Written By: Sam Comparone
Alexandra Clark has been in the radio industry for 6 years. As the current host of the Joe and Alex Show on Radio NOW (WNOW) in Indianapolis, she is passionate as ever about her job.
However, this is not surprising because Clark displayed an interest in it at a young age. “I was interning in radio (after high school) because I was obsessed with George (Lindsey) and his morning show at the time but had no intentions of pursuing it for myself.”
Alexandra’s favorite aspect of working in radio is making others feel good, chatting with listeners, and brightening their day with prizes makes it worthwhile.
When it comes to idols in the radio industry, she had a lot to say,“I could talk for hours about how talented Kellie Rasberry is from The Kidd Kraddick Show. She is the epitome of morning radio to me. I am a die-hard Kidd Kraddick fan and listen to their show every day after doing my own. Dana Loesch is my hero personally and professionally. She brings something so fresh and cool to talk radio. She’s witty, sarcastic, and funny.”
Clark also points out Julia Lepido, DeDe McGuire from K104 in Dallas, TX, and Kelly K. from WDJX, which was Clark’s first station. When discussing Kelly, Clark said, “She is a shining example of how to be a boss wife, mother, and morning show co-host.” As for men she looks up to, she pointed out Brandon Satterfield on WFLZ Tampa, FL. for his diligence and kindness.
Though rewarding, radio can also get emotional. “A dad told me today that his son who has special needs loves our show because I make him laugh, and that I’m the only person who can help take some of his anxiety away. It took everything in me not to cry when I heard that.”
Alexandra Clark is excited for the future of the radio industry, and all the exciting and innovative things to come. However, there is still one thing she would change about the industry. “I think in the last couple of years it has started to go back to but putting personality first. It seems like for a while companies were really pushing the “vanilla” thing, and then just putting those people in every single market to cut costs. I think if we keep putting a value on great and unique talent we will be getting back to a great place in radio.
“I think if you’re talented in radio, whether you’re a man or a woman, you are going to do extremely well.” When asked what the hardest part of the radio industry is, Alex says, “the hardest part for me is just being able to “turn it on” in an awkward moment. I’ve been in a heated conversation before with someone and somebody comes up and wants to talk to you. I always say yes, of course, but sometimes it can be hard when you’re having a bad day and just want to be invisible for a little bit.”
Of course, with success, come mistakes along the way. Clark emphasizes the importance of reviewing contracts and legal documents prior to signing them. “I would have gotten an attorney before I signed my first deal. Instead I waited until I wanted out of a deal to seek out an attorney.”
At the end of the day, Alexandra remains positive about her future, “I’m just really excited for any opportunity God gives me. I’m excited to see how our show does in Houston since we just added our show there. I’m excited for the new generation of radio to start making more moves, innovative decisions, and to shake things up! It’s passion like this that gets you to where you want to be. Passion for radio and its impact on people’s lives.”