By: Miss Perry

“Radio is a great industry and despite the popularity of streaming and podcasts, there’s still a huge audience to be had.”

Maria Leaf is a multitalented, vibrant afternoon News Editor/Anchor for WMAL-FM in Washington, DC. She’s not only an awesome woman in radio but she is an audiobook narrator. Maria Leaf describes her start in radio over two decades ago. “I got started in the fall of 1996 at WRVO-FM on the campus of Oswego State University where I was a broadcast major. I use my real name on the air (Maria Leaf). Back then, it was just the easiest thing to do...with the advent of social media, I kind of wished I used an alias, but since I’m in SAG-AFTRA I figured it’s better to keep it as it is. The NPR affiliate had an opening for a newsroom reporter as part of a work-study program, so I learned the ins and outs of radio news there before spending time in TV and Radio newsrooms across upstate NY, Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC.”

Maria Leaf spoke briefly on how important it is for your brand to be non-biased and accurate in an industry where opinion has seeped its way into news reports more and more.  She further states, “I am from the ‘old school’ way, where you never share your personal views or make stories about you... because that does nothing for the listener.  They are there to hear the facts and formulate their own views on a topic.”

We concluded our interview by Maria Leaf giving her ultimate tips on how to balance life and radio. “Don’t be a total workaholic. News-Talk radio is a very male-dominated business. However, females who are solid journalists and on-air performers will rise to the top on their own. Success is important, but so is having a work-life balance. Don’t be afraid to move markets, Don’t expect to get rich...expect to make enough to live relatively comfortably. Always update your aircheck. Radio is a fickle business and you can be here one day and gone the next, but if you’re talented, there will always be a spot for you somewhere. Also, learn as much as you can and take on as many different roles as possible. People who wear multiple hats are less likely to get fired. At the same time.. Make time for yourself so you don’t get burned out.”