WRIF/Detroit APD/MD Suzy Cole got into radio as an intern at WKLQ/Grand Rapids before spending time at several other stations. But in 2005, she landed her dream gig at one of Greater Media’s long-running Rock powerhouses, and in April 2009, she was promoted to APD/MD at the legendary station. “Being the APD/MD of WRIF has been one of my dreams for a long time,” says Cole, “and to be able to do that with such an amazing staff makes me feel lucky every single day!”
Suzy Cole
Suzy Cole got into radio when she was still a high school student, interning at WKLQ/Grand Rapids under the wings of Steve Brancik, Mark Feurie, Tom Stavrou and Tony Gates. Once the internship ended, she joined the station doing various jobs such as Promotions Assistant, Programming Assistant and MD Assistant. She later bounced around to stations such as WGRD, WVAN and WWDX, but when WRIF/Detroit came calling in 2005, it was a no-brainer for Cole to take the gig. Since then she has helped mold the station’s acclaimed HD side channel, RIFF2, and she was recently promoted to APD/MD. In this month’s issue of FMQB, Cole spoke to us about the joys of working for a long-standing Rock brand like WRIF.
eQB presents excerpts from the June FMQB magazine Rock Up Close: Suzy Cole, APD/MD, WRIF/Detroit
“Detroit is a city like no other and WRIF has been rocking this place for over 38 years. The fact that WRIF has had programmers like Doug Podell and Mark Pennington to look after the station’s and listeners’ best interests for so long have absolutely everything to do with keeping the brand strong and where it should be.”
“The reason [RIFF2] has been so successful is because it has always been a passion project for everyone involved. For the last few years we have all been pounding the street, spreading the word, getting our feelers out there and then coming back and translating that on-air at RIFF2.”
“RIFF2 offers Detroit and WRIF listeners another avenue to hear and hopefully discover some great old and new music. The different library helps to align both stations with more artists, more shows, more events and more local personalities, therefore covering more of the bases of our listeners.”
“I would like to see more appropriate promotion of HD radio. It’s been tough with the economic down turn, I understand that everyone is trying to make sure that their terrestrial signals are as optimized as can be, but I completely believe that HD radio will help with strengthening the local brand as well as offering more options for the listeners.”
“I have to say that Greater Media really understands and believes in its people first and foremost because it is a privately owned company. I can honestly say that it is the best company I have worked for and I’m glad to be a part of the Greater Media family.”
“I still love taking the correct caller and giving them a prize that they go crazy for. I love taking requests and knowing that people are cranking up the station and having a good time. I love going to events and seeing the devoted listeners and fans. I love that at WRIF it feels like home. We are all part of this weird little family.”
** QB Content by Mandy Feingold **
Also in the FMQB June Magazine:
Eleven Seven Music Group & Promotion Steve Kline
Progress is where Eleven Seven is headed with its recent expansion into the Eleven Seven Music Group, which already has Eleven Seven Records under its umbrella and just announced the launch of the Alternative-leaning Five Seven Records. Eleven Seven Music Group SVP of Marketing and Promotion Steve Kline is the longest running employee under Allen Kovac’s expanding empire, which also includes management company 10th Street Entertainment where Kline pulls double duty as SVP of Marketing and Promotion. With a history that includes stints different major labels, we caught up with Kline for his take on working at an indie label and how he approaches radio in the world of ever-tightening playlists and airwave access.
