As most of us are aware, the radio industry has changed dramatically throughout the years, especially in the past 5-10 years. The daily grind on radio isn’t for everyone and that is what makes the radio industry so unique and special. This week, I set out to learn about someone who had no idea that they’d create a career for themselves in radio. I wanted to speak with someone who had other dreams and aspirations prior to beginning in the radio industry. But the moment they stepped into a studio, their life and career were changed forever.
Roxy Romeo is one of three radio personalities on” The Rise & Grind Morning Show” on Power 99 FM Philadelphia’s Hip-Hop & R&B. She is approaching nearly 20 years on the radio and finds herself on top of the market in Philly radio. That’s impressive, considering she didn’t originally have radio on her radar when she attended college. She was planning on being a lawyer and while attending The University of Central Florida, changed her major to Communications. This stemmed from hosting an Underground Radio station as her first gig, which made her fall in love with radio.
“I moved back to Miami after I graduated from college. I applied to a job at iHeart, part-time promotions, the bottom of the barrel, and worked my way up,” says Romeo.
Throughout the early days of our journey in radio, it is key to learn from as many people as we can. Especially when it comes to working your way up, spending time with a Program Director, or a host that has been doing it for a long time, jocks always appreciate any time they’re given to perfect their on-air craft. One of the most essential ways to do so is with air checks.
“Before I got on-air for the first time, I was working part-time promotions on a Top-40 station in Miami Y100. I was trying to get on the air. And my Program Director at the time that I started was Rod Phillips. He is now the head of Country at iHeartRadio. I would cut air-check after air-check and go over with him. And I will tell you, he never put me on. But I appreciate that now, probably not back then. He gave me a lot of great advice about different things I was doing wrong, things I could do better,” says Romeo.
Not only is it important to learn from those who have more experience, but also not be afraid to seek advice or help from other formats as well. Although he never put her on-air, Phillips guided Romeo in the right direction and his advice helped her eventually land her first on-air gig.
“The next Program Director who took over was Alex Tear. He is now the Vice President of Music Programming at Sirius XM. He was the first person who gave me a shot. It was a voice-track shift on late nights. He gave me a lot of great advice as well, but I appreciate him for giving me my first show on the Top-40 station,” says Romeo.
While those two programmers helped Romeo through her early journey by helping with air checks and finding her identity on the air, Romeo credits one person for helping the most with her on-air product.
“When it came to being an on-air talent, shoutout to Doc Reno. He is in the Classic Rock format. He has been in radio for over 30 years and is a staple in Miami. Anytime I needed help, I ran to him. His door was always open. There is some advice that could be given regardless of what format it is. If they have the experience, they can help,” proclaims Romero.
Today, in addition to Power 99 (her sixth year), she also does a morning show in Raleigh, North Carolina, on 95.3 The Beat Classic hip-hop, 103.5 The Beat, 93.9 Miami, and an iHeart syndicated show. One thing she has been taught is to be her true self on the air. Be honest, speak your mind, and make it fun for yourself. Her journey in radio has led her into all kinds of endeavors, including being involved with March of Dimes and a local industry called Today is a Good Day. She has grown to love this industry and believes it is a blessing. She is nowhere near finished with her endeavors but is appreciative of everyone who has been involved with her success.
“There are three things that I believe play a factor in getting a job in radio or keeping a job in radio. 1. is who you know. So many jobs are given to individuals based on who they know. That’s why you’ve got to be willing to learn and speak with everyone. 2. what does your social media look like? I’ve been in this industry for nearly 20 years. I don’t discount anyone that comes to me for advice because you never know what you can learn,” says Romeo.
Her journey was one I could personally relate to. Although I spent my years as a Program Director for an Urban AC station, I received advice from other formats as well that helped me in radio as well. Mike Ragozino, who now works for Radio One, and Ryan Wrecker, who hosts Overnight America on 1120AM KMOX in St. Louis, were two individuals who helped me in my early days, and I credit them a lot in my journey as well. Both perspectives came from the News Talk format but still helped me find my voice on-air, as a producer, and as a programmer.
For Romeo, her journey is just beginning. She has many great things on the horizon, so be sure to follow her on social media to keep up with everything she is involved in. She’s heard in many different places, and it’s a testament to how hard she works daily on her craft.
Dedrick Hendrix is a music features writer for Barrett Media. Hendrix currently works for Federated Media in Fort Wayne, IN. His industry experience includes programming and hosting on Urban AC radio, and working in sports/talk as a sports producer/host. He has also covered music for Consequence of Sound, Glide Magazine, Billboard, and other outlets. You can follow him on X @DCHendrix, and on Instagram @officialdchendrix.
