Amy Grey hosts the Morning Show on Radio 104.1 Alternative, WMRQ in Hartford. She is also the Assistant Program Director for all 28 Full Power Radio stations in Connecticut.
“Radio is what I know,” says Grey. “I’ve been in the business for 34 years and the past 14 with Full Power Radio.” Full Power broadcasts in various formats in Hartford, Providence, Springfield, and New London.
She wears a lot of hats because in radio today, you have to. Besides mornings on WMRQ, she’s also on air in afternoons on US Country 99.5, Kool Radio, and Soft Rock 106.5 WBMW. She also handles middays on Alt 92.1 in Reno, NV, thanks to a network of people she’s worked with throughout her career. It’s a lot to balance.
“After my morning show, I switch gears to APD,” says Grey. “I program music for WMRQ, and write imaging, handle promotions for all stations, and develop features and proposals. I oversee and coach our jocks, update websites, manage social media, plan listener parties from the ground up, and I host them too.”
“Oh, and sales! I have several clients as well. Being in the industry, knowing the brand, and believing in it, I can sell it. I am also a voice-over artist. I’ve been on projects/commercials like Bic Pens, Lego, Shari’s Berries, CT Lottery, Pratt & Whitney, The Big E, and more.”
Although I find it hard to believe she has any, in her spare time, Grey spends her time with her kids, Pierce, Tyler, Sierra, her partner Chris, and her beloved dog Caesar Charlie, whom she sadly lost over the weekend. “I also love doing work to help with the rescue of animals in shelters across the state,” she adds.
“Radio 104.1 IS community,” insists Grey. As far as their priorities, “We’re the voice that actually GETS Connecticut. Cookie-cutter, old-time radio does not exist! The listener is way smarter than that and wants a connection when they tune in.”
“It’s about knowing what’s going on in Connecticut, what our listeners are going through, and being a part of the conversation. Being authentic. From cost of living, local stories, big events, concerts, or just making them laugh during a brutal commute.”
Those priorities have not changed since PPM switched to its 3-minute rule. “We’re finally getting credit for real listening that used to be ignored,” she says. “For me, we’re keeping programming strong and tight, with clean transitions and familiar songs right out of the gate. It’s about focusing on the brand and staying true to the integrity of the station and our listener community. Regardless – it’s about being intentional without losing who we are.”
When it comes to AI, “It’s a great tool,” says Grey. “I love it for some backend things or quick tasks. But when it comes to programming…you can’t teach a robot who our listeners are, our market, or my gut instinct. It can assist, but it can’t replace the human who lives and breathes the brand. That’s very much me. Radio is personal, especially in Alternative Music.”
“The future of this format can be everything,” she says. “That’s what Alternative Music is! Constantly evolving. It’s ever changing. With apps and platforms, people are hearing new music every 12 minutes. We have to be on to that – it’s exciting, BUT we also have to stay true to our brand. We can’t just jump on every trend. It’s a balance. Offer fresh new music and make sure we’re in tune with our audience – and what they expect.”
Grey’s personal playlist is just that, she says. “Personal. Like, my mood is always changing. One day I’m Shinedown, Badflower, Cage the Elephant, Sleep Token, Dexter and the Moonrocks… next day I’m Sierra Spirit, The 1975, Noah Kahan and Royel Otis. Whatever I’m going through, like you, my music is my background.”
As for what’s missing in the industry right now, Grey says it’s “RISK!”
“Raw, real, unpredictable. Radio can be that. It should be that. Say the thing and take the risk. At this point, nothing shocks people anymore. What surprises them is honesty. Listeners aren’t tuning in for wallpaper. They want a voice with guts, someone who sounds like a human. That’s where I live.”
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come over the years. But I’m not even close to being done,” says Grey. “From grinding overnights, having to pack up and leave the state just to get a job, only to come back and build. My younger self would be damn proud.
“So, because of her. I have to keep going and keep my eyes out for what’s next. I can’t sit still. My parents, whom I lost both recently, nine days apart, made me who I am today. I owe it to them. And the future of radio is in the hands of people who are ready to evolve. And I’m willing to do just that!”
Follow Amy Grey on Instagram: @amygreyofficial, TikTok: amygreyontheradio, and LinkedIn: amygrey
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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.
