Jana Sutter
Before cell phones, I still managed to grab a selfie of my very first on air shift on WDCG Raleigh. August 6th, 1997... overnight!
In 1998 I found myself doing mornings, and then eventually middays and Music Director at WSSX Charleston. And if you haven't driven a monster big bread truck to a remote broadcast, have you really worked in radio?
WNOU, Indianapolis...the street front studios were always exciting for interviews. Here is 98 degrees, 2000.
KMXV, 2002. This was one of Kelly Clarkson's first shows after winning American Idol. It also marks the beginning of 20+ years of mentorship and friendship with Jon Zellner who was the PD at the time. Also pictured, the KC radio legend Kelly Urich.
I mean…hello, it's MADONNA! Oddly enough, I had worked "for" Madonna during a brief stint as a record rep for Maverick Records. This was after the Maverick staff was folding into the WB staff and I was back in radio in Kansas City.
Career highlight moment. Not only did the ENTIRE WXXL airstaff fly to and broadcast from Amsterdam, but interviewing Brent from Shinedown while we were there, even better!
Full circle moment. Duran Duran was the first band I REALLY got in to. Fast Forward to 2009, and they walk into MY OFFICE to meet me? Radio has certainly giving me some incredible memories.
2010 was the year my life changed. As you can see, I was quite pregnant on stage introducing a New Artist named "Bruno Mars." My daughter was born in February 2011. She still loves Bruno Mars.
Living and Working in Orlando means you run into some cool characters. Mickey & Minnie make for great neighbors. Another bonus, whenever there are broadcasts from the parks, stations across the country are coming through to work here as well. It's a great way to catch up with radio friends!
Working in radio has absolutely given me the opportunity to do some things I wouldn't have experienced otherwise, amazing animal encounters included. I've "co-hosted" with sloths, owls, dolphins, alligators, and dozens of other creatures.
Radio has led to other media opportunities as well. I've enjoyed TV, Event Hosting, Voice Over Work, and National Commercial Campaign.
I have loved being able to have this incredible career and share it with my daughter as she grows. It should be no surprise that she is quite comfortable on stage, camera, and on the microphone. The teen years should be interesting.
One of my favorite aspects on this job is the access to LIVE MUSIC and artist encounters. Nobody does it better than Taylor and her team. They are always incredibly kind to programmers, fans and family members.
After twenty-four years in radio, some of my best friendships have come through the industry. I've always said radio and records brings together some of the most interesting and passionate people. I'm thrilled to be a part of this tribe.
This picture was taken one week before the world shut down with the pandemic. SO MUCH has changed in our world and industry since then. It's been exciting to see how we all adapted and continued to entertain. I am READY for the return to LIVE MUSIC, seeing industry friends, and doing so safely.
