as well as local segments with NBC, providing exclusive iHeartRadio coverage of its national and local events. He has interviewed numerous celebrities such as Elton John, Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Seacrest, Justin Timberlake, Keith Urban, Enrique Iglesias, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Kesha, Selena Gomez, John Legend, J Lo and more.

 

Ralphie Aversa

Host, “Ralphie Tonight,” WPLJ-FM / Cumulus Media

Ralphie Aversa is a quadruple threat. His platforms in television, radio, print, and the Internet allow him to tell compelling stories in a variety of fashions to a vast audience.

“Ralphie Tonight” currently airs on Cumulus Media’s 95.5 PLJ in New York, 92 PRO-FM in Providence, RI, Q105 in New London, CT, and 97 BHT in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA. Aversa offers exclusive interviews, hit music, and candid commentary on the stories of the day.

Aversa has also ventured outside of radio. In June, he became the host of “Inside Rising Star.” The 30 minute program is a companion show to the ABC singing competition “Rising Star,” and airs on Music Choice Play. Aversa also served as a host and reporter for Yahoo News, fronting the popular “Trending Now” segment until this past June.

“The Ralphie Report” runs in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s The Weekender (Circulation: 170,000). Started in 2008, the column is a print version of the best content from “Ralphie Tonight.” A TV rendition was also seen on NBC affiliate WBRE TV from 2011 to 2014.

Aversa has also contributed to WPIX TV (New York), ABC News, FOX, CNN, HLN, MSNBC, TMZ, Life & Style Weekly, and MTV News.

Ralphie attended Syracuse University. He hails from Niagara Falls, NY and currently resides in Manhattan.

 

Remy

Co-Host of The Mason & Remy Show | Mornings on KLOU & Afternoons on 93.7 The Bull in St. Louis / Clear Channel

Remy originally hails from market 232…Bloomington-Normal, IL.  For those who are unfamiliar with the location, it’s centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis & lots of corn.  He got his start in radio at Illinois State University’s student-run radio station, WZND-FM.  From there he moved to the heritage Top 40 station, 101.5 WBNQ in Bloomington, IL.  While doing the night show he was also employed at State Farm Insurance in the Creative Services department.  He was immersed in audio, video & photography while traveling the country with State Farm.  Eventually, he was given the opportunity to study directing at New York Film Academy in Los Angeles.  Through his video and photography experience, he brings an interesting blend of media experience to the world of radio.

Currently, Remy is one half of the Mason & Remy Show in St. Louis, MO.  The show broadcasts on 103.3 KLOU from 6-9a & on 93.7 The Bull from 2-7p.

 

Rick Hall

Program Director, Star 99.1 (New York)

Rick Hall joined Star 99.1 as Program Director in July 2014. In this role, he is responsible for the programming operation of WAWZ-FM in the nation’s No. 1 market. Hall also serves as Program Director of Star 107.1, Long Island’s only Christian music radio station.

During his near 15 year broadcasting career, Hall has also worked as Program Director for Life 101.9 in Cedar Rapids, IA; and Assistant Program Director of the SOS Radio Network in Las Vegas. He also worked as on-air personality with CBS Radio’s US99.5 and Fresh 105.9 in Chicago; and Music Director at The Fish in Milwaukee.

He studied Pastoral Studies at the Carlson Institute at North Central University. Hall resides in New Jersey with his wife and daughter.

 

Sam Alex

Host, “Taste of Country Nights” / Townsquare Media

Sam Alex is the host of Taste of Country Nights, a radio show that is based in Nashville and syndicated to over 53 radio stations nationwide. His career began as an intern at WLIT in Chicago his senior year of high school. Alex is a graduate of Illinois State University where he studied to be a teacher.

 

Sam ‘Nugget’ Dababneh

Morning Show Host at 94.1 KTFM San Antonio / Alpha Media

Sam ‘Nugget’ Dababneh started his radio career in Detroit where he grew up, working for Dom Theodore at WKQI (Channel 955) and later moving with Theodore to (WDZH) 98.7 Amp Radio.

His first full-time gig was in Fort Wayne, Indiana at WJFX (Hot 107.9) where he learned from PD Phil Becker. After Becker taught him how to do a killer night show, he then got the call from “Chunky” to be his producer and co-host for the night show in NYC at WNOW (92.3 NOW).

