For Gabby Diaz, getting an on-air gig in her hometown is a dream come true, especially when your hometown is Los Angeles. Díaz is currently the Midday Host on the legendary 102.7 KIIS FM in LA and also hosts afternoons on WILD 94.9 in San Francisco.
It’s not too shabby for a girl from SoCal working to live the dream. It doesn’t suck that her first real “radio job” was in 2010 at Power 106 in LA, doing street team and promotions.
In 2013, she landed Power overnights on weekends while acting as Promotions Coordinator. In between, she was doing part-time on-air in both Palm Springs and San Diego. Finally, in 2015, she got her first full-time gig with iHeart in San Francisco, doing nights on Wild 94.9. In 2018, she was moved up to afternoons. Then, in October of 2021, she moved back to Los Angeles for personal reasons and was officially named Middays on KIIS FM.
Diaz says the industry has changed “a lot!” since she started. “I think working for a company like iHeart, you see what the possibilities are,” she says. “But then throw in something like a pandemic, and it changed EVERYTHING. I mean, just doing a show from home was not even a thought at one point.”
“I originally got into radio because of my love for music. I’ve always been into music since I was in High School. But I definitely want to have an impact on people, especially on women. Just to prove you can do it no matter what size you are. I’ve always been on the plus side and want to show that your talents will take you far no matter what you look like.”
“For me, it’s about being authentic and fun! I’m always me. If that’s me stumbling over my words, you’re going to hear that ’cause that’s me!”
As for what excites Diaz most about the business, it comes down to basics. “I think just interviewing some of the artists I have—nothing but A-listers. I never thought that would ever happen. But also being on that stage at LA’s “Jingle Ball.” LA is home for me. I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to make it back at any point. Here I am, and I’m so glad I did.”
“Look, it’s not always as easy or glamorous as it sounds. I think being in the industry is a challenge. But for me, handling any challenge starts with taking a step back and taking a deep breath. In any challenge, your mind should be clear.”
“And authenticity is key!” insists Diaz. “It’s the one thing the industry is missing right now. With so much content flooding our feeds, listeners are craving real, raw, relatable voices. To guarantee continued growth and success, it’s all about staying connected to the audience and embracing diversity. The future is all about engagement. If we keep it fresh, creative, and genuine, we’ll stay ahead of the curve.”
If radio hadn’t panned out for Diaz, she says, “I’d probably be working in some sort of events business. Before knowing I wanted to be on air, I was doing promotions and really enjoyed event planning. I also went to cosmetology school but didn’t finish, cause well radio. LOL!”
Follow Gabby Diaz on all socials @thegabbydiaz.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
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.
