05/04/08

DJs honored at Volunteer Banquet

Overnight Programmer of the Year : Alastair St. Hill and Jarred McLeod.

The award for Overnight Programmer of the Year goes to a programming duo. Alastair has been programming for several years with a reputation for excellent taste in music and interesting ways of announcing. Last year he added Jarred as co-host and the combination of the pairs’ wit, musical knowledge and cultural observations has kicked the show into a level where even if you don’t like the style of music you still enjoy the show. They started 2007 doing the 4-6am Pre-Dawn slot, moved to the 1-4 slot to stretch out, and recently were awarded the 11pm Monday night show. _

2007 was a banner year for talented new programmers. The year marked the debuts of these programmers:

John Palmer, Pre Dawn Altenratives Darryl Ross, DJ Cen-Flo , Satrurday Night House Parrty Arielle Stevenson, PreDawn Alternatives Thor Bendickson In the Groove Eugia Edwards , PfreDawn Alternatives Laura Taylor, Surface Noise Arth Mawr and Elder Sign, Psycho Realms Wackie Jackie, Polka Party

The winner of best New Programmer 2007 is Jack Zolnierowski, known better as Wackie Jackie, Polka Party (Sunday 2-4pm).

Wackie Jackie took over an existing program when Polka Party host Dave Magic got sick. Jackie became a one man promotion machine, putting out over the top enthusiasm through high tech, on the air and person to person promotion. He established a website where the show plays 24-7. He sends listeners frequent video emails. He put together a listener open house at the station. The show is a non-stop party with Wackie Jackie as cheerleader. In less than a year a well supported show has almost doubled in listener support.

Programmer of the Year : Franco Silva, Latino 54

His task is to present the music and culture of Latin America - too big a topic for a whole station let alone in one hour. So each week he puts together a show filled with special elements - music, guests and interviews. He reviews the events and artists coming to town. He chooses select music to illustrate one or two styles or to represent a country in the region. He orchestrates the ambitious one hour flawlessly. For those of us who are not Latinos he provides a window into rich music and culture.