Jill Urchak

  Jill Urchak is familiar to many Chicago Radio Listeners. Her voice is heard daily, delivering traffic reports on stations throughout the Chicagoland area. She was a radio major at Columbia College Chicago, graduating with honors in 1994. She also has been a DJ at many suburban stations, including a morning co-host at a top 40 station in Bloomington, Illinois. Thanks to Jill for her participation.

1. When did you first realize that radio was going to be a viable career option for you?

I knew I wanted to "do" radio since I can remember listening to my transistor radio back in the early seventies. I listened to WLS all the time. This was the start of it all. I loved the whole music concept. I would play on the tape recorder for hours and make up Soap Opera's and commercials and knew that it was such a part of what I love to do. The show WKRP sealed the deal for me in terms of making a living off it and I went straight for it.
 
2. You came to Columbia as a transfer student. At that time, what were some of your goals?

My goal was strictly to focus, focus and focus on learning how to use the equipment and not be intimidated by it, which I was for a while. Because radio was something I wanted so badly, it never seemed like work. I wanted to soak up everything Columbia had to offer me. I transferred from a community college so I could give all my attention to my career. Thank God there's no Algebra in radio, at least not yet.

3. Who were some of your "radio idols" as you were growing up?

My idols were Patti Haze, Larry Lujack, and don't laugh, but Casey Kasem. Patti because she knew her Rock'n'Roll and her pipes were awesome, Larry because he was nuts and Casey because I was intrigued by his voice, delivery and the concept of his countdown show.
 
4. Our late Department Chair, Al Parker, was a true Columbia College institution. What was some of the wisdom that he passed along to you?

Al really made me laugh. He was so knowledgeable about radio and so casual about giving advice. He struck me as an honest individual and didn't seem to take himself too seriously. He told me that the bad hours, lack of pay and frustrations of radio would all be worth it or we wouldn't be doing it. I get that now more than I did then. He was right!
 
5. Immediately after graduation you obtained a gig On-Air. How did that come about?

I got so lucky because a girl I went to Columbia with was working for Metro Traffic doing menial things and asked me if I wanted to come in and interview. I thought to myself, I don't want to do traffic, but I'm in no position to turn anything down. I went and got the job. I started answering phones and had my boss listen to me on tape. Once you're in, you're in and I was so grateful to my friend for introducing me to anything that would get my foot in the door.
 
6. Over the years, what have been the highlights of your career in radio?

I have great memories from being on the Score doing traffic with the guys and knocking the Cubs every chance I had. Because of that, I was offered to co-host and was thrilled. I was able to meet Dennis De Young and Eddie Money. I ate Ostrich(BLAHH) at a remote because I was dared. I tried to fly in the chopper for WBBM-AM and threw up seven times, I had the pleasure of playing and having my own rock show on the old WABT. Dabbling in morning radio was a lot of fun, I just wish the people in Bloomington, Il understood my southside humor a little more.
 
7. Are you ever surprised at the number of Columbia alums working in the industry?

Yes and no. It surprises me in that there are so many talented people that came out of a school that I attended. However, it doesn't surprise me because it is an excellent school. Seeing the people who made it gives me a sense of pride and hope for me.

8. You remain very loyal to Columbia College Chicago. Not only are you participating in this interview, you have also been instrumental in one of our current student's decision to attend Columbia. As a department we thank you for the great things you have said about Columbia. Could you give an example to our students of the importance of obtaining and maintaining contacts?

I remember leaving Columbia feeling that I had connected with so many people, the right people. When I graduated I made a promise that I would help anyone I could in this business. Columbia really helped with connections and because of that I left confident that I could always turn to Columbia for help or guidance if I needed it. You have to
do your part though and want to network. I never felt alone or upon graduation that I was on my own.
 
9. What advice would you give to aspiring broadcasters?

Oh boy!!! You have to really want this career. If you aren't committed you should forget it. Don't be a butt kisser, don't sell your soul or first born, don't stab people in the back. You will work for little or no money, but the high you get makes it worth it all. Don't let people tell you to get a REAL job or think it's so easy to do radio. If you know going in that's it's difficult you have an advantage. It's like a love/hate relationship. Radio is the most fun and you should remember that when you're frustrated. Be positive, confident and HAVE FUN!!!!!! Finally, have a thick skin. You are going to love it!!!