10 Questions with ... Julie Dunn

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I went to SUNY Brockport to study broadcast communications, in hopes of pursuing a career in movie production. I ended up getting sucked into the college radio station, and got "bit by the bug." TV and movies went out the window, and I dove headfirst into radio. I got my first gig at Clear Channel as a programming intern in 2005, and that internship blossomed into a career in radio. I was first hired full-time to co-host the morning show on our then-AAA, 100.5 the Drive. Throughout the years, I've done programming, production, promotions, traffic, you name it! I'm still at iHeartMedia almost 20 years later, programming 7 stations across our region, and serving as an on-air personality on two of those stations.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

Amazing! I know so many people start out in promotions, to get the "foot in the door," and serve their time. I was lucky enough to intern in the programming department, with an awesome PD and MD. They showed me the ropes and gave me the opportunity to make a name for myself in the industry.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

My college radio station! The broadcast communications department at SUNY Brockport is known in our area for producing many successful careers in radio, TV, journalism and more. I joined the radio station, WBSU 89.1 the Point, and the rest is history. The resources they have at that school, including the GM, Warren "Koz" Kozireski, can really set up a student to achieve great things in the field, if taken advantage of.

3. You're PD over three of iHeart's "Upstate" AC stations, WYYY (Y94)/Syracuse, WMXW (Mix 103.3)/Binghamton and WVOR (Sunny 102.3)/Rochester. How do you keep all the plates spinning?

Fake it til you make it, right?? Just kidding – I've had a lot of experience in a lot of different areas of the business, which certainly helps. I'm a Type A, and therefore very organized. I wouldn't survive a day of work without my planner – lists are crucial to my success!!

4. You still get to be on the r-a-d-i-o. Are you happy to be able to continue to do an air shift(s)?

Absolutely! It's what I got into the business for in the first place (like so many others!)…and I feel fortunate that throughout all the years and different hats I've had placed on my head, I still have the opportunity to connect with the community on this more personal level.

5. But wait – there's more: there are also 4 Country stations on your current programming portfolio. What is that part of your world like?

It's actually one of the BEST parts about my job! I great up on Country music – it's all I listened to until I hit high school. It took me many years to land a country station, and now I have four! Country is my true comfort zone, so it's wonderful that so much of my job revolves around the format – and I know my Johnny Cash-loving dad is proud!

6. Christmas music is such a big part of the format. What's like knowing that your brand is getting exposed to new potential listeners for a good six or so weeks?

It's such a great opportunity every year for AC stations to grab brand new listeners and help grow our CUME. Of course then you need to get those people to stick around into the New Year and beyond – but as a radio programmer, that's a good challenge to have!

7. What's the road like for a "current" to make its way on to an AC station in 2023?

Hey, it's tough out there as a current in the AC world! When it comes down to it, research, research and more research. AC is known as a comfortable format – we don't take a lot of risks when it comes to new music. The music needs to be familiar to the audience and test well, so we're very meticulous about what current music makes its way into our rotations!

8. People keep trying to write our medium off. What would you say to the naysayers and doom and gloomers?

How many times have YOU heard the phrase "radio is a dying industry?" I've heard it about a million times over my 20 year career. And guess what? We're still here. As long as humans exist, there will be a need for local radio! You can sign up for all the streaming services you want, but nothing provides a personal connection the way we do in radio. The on-air hosts are your friends. The events we're involved with are ones you care about in your community. We provide companionship. Anybody can be a jukebox, of course. But only radio can connect with a listener on this deep and meaningful level.

9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?

I grew up in Buffalo, and I listened to the local Country station, naturally. I actually had a very brief internship there when I was in college, one summer when I was home from school. That was really cool!

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

I already called him out once, but he's worth mentioning again. I firmly believe I wouldn't have the career that I do if it weren't for Warren Kozireski, the GM at my college station. He taught me so much about the business, and helped me land that first internship. I've had many great mentors in my career since then, but I'd say the biggest influence was right there with me from the start. Thanks Koz!

What has been your favorite backstage moment? Your favorite on-air interview?

Oh man. Meeting Brooks & Dunn was certainly right up there. I don't get starstruck often, but I was very jittery for that M&G! I also really enjoyed meeting Thomas Rhett – I brought my SIL along (who has a mild obsession), and surprised her with the backstage passes once we were at the show. She was SO floored, and then we met him and he was super down to earth and nice. It's always great to meet your favorite artists and find they're just as awesome as you'd hope them to be! And one of the best interviews…I've talked to him so many times, not just one instance, but Matt Nathanson is the coolest dude.