Jason Fehon, WMMR Producer
Jason Fehon, the Producer for the WMMR Pierre Robert Show, spoke with the college internship placement company USA Intern about how he transitioned from a local student to an award-winning producer working at one of the top radio stations in the country. Fehon, a native of Montgomery County, worked as a painter and studied Video Communications at Arcadia University. A longtime fan of the WMMR Pierre Robert Show, Jason never gave up his goal of breaking into the radio industry. In 2006, at only 26 years old, he got his chance. Through his hard work and determination, he transitioned from a part time employee to a full time Producer of the very show that he listened to so often...the Pierre Robert show.
Our team caught up with Jason Fehon to learn how his internship led him to his current career:
I went to Arcadia University and I majored in video production. I was most interested in music and radio. I ran a radio show at Acadia, but it was pretty discouraging because we didn't have an audience. I used to have my friends call in just so we would have something on air. I took summer jobs as a painter, and we would always listen to Pierre Robert between 10-3.
How did you hear about the WMMR internship?
Arcadia University really stressed the importance of internships. I found out about the WMMR internship through school and decided to apply. I was turned down for the Summer Internship, but I was later accepted into the Fall program. I worked as the Promotions Intern where I stuffed envelopes for two weeks straight. I did filing, research, anything to stay at the station.
What was the turning point for you while at WMMR?
The turning point was an interview with Jon Bon Jovi. Pierre Robert was scheduled to interview him and I was asked to do some research for the interview. I went to the library and looked up every film and every article that I could find. The information that I provided to Pierre really gave me a reputation as being someone who worked hard and really put the time into projects.
I wasn't hired directly from my internship, but I tried to stay in the industry. After my internship ended, I tried to find work wherever I could. Finally, when Pierre renewed his contract he specified the need for a full time producer. My work had left an impression, so I was brought back for the position. The DJs can't do everything because there is just so much...email, blogs, podcasts, contests, customer service, etc. I was already very familiar with what needed to be done and could easily step into the job.
What is a typical day like as a full-time producer?
As the producer of the Pierre Robert show, I edit interviews, update emails, take listener requests, conduct research for interviews, review text polls, create podcasts of past interviews, monitor blogs, promote upcoming events, assist with song selections and more.
Pierre prides himself on his customer service. We send out an email to any fan that had a song request. If the listener didn't hear themselves on the radio, we will email them an MP3 of their song request, so they still feel like they are part of the show, and hopefully will tell their friends to spread the word about it.
What are the perks of working as an intern at WMMR?
It's fun. Musicians and artists come into the studio all the time. I first met Rush as an intern. I was able to have a photo with Bono. I was working the interview, so I didn't have a chance to meet him, but I was close enough to have a photo. I met Paula Abdul at an event. We also received backstage passes to Live8.
One of our former interns happened to be a huge fan of Metallica. Pierre was scheduled to do an interview with them, so he asked the intern if he had a vinyl album. Pierre took the album to the interview and had the band autograph it for the intern.
Do you have any advice for students who are trying to break into the industry?
Radio can be difficult since there is so much competition for a limited amount of jobs. Internships can help because you can get some experience, meet radio professionals and network in the industry. It's really about how hard you are willing to work and putting yourself out there. If you work hard, they'll try to find room for you.
How can students find out about the WMMR internship program?
Students interested in applying to the WMMR internship program should go online to www.wmmr.com The best time to apply is a couple of months before the start of the program. WMMR works with a lot of interns throughout the year. I would say about 70% of the WMMR team are former interns of the station.
Any final thoughts...?
Just that a degree is not a ticket to a job. Students really need to be proactive. It's the best card you can play.
__________________________________________________________________
For more information about the wmmr internships to www.Wmmr.com
For more information about local Philadelphia Internships go to www.PhillyIntern.com
