WHO?
Lisa McKay runs the programming departments at radio stations in Raleigh, N.C.
There is a prevailing myth that a liberal arts degree won’t confer the job skills that will launch a career. Maybe I am unusually lucky, but between my bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and communications studies and four years working at the college radio station, WUVA, I found my vocation. I’ve spent the last three decades making a pretty good living doing what I love—successfully running the programming departments at radio stations.
McKay in the studio during the 1980s.
It all started in the stairwell of Balz. I was 18 years old and it was my third day at the University. On the bulletin board there was a flyer for the college radio station WUVA looking for staff. I found my way to LeFever clutching my plaid monogrammed purse and a map, looking very much like the first-year student I was.
I started out in the news department. I loved being able to ask any question I wanted and get an answer on cassette tape then feed the packaged interview back to the station on the closest pay phone we could find.
I stayed in Charlottesville for the summer between my first and second years because I’d fallen in love. That summer, WUVA needed DJs, so I gave it a try. Thankfully that aircheck has disintegrated—much like my college relationship—but I remember my first break like it was yesterday, “93 WUVA, this is Rock ’n’ Roll letting the good times roll with the Cars.”
McKay (right) with Alice Cooper.
After four years of college radio, I had no trouble finding a low-paying job in the biz—my first paycheck was $26 dollars. I wanted to frame it, but I wanted to eat more so I cashed it. I worked in Orange and Staunton, Va., and then decided if I was going to be poor, it would be more fun at the beach, so I got a job in Nag’s Head, N.C., where not only did I do nights at Surf 106, I also served dollar breakfasts at the Holiday Inn.
McKay when she worked for WRVQ in Richmond.
About six months in, Jim Payne from WRVQ in Richmond, Va., called me while I was on the air and hired me over the phone. I started at WRVQ in 1989 at $18,000 a year plus appearances. This seemed like a fortune to me, and I was able to shop in all the aisles of the grocery store instead of just in the little bin of produce that they were selling cheap because some of it was rotten.
After 12 years at WRVQ, I had worked my way up to afternoons and program director when Clear Channel cleaned house and I was fired. That was very painful.
But you learn everything happens for a reason, and in no time I was making more money and living in Raleigh, N.C., running 94.7 QDR. Although I had never programmed a country station, I really enjoyed sitting in my car on the way into work just to find out how the songs—which are mini stories—would end.
McKay interviews Kenny Chesney.
During the past nine years, I’ve worked my way up to station manager. I’ve also added “salesperson” to my résumé and have billed more than a million dollars for my company, Curtis Media Group. QDR has won Large Market Country Station of the Year as well as other awards, and we are the top biller in North Carolina. In a couple of weeks, I am going to launch another station in Raleigh, and I owe all my success to a flyer on the bulletin board at U.Va.
Comments
I am proud to say that I worked with Lisa for those 12 years at WRVQ, mostly as General Manager and a fellow department head. Lisa always wore her UVa ring and I loved that. Her intelligence and tenacity are what have driven her and she is truly a success in every way. I am also proud to say that both of my children are Wahoos. My daughter Mayme Donohue graduated in 2007, and my son Ben Donohue is a current First Year. Thank you Lisa for everything you’ve contributed to my life. You are the best.
I second that! Lisa is truly the best!
I feel lucky that I am doing something I love now as well working in politics managing a state legislative campaign. We both got a great start at UVA. I’m wearing my ring now as I type. Go Lisa!
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