Working with Chunky taught him the skills necessary to start his first morning show, returning to Phil Becker and Fort Wayne to work at 106.3 Clickhop (WHPP) – a fully interactive radio station where the listeners had a real say in what music was played. Nugget then moved on to 106.9 K-Hits (KHTT) in Tulsa Oklahoma to work with PD Jet Black.

Nugget most recently got the call from now-VP of programming for Alpha Media, Phil Becker and Scott Mahalick to work for Mark Landis at 94.1 KTFM in San Antonio Texas. Nugget is currently at KTFM doing mornings alongside Blondie. The show has taken off with the help of consultant Randy Lane and PD Mark Landis.

Nugget is also dabbling in stand-up comedy and taking selfies.

 

Sam Peasley

Director of Digital Media / Bonneville LA

Sam Peasley is the Director of Digital Media at Bonneville Los Angeles. He manages the digital assets at 100.3 The Sound, a Los Angeles based classic rock radio station. His focus to the online user experience with the radio station is leading the way to The Sound’s future in the digital and mobile age.

 

Sean Plater

Deputy General Manager, 96.3 WHUR & The Howard University Radio Network

Sean Plater currently serves as Deputy General Manager of 96.3 WHUR-FM and The Howard University Radio Network in Washington, D.C. Sean knew at the age of 13 that he wanted to be in radio. He studied Radio and Broadcast Management at Howard University and in 2012 graduated from the University of Maryland with an MBA. Sean has worked in various capacities at WHUR, Radio-One and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

 

Stephen Valenta

Director of Operations & Finance / 8tracks

Stephen has degrees in Music Business from Belmont and in Accounting from Vanderbilt. He worked as a CPA at Deloitte before joining 8tracks in 2012. He lives in San Francisco.

 

TJ Taormina

Host of The TJ Show on 103.3 Amp Radio / CBS Radio Boston

TJ Taormina was the kid who walked to school with his headphones plugged into his radio. Having discovered morning talk shows as a 13 year old while growing up in Hillsdale, NJ, he became hooked. In high school, he called countless radio stations–asking to intern, organize CDs, sweep the floors, anything!–just to get his foot in the door.

Finally, in his junior year, Fairleigh Dickinson University gave him a chance. He started out running public service tapes on Sunday mornings for WFDU-FM, his mom giving him a ride to the station, since he was still too young to drive.

In 2002, after getting accepted into FDU’s broadcasting department, he landed an internship at Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show in New York City. During the ten years he spent there, he learned as much as he could from the different positions he held: answering phones, doing phone pranks, producing, and eventually becoming a co-host on Elvis’ show in 2010.

In 2013, TJ left Elvis’ show for an opportunity to host his own morning show in Boston.  He is currently the host of 103.3 Amp Radio’s “The TJ Show.”

 

Zach Sang

Creator, Executive Producer and host of nationally syndicated Top 40 Night Show Zach Sang and The Gang / WYD

Zach Sang is already a multimedia superstar with a new generation of followers. He is a radio prodigy, Nickelodeon personality, social media addict, pop culture junkie… and everyone’s best friend. The best part – he’s only 21 and just getting started. Zach is one of the most recognizable voices and TV Personalities to people 12-28 years old. He became an instant internet radio star at just age 14 when he began broadcasting nightly from his parents’ home in Wayne, New Jersey. Zach quickly amassed an online following of 2.6 million teens from coast to coast. Zach has done over 10,000 interviews with every major celebrity from Justin Bieber to Ben Stiller. Zach was also the host of “Zach Sang & The Student Body” which incorporated hit music and aired nightly from 7-9P on GOOM Radio. Zach served as the executive producer as well as the music director of Zang Radio – the second largest teen radio channel in the country. Today Zach is the youngest national radio host in the history of radio. His national show “Zach Sang and The Gang” is heard every night on over 27 Top 40 Radio Stations all over the country.

 

Zachary Claudio

Director of Digital Sales / CBS Local and CBS Radio

As Director of Digital Sales at CBS Radio, Zachary Claudio is responsible for overseeing CBS Radio’s mid-sized markets. Zachary works with markets around the country providing the support and expertise necessary to ensure that they are hitting their digital revenue goals. He has been with CBS for over 6 years, working his way up from Sales Person to Director of Digital Sales. He grew up in New Jersey, went to school in Massachusetts and has lived in Boston and New York since graduation. He is a die-hard Yankees, Jets, Rangers, and Knicks fan.

 

To read more about Audio’s 30 Under 30 visit: http://www.edisonresearch.com/edison-rain-30u30/

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