Ashley Davis

Ashley Davis is a 2006 graduate of The Radio Department. While attending Columbia, Ashley was involved with the department as a student, student worker, teacher assistant and on-air at WCRX. Currently Ashley is hosting evenings at WXTT-FM in Champaign, Illinois. The station has a great website at: http://www.extra991.com/ Ashley was kind enough to take a spare moment to contribute to this feature.

1. Being a recent graduate, what were your immediate plans upon graduation? If I recall, radio was definitely on the back burner so to speak?

Well, when I was about to graduate I was feeling some anxiety about getting into radio. I am sure that all students have these worries about what they have chosen to do for the rest of their life, but I was really just stressed out. I knew that I ultimately wanted to end up in radio, but I wanted to explore other avenues, as well as travel before I got a full-time job.

2. You had a background in radio before attending Columbia College. What were some of the skills that you had coming into the program at Columbia?

Prior to transferring to Columbia, I had already received an Associates in Mass Communications. I had worked part-time on-air for about 2 years, and had experience in most of the fundamentals of radio, such as on-air, production, and some promotions work was already under my belt.

3. What made you choose Columbia?

I chose Columbia, because it had a department completely devoted to radio. I knew that this was the field that I wanted to work in, and Columbia offered a wide variety of classes to learn more about all different areas of the business, and it didn't hurt that it was in the third market in the country. (internships)

4. Your work ethic and dedication to your craft is second to none. As a student worker you always had a friendly smile and went out of your way to participate in department activities. For students who might be reading this piece, would it be possible to give a few pointers on professionalism, specifically remaining on good terms with fellow students and staff?

The most important aspect of this business is people knowing who you are, and presenting yourself in a professional way. I knew everyone in the radio department, because I worked in Studio Time and I took the time to talk to the students and teachers. I didn't take classes from all the teachers at Columbia, but I knew all of them, and would assist in there classes or in the office as often as possible. At Columbia you are meeting the people that are the future of radio. The person sitting next to you in RBI could end up being a program director in New York someday, and if you already know them maybe it will be easier to get an interview. In all your classes your teachers will emphasize that networking is everything, and it is so true. The more you put yourself out there, and the more people you meet will help you in the long run. Getting involved in everything that you possible can makes you more visible, and people more aware of your skills.

5. While interning at Q101 you had an internship working with on-air talent. When I mention Fook, what comes to mind?

Comical. Fook was such an interesting jock to work for. Since I have worked in radio, I had interned, worked with, or sat in with a number of DJs. All were extremely talented, but working with Fook you pick up a lot of pointers on really being yourself and having fun on the radio. He works harder than many and his success shows. While working with him I did producer work doing prep for his show and interviews, and screened listener phone calls among other things. He was demanding, but fun, and I'm thankful that I was lucky enough to get such a great internship.

6. You also had a stint at the school radio station, WCRX. How did that prepare you for your current position?

While at CRX I co-hosted a morning show, and it helped me to interact with a co-host and work on my own interviewing skills. It gave me more insight in the preparation needed for a show. Also having weekly air-checks helped guide my work, and improve on my talents.

7. What instructor or class taught you the most about radio?

This is a hard question to answer, because I took so much from so many of the courses, and I feel if I don't mention all of them I would not be giving out enough credit. Talk Radio with Dave Berner was probably one of my most challenging classes. It demands research, passion, and above all extreme focus (I am still not over getting that 'B' Dave.) Sportscasting with Cheryl Raye-Stout was difficult for me because I am not the biggest sports guru, and next to all the guys it is very intimidating. But Cheryl really worked with me, and appreciated that I put the effort into the class that was needed to really excel. Producer with Diana Bodkins showed me how to really search for the good stories, prepare them for the air, and then execute them properly. Voice and Articulation with Ric Segovia and Voiceover with Marssie Mencotti helped me to over come my fears, and really put myself out there and sound fabulous when doing so. Imaging with Russ Mitera was great, because you could have a lot of fun with the promos, sweepers, liners, and so forth. He not only encouraged creativity, but he demonstrated the skills to help to make it even more spectacular. And lastly, Rock & Soul with Terri Hemmert, every week I sat in awe at the knowledge of music this women has. She challenged everyone to open up to all different genres, and be inspired by the music itself. So I had a lot of favorites, but I pulled from all of these classes, as well as the many other classes I had at Columbia, to make myself more eclectic, and I took so much from each one that I had to mention it.

8. Do you have any words of wisdom for students entering this field?

Don't blow anything off. Put all your effort into everything that you do, and ask as many questions as you possibly can. I think the one thing that I was never afraid of doing was asking a question, if you want to know find out. Make yourself available for everything. All opportunities will make you more experienced, and look really good on your resume. If you are serious about radio you have to work to pay your dues, and work your way up.