Answers to Radio’s Most Asked Questions
They each bring something unique to the table, and together, they are more like a family than just coworkers.
Hi everyone! Lily the intern here back with more inter(N)esting insights!
I am so excited to say that this is my fourth blog post, which means that I have been interning on The Andie Summers Show for about a month now! Over the past few weeks, I’ve learned a ton and picked up some fun behind-the-scenes knowledge that I want to share with you.
To do that, I decided to answer some questions that I had always wondered about radio before I got started. If I was wondering these things, maybe you are too! Let's dive in and give you the inside scoop!
1. What will I do as an intern on The Andie Summers Show?
I truly had no idea what to expect when I started. I had never worked in radio before, but in just a month, I have already been so lucky to do so many exciting things!
- I have been on air twice (SO FUN!)
- I have written blog posts (Like this one!)
- I have helped to create questions for our morning game, Minute to Win It (Tune in and listen, it’s so exciting!)
- I have assisted in some behind-the-scenes computer work (So interesting and cool to see!)
One of my favorite things of all has simply been being in the studio! Watching everyone in action, seeing how the show comes together, and seeing all of the talent that this group has has been so eye-opening to me. This whole team is so talented, hardworking, and SO much fun to be around. I have learned more than I ever expected just observing them in action!
2. If I do go on air, what will that be like?
I love to talk, so I was excited for the opportunity to be on air.. But somehow it still made me nervous! The first time I went on air, Andie asked during a commercial break if I wanted to jump in and share my thoughts on the new Conjuring movie - of course, I said YES!
As soon as I put the headphones on, saw myself in the camera, and looked at the microphone in front of me… my heart started to pound, and it hit me that I was really about to be on air!
Spoiler alert, it was awesome.
Andie, Jeff, Donnie, and Shannon are the easiest people to talk to. I immediately felt so comfortable talking because it felt like I was just chatting with these people whom I have grown to adore throughout this past month, and the fear completely left me as I started to talk! After being on air, I felt this huge sigh of relief pass through me, but I immediately wanted to do it again!
Note to self, being on air is so fun!
3. What is the technology like in a radio station?
Walking into the studio for the first time, it felt a little overwhelming- there's a lot of tech everywhere! The good news is, once it’s explained, it all makes a lot of sense!
Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes peek into the technology:
The studio is centered around a big oval table with microphones, monitors, and cameras. Each mic is on an adjustable arm and has a red light that turns on when it’s live. Above the mics are cameras that can capture video for social clips. In the middle of the table is a big control panel that looks like something a DJ would use. It’s called the board and has sliders or "pots" on it to adjust sound (short for potentiometer).
At first glance, it can seem intimidating, but after being explained, it all starts to click! Trust me, there is so much more to learn, and I will keep you updated so you can learn alongside me!
4. What will be the most challenging part of the internship?
The hardest part for me was figuring out the rhythm of the studio. Knowing the right times to talk, when to let the team work, and how to read the room took a little bit of getting used to. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so at first, I was worried about getting in the way or asking questions at the wrong time. I am very lucky to be working with such a great group of people, so they made me feel so welcomed from the very start, which really helped me to learn quickly. Over time, I learned some little cues that I think are important to share:
- There is an “On Air” sign outside the studio, and it glows when they are recording inside
- As I mentioned before, there are red lights on the mics that light up when they are about to go live or record
- Overall, just learning the flow of the morning show through spending time in the studio significantly helped in making me learn the cues of what is about to happen!
5. What are Andie, Jeff, Donnie, and Shannon really like?
I know what you are all wondering: Are they really so fun and bubbly off air as they are on air?
Drum roll, please….
YES - and even better!
I mean it when I say this team is very special. From day one, they made me feel like I was part of the crew. They each bring something unique to the table, and together, they are more like a family than just coworkers. Jeff once told me that he has so much fun at work that it doesn’t even feel like he is working- this is so clear to see through their playful banter and many laughs, it is SO fun being here.
One thing that is so amazing to see is the way that they always have each other's backs, on and off the air. They support each other and help each other in any way they can, and they genuinely enjoy being around each other; their chemistry is amazing. You can hear it on air, but I have to say, watching it behind the scenes is even better. I can’t speak any higher of this group of people; they have taught me so much, and they are some of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever worked with, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from them!
Thank you so much for reading this week's inter(N)esting insights! I hope you learned a little more about the world of radio today, and I can't wait to keep you updated as I learn along the way!
-Lily the Intern
