Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Jaffe.
Hi Ellen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never planned on a career in Broadcasting. It chose me – kind of like when you go to the Humane Society with one idea in mind of what you want to adopt, and a completely different pet catches your attention and your heart.
I always loved music and was an avid radio listener, but had no interest in being ON the radio. I was involved in Theater from Elementary School through my second year of college at the University of Miami. At that point, reality kicked in and I realized I didn’t have the tough skin you need if you want to succeed in Theater, and it was probably not the right fit for me.
I transferred to the University of South Florida, changed my major to Business, and took one Communications Class. That was when everything clicked. We had an assignment to ‘interview’ a classmate, and that was the wake-up call. I felt like Barbara Walters, and I loved it.
I started looking for a summer job in Broadcasting and (thank you Accounting 101) got hired Part Time/Temporary in the Accounting Department at WAXY 106. The same week, I started there, I heard an ad – on the radio – for Broadcasting School – Brown Institute for Broadcasting. I enrolled right away, It turned out to be the best decision of my life to that point (other than quitting smoking!)
Skip ahead a year. One requirement for graduation was to make a demo tape of ‘DJ’ing’ a radio show (not to be confused with being a Club DJ – that’s a completely different and unique skill set). I was still working at WAXY, so I gave my tape to the Program Director and expressed interest in being on-air.
That guy – South Florida icon, Rick Shaw – gave me some tips and told me to try again. This happened several times. When an opening came up to work the overnight shift, mostly babysitting the radio station, reading one Public Service Announcement an hour, and one newscast between midnight and 6 a.m., I was ready. Terrified, but ready. The position evolved into a regular DJ show. I was green but determined.
I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about every aspect of the business. I volunteered to help whenever needed. As positions opened to move up, I applied. 10 years later, I had been a Weekend Host, Research Director, Music Director, Midday fill-in, and then Midday host for 8 years. Radio was in my blood.
Next stop – LITE FM. Afternoon Host, Morning Show Host, Assistant Program Director, and Community Affairs Host. As Community Affairs Host, I interviewed people from non-profits and other organizations that were making an impact locally. I’d come full circle, back to that College Communications Class interview – and it was the next big ‘click’ for me.
Being involved in charity events, learning about the challenges so many people face, and getting a better understanding of local politics – I was fascinated, inspired, and addicted. I felt like I was doing something substantive. After 19 years, 2 ownership changes, and 4 General Managers, I moved to Easy 93.1 as Community Affairs Host.
I still get to do a weekend air shift and I still love that aspect of radio, but Community is what drives me. Being able to help people, and increase awareness about relevant issues, constantly learning and meeting individuals who have overcome so many of their own challenges is endlessly inspiring.
I feel like I’ve been able to contribute to really helping people in need. It’s also made me realize how fortunate I was to grow up in a stable middle-class family where education was prioritized, my parents modeled a strong work ethic and family get-togethers were the norm, complete with energetic debates and lots of laughter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Probably the biggest challenge in my career came very early – and could have derailed my entire career: At my first Review after being on the overnight shift for six months, the General Manager told me flat out that I had “no future on the air in radio” because I had “an irritating voice”.
Yet, he didn’t take me off the air. So I had to go back to work that night, and every time I turned on the microphone, all I could think was “Oh, I’m irritating people”. It took a while for me to regain my self-esteem. But instead of folding, I got mad and channeled my energy into proving him wrong.
I discovered an ally in Micki Dahne, the Psychic, who had a radio show at the time. She took a liking to me and somehow made the GM hear me in a different light. Three months after that traumatic review, he came back to me and apologized, saying, “I don’t know what you did, but you sound great.” It became a running joke between us during the remainder of the time I worked with him.
That experience taught me:
1. It’s important to have allies and mentors.
2. Never give up.
3. Consider the source.
4. Always keep learning and trying new things.
5. Don’t let others determine your self-worth.
The other major challenge has been to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry, with ever-evolving technology. Radio is no longer just radio. It’s a multi-media industry. I’ve had to keep up with the shift from vinyl to CDs to digital music; learn social media and continue learning as it evolves, incorporating it into every aspect of my work; stay up-to-date with current trends.
This challenge is one of my favorite things about radio. It’s always changing, there are always new things to learn and it never gets dull. Having to constantly learn new things also keeps my brain sharp!
The key take-aways:
1. Keep an open mind.
2. Be willing to learn and evolve.
3. Find the positive in change and consider it an opportunity for growth.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Other than working in the family business from the age of 10, my first paid job was selling flowers on a street corner for Valentine’s Day.
One of my greatest pleasures, when I’m not working or participating in charity functions, is to sit home alone with a great book and my cat next to me, with the phone, turned off. I’m very content to be with myself.
I had some ‘wild’ years as a teenager. Details will have to remain a surprise!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.easy93.com
- Instagram: @ellen_jaffe, @easy931
- Facebook: @easy931
Image Credits
Cherie Wachter Photographer, Humane Society of Broward County, Pet of the Week, CMG Staff / Hurricane Irma Supply Drive Live Broadcast 2. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida – receiving Inaugural Community Partner Award 3. CMG Staff / Post-Interview for Nat Moore Foundation 4. Lynn Parks Photographer / Promoting Interview about Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash 5k
