Binky Lee works four shows, on three formats, in two cities. Each week, she hosts afternoons on Q94 in Richmond and Z104 in Norfolk. In addition, she anchors middays on Mix 98.1 in Richmond and 101.3 2WD in Hampton/Norfolk. Still, the Audacy personality says she has never felt more settled in her radio career.
I met Lee a few years ago and was immediately impressed with not only her work ethic but also how much she feels like her true self both on-air and on social media. She is someone who values hustle, authenticity, and after being in the industry for almost 20 years, stability too.
Small-Market Roots Built a Hands-On Hustle
Lee’s career began in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where she interned for Clear Channel in 2006. She went on to spend 14 years with iHeartMedia across Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Milwaukee. Looking back, she credits that small-market start for her skills.
“I’m so thankful that my journey started in little ol’ Grand Forks, North Dakota,” Lee said. Small stations had small staffs. As a result, she learned to handle everything herself.
That training paid off quickly in Milwaukee. When NexGen acted up, one coworker immediately went looking for an engineer. Meanwhile, Lee solved the problem in a few seconds.
The benefits continue today. For example, Audacy’s production hub often praises her endorsement spots because they arrive edited and ready for air. “Knowing more than how to just crack a mic and hit a post will always work out in your favor,” she said.
A Family Connection and an MTV Dream
Radio runs in Lee’s family. Relatives in the business gave her early chances, such as recording spots when stations needed a kid’s voice. In fact, she recorded her first commercial at age six. She also helped behind the scenes at local events.
Her first dream job, however, was not radio. “Like the true millennial I am, I always dreamed of one day being an MTV VJ,” she said. Radio seemed like the closest thing. So she earned a Communications Degree at the University of North Dakota, interned at Clear Channel, and stayed. Then she worked her way up.
Progress for Women in Radio, With Room to Grow
Lee has watched the industry change since she started nearly 20 years ago. Overall, she loves seeing stations embrace women in all dayparts. She remembers when a woman in PM drive or nights was rare. Likewise, multiple women on the same station was a rare sight.
That bias never made sense to her, especially at stations that target women. She also points to an old programming belief. Some thought scheduling more than two female songs back-to-back would send listeners away. “Like who came up with that?” she asked.
Programming offices need more women too, she said. She once argued with a former PD who claimed her listeners did not care about the Met Gala. Her answer was direct. “I AM IN THE DEMO!” she told him.
Ultimately, Lee sees real progress. “The influence of women in the radio industry has come a long way, but there is definitely still room to grow,” she said.
Four Shows, Three Formats, Two Cities
Juggling multiple stations takes flexibility. Regardless of format, Lee keeps one rule constant: stay authentic. Her adult contemporary persona runs “a little more buttoned up and mature.” On Z104, however, she jokes more freely.
Geography matters too. Lee lives in Richmond, but Norfolk sits about two hours away on a good traffic day. Because of that, she spends time in the market, learns the culture, and meets listeners. Her biggest focus is staying hyper-local in both cities.
Honoring Kat Simons at Mix 98.1
Her Mix 98.1 role carries special weight. Lee joined the lineup after the death of Kat Simons, who hosted at the station for more than 25 years. Audacy approached Lee about the role, and she felt surprised and honored.
“At first it felt like a lot of pressure and big shoes to fill,” she said. However, the feeling changed. “Once I got into the swing of things, it really just felt right.”
Lee worked alongside Simons and calls her “truly one of the sweetest human beings to ever walk this Earth.” Today, Lee’s goal is simple. Every day, she tries to keep a smile on listeners’ faces, just as Kat did.
The Long Road to Virginia
Lee’s path included a few detours. She always planned to move to a larger market. Even so, she admits that applying for jobs sometimes felt like throwing darts at a map.
Milwaukee offered a big opportunity and what she calls “a huge leap of faith.” It also became a huge lesson learned, though she saved that story for another day. Afterward, she returned to North Dakota for a reset and worked part time at iHeart while she searched for her next full-time job.
Then COVID hit, and hiring slowed to a standstill. Once stations hired again, Lee was ready to go anywhere. That place turned out to be Audacy Virginia. This January, she will mark five years with the company.
Advice for the Next Generation
Lee’s advice for young women starts with networking. Follow personalities you admire on social media. Likewise, e-mail PDs for feedback, attend conferences, and join radio Facebook groups. “Most of us have been in your shoes at some point in our career and would be happy to help in any way we can,” she said.
She also urges patience. Social media makes it easy to compare timelines. However, Lee says every career unfolds differently. “Believe in your talent, and know that what’s meant for you WILL happen,” she said.
Her own story proves the point. “It took me almost 15 years to land at Audacy Virginia, and I finally feel like I’m truly thriving in my radio career,” she said. “Not everyone’s success happens overnight.”
What Comes Next
For years, Lee dreamed of working in a major market. Now her thinking has shifted. “I like feeling stable and not jumping from market to market trying to get ahead,” she said.
Of course, she would consider an offer from New York or Los Angeles. Even so, she can picture her career continuing in Virginia. She credits Audacy leaders Bennett Zier, Don London, and Mike Danger for believing in her and helping her grow.
Her ultimate dream is a national or syndicated “Binky Show.” Best of all, she would produce it from Virginia.
Why Personalities Still Matter
Lee also sees a bright future for on-air talent. Streaming options keep multiplying. Yet she believes listeners still turn to radio for personalities. “We should not take that lightly,” she said.
Radio hosts have an advantage, she added, because they reach audiences on-air and on social media. “We truly were the OG influencers,” she said. In a crowded field, her message is clear. “We have to continue to show up and show out.”
From Grand Forks to Richmond, Lee has proven that patience, hands-on skills, and authenticity pay off. Her next move may be a bigger stage. For now, she is thriving right where she is.
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