Jeff Hurley
We all started somewhere. My first jobs were on local stations in Elmira when I was 14. I kept the radio spirit alive at Mansfield University’s GIANT 89.5 in the mid 90s. “It’s not the size, it’s the frequency!” We rolled deep for the annual homecoming parade. That redheaded guy in the middle went on to win 5 Emmys and a bunch of other awards. I’m just some radio guy in a green hoodie.
The iHeart Central PA team prides itself on amazing, larger-than-life events. We opened up the new LAFF TRAKK coaster in Hershey with a huge VIP party for hundreds of winners. These are the events that help you stand out with your local audience.
I worked with several of our stations in PA from before landing the Regional Program Manager role in 2014. That also meant programming a country station for the first time in my life. There’s NO better environment in radio than the country music community. Lifelong friends and memories
Country music treats you better than anyone. Remember when Erik Powell and Rascal Flatts gave me my own backstage parking spot? Remember when I couldn’t find that parking spot, so I just parked in the main lot instead? Good times!
Being in Country music naturally lead to my connection with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our BOB 94.9 Radiothon just celebrated it’s 25th year, and I couldn’t be prouder of this team for raising millions of collars to support the kids of St Jude
Think about how many incredible moments our radio careers have given us access to over the years. Here I am, flying in the bombardier seat of a B-17 Flying Fortress over Reading PA. So lucky for all the experiences this career has given me
One of my absolute favorite events was the BOB 94.8 BOATLOAD OF BRAS. We covered the local paddlewheel steamboat with thousands of donated bras to raise money for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Have you ever seen a steamboat covered in bras before? That’s how we get attention!
I have a strange infatuation with mascots. I always take photos with them. Here’s the Hershey Chocolate Bar hanging in the studios, with me and Newman
Life is all about changes. January of 2020 was one of the greatest changes of my career. I joined the iHeartradio National Programming Group as Executive Vice President. As I walked out of the building I realized I needed a photo… so I snapped this selfie in the mist-tunnel
My kids are the greatest blessing in my life One of the greatest joys is bringing them along on this incredible journey. Her first concert experience was backstage to meet the Jonas Brothers. Sorry Whitley, it’s all downhill after this!
I wouldn’t be able to do all this without her. Kelly is the rock of our family and keeps everything running smoothly. She’s gone through 5 addresses in 6 years…countless late nights and long weekends, and she always comes back for more. Thanks for everything you do!
Followed up with stops in Rochester, Wilkes-Barre and Philly’s Q102 in the late 90s/early 2ks. Rockin’ the frosted tips for an LFO show with 97BHT in Scranton.
My first programming gig landed me on the gulf coast of Florida and ISLAND 106 in 2001. A bit of advice… if you can find a gig that’s literally ‘on the beach’, you should do it at least once in your life.
Headed back north in 2002 to program the legendary Star 104 Erie. This is where I picked up my radio-name of “Hurley”, which came from a dirty t-shirt on top of the laundry pile. Thanks to Don Parker and Rick Rambaldo for giving me a chance to step into the Programming role. Broke my arm playing soccer, which made it difficult to drive stick and use a computer mouse!
Radio people know U-Hauls VERY well…but this one might be the worst ever. It kept breaking down every 20 minutes and eventually got stuck in the mud. This was also the most important move of my career. I left Erie to join WHKF-FM in Harrisburg. That was my entry into Clear Channel, which eventually became iHeart years later). I’ve worked for them ever since arriving in 2004.
One of the best parts about radio in Central PA is all the work we’ve done with Hersheypark over the past 20 years. They always trotted out exotic animals for our live broadcasts. This bird was terrifying… he just glared at me the whole time.
Jeff Hurley: A career is defined by the relationships you build. Bob and the entire FMQB crew have been partners and friends for decades. You know if you’re backstage at a show in Atlantic City that you’ll run into Bob Burke! Paws up!
A radio career In the northeast means you’ve been lucky enough to spend time with the legendary Bobbi Silver. The hardest-working, kindest and most appreciative person I have ever met. The entire industry is better because she was a part of it. Here we are backstage at Q102 Jingle Ball.
