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Marianne Sierk is co-host of Afternoons with Kirk and Marianne on 98 Rock in Baltimore. The show airs weekdays from 2p to 7p. She’s been in the role for about seven years. “Kirk and I talk about everyday topics that are funny, weird (We call them WTF topics), or personal stories that can have ‘legs’ to get phones ringing,” she explains. “I used to do standup comedy on the side, but now I just focus on the show and being a wife and mom. I’m also obsessed with creating a cool courtyard/garden for my 8-year-old daughter’s school. No pay but soooo much fun for me.”
After graduating from Syracuse University with a Theatre degree in 1998, Sierk started doing standup in NYC in 1999. In 2005, Sierk moved to Los Angeles to continue to pursue TV, commercials, and standup. In 2013, she moved back to her hometown of Rochester, NY, to co-host morning radio with Brother Wease on 95.1. Sierk moved to Baltimore in 2018 for position she now holds.
“We play about 4-6 songs an hour on our show and make sure to front and back sell new music,” explains Sierk. “Each talking segment in between songs is about seven minutes long. Kirk and I individually prep in the mornings on a shared Google doc so we don’t bump into each other regarding topics. We can see what the other person has chosen for daily stories and try to complement the day with our own. We each take turns running the board every other week, and I also run our IG page and monitor all the socials.”
“I was originally hired for my standup comedy background, so my role is to add levity to whatever stories we find,” says Sierk. “I’m definitely more the voice of reason to Kirk. He’s a Baltimore radio staple – people know him from his years in town and often reference bars he used to go to. I definitely fill the ‘mom’ role bc that’s where I’m at in life! I love thrifting, gardening, and shopping at Target. I am a basic B. ha-ha!”
“BUT…98 Rock, in general, is known in the community. It’s been around for over 40 years, so people are familiar and know that if you have it on in the car, you may want to make sure the kids aren’t listening,” explains Sierk. “I’m not a huge sports or Classic rock fan. My background is comedy, so my role really is to keep things moving and funny and make sure we don’t cross the line. Of course, I’m familiar with Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones – they’re just not the format I listen to privately. We’re the flagship station for the Ravens and the Orioles, too, so I’ve learned a lot about sports in the seven years I’ve been in Baltimore. There are other personalities that focus more on the music, but my role is focusing on talk/stories/fun.”
“Speaking of the Orioles, one of the most exciting things I’ve experienced since being here is meeting Joan Jett,” says Sierk. “She’s a big fan of the team, so we talk to her every Tuesday about them, and as a result, we’ve been able to go to her shows and hang. Amazing experience.”
“I’m also on a beer can!” exclaims Sierk. “Our station had a collaboration with a local brewery, so all the personalities are featured on a can of the ‘Thirst Down’ beer. It’s something I did not have on my Bingo card, but it’s so much fun. And to see a couple that connected because of our show’s ‘Hookup’ event get married and start a family is also a real trip!”
“I also get a real taste of fulfillment and a sense of belonging working with Kirk and 98 Rock,” says Sierk. “We do a bunch of charity events through the station that help the community. We ‘Stuff the Bus’ every year with school supplies and raise money for the WBAL Kids Campaign around the holidays. We also feature a local band every month and play their original songs on the air each week – it’s been really cool to meet new local musicians. We get invited to shows for new bands all the time, and I love seeing a band that we’ve featured take off into the mainstream.”
“One of my personal favorite artists in the format right now is Jelly Roll. He’s the best,” says Sierk. ‘It’s been fun to see him come into his own and get all these awesome collabs. He’s the new ‘Good Guy’ of Rock now that Dave Grohl has…..well…. had troubles…. That leads me to feel confident that there is enough up-and-coming music to keep the format vibrant.”
“As for being a mom with a young daughter in a predominately male format, it’s a tough balance,” says Sierk. “Both radio stations I’ve worked for are focused on men as our audience, so I’m used to looking at stories with the ‘will this appeal to our audience’ filter. My Program Director has had to remind me to stick to topics that appeal to the dudes, and I’ve gotten better at it through the years. I personally love the Real Housewives franchise and would talk about them every day if it were up to me, but sadly, I resist. I also monitor how much I mention my daughter because I know men will tune out if they sense this is a ‘Mom’ show. I only mention her if I have a super funny or relevant story to tell.”
“For women who want to work in the Rock format, having experience on the mic is the best thing you can do for yourself. There are so many opportunities to self-record these days. I’d recommend someone start their own podcast and just get used to talking into a mic. Look at prep services and stories every day, and be sure you’re educated with the latest news. My last bit of advice for women is to go to stations and volunteer to intern or produce. If you’re meant to be on air – it will be apparent. Also, I don’t think you have to be a music aficionado to be on a rock station – Lord knows I’m not! Just be yourself but understand your ‘format’ boundaries and priorities.”
Follow Marianne Sierk on IG – and Facebook.
Charese Fruge’ is an award-winning Content, Broadcast, and Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego, and Las Vegas. As the owner of MC Media, she works with radio brands and individual talent, especially young women, helping them grow their brands and negotiate on their own behalf. She is also a Voice Actor and Voice Over Talent as well as a Freelance Writer for International Broadcast Outlets. Find her at @MCMediaOnline or www.mcmediaonline.com.
