Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Griffiths.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I believe it was 2003 when I had decided that art school for a graphic design degree wasn’t for me. I had wanted to do something artistic and thought that was a great option. So, after a year, I left school to figure out where I was supposed to be in my life. Having to still pay bills that left me to find another job in the meantime. Looking through Craigslist, I answered an ad for an office assistant/courier. I replied and was given the interview. I “map quested” the location and arrived at Clear Channel Communications. Still didn’t really know where I was and was in shock when I walked in to find that this was the mega radio hub of San Diego! I interviewed and got the job! Stayed in that position for about a year then moved to the receptionist position. Learned a ton about radio during the first few years meeting lots of people along the way. At this time, I didn’t think that radio would be my thing, but maybe something else in the building for the long term.
In 2005 (ish), something awesome happened that would change my course. The Jeff and Jer Showgram moved over to be on Star 94.1 and into the building that I was in. I am a multi-generational San Diegan, born and raised, and so, of course, I grew up with Jeff and Jer on in my carpool on the way to school every day. Within the first few weeks of them being there, I got a call at the front desk from their all-star producer Little Tommy. I answered and Little Tommy said, “Hey, can you put me through to HR, we want to post a job?” I then asked “What’s the job?” and Tommy said “We want an assistant for the Showgram” and I said, “Why don’t you let me try it out?!” So then, he told me to come back to their studio that day after the Showgram at 10 am and meet us all and we can talk. Well, I got the job, and that’s where it all began!
I learned an incredible amount about radio during my 11 years with one of the greatest morning shows in history. So good that The Showgram (Jeff, Jerry, Little Tommy, Laura Cain, Randy, and myself) were inducted into the Radio Hall Of Fame in 2016.
In 2009 and into mid-2010, The Jeff and Jer Showgram was off the air briefly…just enough time for me to have my sweet boy, Reed, who is now nine. The Showgram moved over to KyXy 965 at the end of summer 2010 and I went with them! At Kyxy is where they started putting me on the air a bunch more than they ever had. I took on the job as their traffic reporter but sat in there with them. It was awesome. Those five people are my family. In the summer of 2017 KyxY abruptly took us off the air. I’ll never forget getting called into the conference room and we all walked down there and we were completely blindsided. It was super rough and I was frantic in tears (not surprising though, I’m an easy crier!). It was the end of an era.
Trying to figure out my next move, I was driving home from dropping my son off at school and got a call from my fiance, Robert, letting me know that “The Show” on Rock 1053 had let one of the females go and that I should reach out. The Show has always been a morning show that I would listen to on my own time. A morning show with people that I knew from my time at Clear Channel (iHeart Media by this time). After hearing the news, I raced home to my computer and feverishly got a hold of Eddie Pappani, The Show’s host. Eddie and I had been friends and I had listened to The Show and thought that it would be a perfect fit. I messaged him and he was open to the idea but I guess these things take time, and patience isn’t a virtue I possess. I was so persistent and it paid off… I officially joined Eddie, Sky and Thor January 2nd, 2017! These past two years have been amazing. I get to learn even more from a whole different group of seasoned very successful radio personalities. I look forward to continuing an epic journey with The Show!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The only advice I would give is to be yourself always. In this business, weird is good. Weird is relatable. Another piece of advice I would give is you must always be persistence. It is very cliché to say “persistence is key” but it so is! Whether you’re going after a job or asking for more money, people don’t just hand it to you.
We’d love to hear more about “The Show” Rock 105.3.
My title on The Show is producer but for us four, it’s all hands on deck. I am on the air the whole time (not a producer behind the scenes) and all of us on The Show are unapologetically authentic. Some days maybe I should apologize for some of the crazy stuff that I had said or revealed about my life as a mom and as an anxiety-ridden person who marches to the beat of my own drum. One of the things that makes my job completely worth it is when I receive an email from a listener and they are relating to my stories about my ADHD child, my unique relationship with my fiance and the struggles I face.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
For the radio industry, you are seeing more and more female lead roles in show across the country, which is awesome and super promising! I do, though, feel like we have a ways to go for equal pay.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rock1053.com
- Email: emily@kioz.com
- Instagram: @theshowemily
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.griffiths.9
- Twitter: @theshowemily
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