There’s something to be said about hearing that familiar voice and personality on your hometown or favorite radio station. It gives you the feeling of nostalgia and familiarity.
That’s how I feel when I hear Steve Stone on a radio station. Even though I know his voice because he was on Alternative Rock, X107.5 in Las Vegas when I programmed it, I still get those feelings when I hear him on Sports Radio, News Talk, or any other format. He covers a wide range of formats in his station repertoire.
Stone is an Emmy Award-winning talent and audio producer. He’s heard daily on radio and TV stations all over North America, and he also produces his own audio branding fx libraries, AUDITORY FX.
Some of his more notable stations include 102.9 The Buzz in Nashville, KQRS in Minneapolis, WXRT in Chicago, 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, Z103.5 in Toronto, Altitude Sports Radio in Denver, CBS News in Miami, WCVB TV in Boston, and CNN.
Stone started in radio at 19 in Northern California and spent 13 years working all over the US in cities in Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New York. During his last three years in New York, he was creative director at 92.3 K-Rock. He left day-to-day radio in 2003 and started his own voiceover and production business, and has been full-time freelance ever since.
What separates Stone from the rest? “I feel like my experience and unique perspective allow me to convey emotional authenticity in some very specific formats.
“With Rock, I feel I can convey the various flavors. I voice AAA stations that are very relaxed and real, and all the way to Active Rock stations that are your party friend who is LOUD! Plus, with CHR, I amp up my youthful sound, just smile and keep the energy up. I have a lot of fun with all the different music formats. With talk formats, I feel like the voice of the fan when doing sports and the voice of a trusted confidant with news.”
“There are so many voice talents available that it’s a privilege when someone chooses me. I feel the biggest advantage I bring to my clients is service. I pride myself on quick turnaround and attention to detail. They know they can count on me!”
What’s missing from the industry right now?
“A robust talent development system,” says Stone. “There used to be levels of ‘working your way up’ in the business. Now? Because of the constant downsizing, it’s caused a huge void, and I’m not sure how we fix it.”
“While many new talent have broken in via social media, that has been a very different training ground and experience. I believe as an industry, broadcasting is still missing a focus on talent development both behind the mic and behind the scenes.”
“Cost-cutting has affected every part of radio and its services. I believe in radio imaging and its importance, and I feel that there is a future if we continue to create work that connects with the audience.”
“While radio itself has changed, the need for quality audio branding has only increased with podcasting and social media expansion. While the future of broadcast is uncertain, media communication will continue to increase in importance. It’s just the delivery system that changes.”
Stone’s advice to new talent who want to be as successful as he is: “I’ve been very fortunate. I learned early on to be a sponge,” he says.
“Learn everything you can about the business you want to be in. Everyone you meet has something from which you can learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, be curious. Reach out to people you admire and ask for advice. Remembering that while you may not always be greeted with open arms, you should always be kind and grateful, even to those who aren’t kind to you.”
“Work on your craft and skills every chance you get. Make peace with the fact that you may not be everyone’s choice, but that all you need is for one person to believe in you to start a career, to sustain it.”
“You need to convert those people into fans. Being dependable and easy to work with makes having fans the most valuable advertising you could ever have. As a freelancer, I am hired and fired every day.”
“Picking a talent to work with is an incredibly subjective process. Never take things personally. You will be remembered just as much for how you handle the goodbye as you do the hello.”
Follow Steve Stone on Instagram @stonevoiceovers and LinkedIn: Steve Stone.
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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.
