Spartan Echo

Credit MCJR on Instagram.

To highlight MCJR week, the Department of Mass Communications hosted a diverse panel for aspiring radio personalities. The panel brought awareness and emphasized the foundational role radio plays in media.

In addition, the panel featured moderator, Professor Jonathan Mason; Panelist Justin Lee, Sports Director at Sinclair Broadcasting; Tony Macrini, Morning Show Host at WNIS; Amber Payton, News Anchor and Director with The Black Information Network; Sonja Morrel, Marketing Director, Content Creator, and on-air personality for 106.9.

The Discussion showcased the evolution of radio from on-air broadcasting to digital platforms. Panelists shared their diverse roles within radio, including on-air personalities, marketing directors, and sales representatives. Within their different roles, they shared their different daily routines in the industry. In addition, they discussed the importance of adaptability, sales skills, and the value of live and local content. 

Justin Lee shared the need for understanding the audience demographics you are reaching and trying to reach. 

“I grew up listening to the jocks on the air, and that’s the conversation you would hear at the dinner table. You would hear them reiterate that in some form throughout the day, and listening to music that I grew up with doesn’t mean that’s the demographic that will drive sales for me where I’m currently at” 

During the panel, panelists discussed the challenges within the radio industry, such as the evolution of AI. Furthermore, they shared their non-linear career paths, while some shared a linear experience, illustrating how they all inevitably ended in radio despite pursuing different career fields. 

Sonja Morrel expressed, 

“I went to Emerson College, which is a small communications school in Boston. I went in as a PR major, but I loved radio growing up in Central New Jersey, listening to Philly and New York, not realizing I was getting into two Major Markets. And I always thought it would be a cool job, but I never knew how to get there.” 

Throughout the conversation, the role of technology and digital media was at the forefront. Panelists emphasized the need for radio to evolve and to adapt to digital trends while maintaining its core values and local connections. With that being said, the challenges and opportunities it

entails when integrating digital media with traditional radio to reach a broader audience are significant. 

Panelists stressed the integration of digital strategies with traditional radio. Furthermore, the session concluded with insights on the future of media and career advice for aspiring professionals. The panelists took Q&As from the audience to address the misconceptions about the industry and the importance of diverse perspectives. 

The questions addressed the importance of continuous learning, the need for young professionals to take advantage of the available resources in the department, and the potential of everyone in the room.