Name: Danny Clemens
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: The Kane Show on Hot 99.5 (Clear Channel Media + Entertainment)
Major(s)/Minor(s): Media and Communication Studies
Expected Graduation Year: 2015
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, research, or service- learning opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
My day starts at 5:30am - the production staff and on-air talent all have to be ready to be on the air at 6am across the country so we arrive early to scour the web for topics to discuss on air and program promotional spots to air in different markets. During the show, we screen listeners who call in to participate in the show, produce daily podcasts for our website and edit show segments to be syndicated a replayed on iHeartRadio. We also have cameras in our studio that we operate; they stream the show live on the internet to give listeners an inside look into the show.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
I have the opportunity to work with ridiculously talented, hardworking and FUN people! We all aim to produce a show that is exciting and entertaining for our listeners and we can't help but have a great time in the process. I also enjoy getting to talk to people from all over the country who call in; everybody has a unique story to share and it's wonderful to have the opportunity to connect with so many fantastic listeners.
What have you gained from your experience that you could not have gained from another opportunity?
I walked into this experience without any radio production experience; I was thrown in from day one and have learned so much about the broadcast industry in a short period of time. Working on such a high-profile program has been fantastic because we are driven to produce such high quality work; the stakes are high and it motivates me to be the best that I can be.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Put yourself out there! Your resume will only get you so far in this business - it's really about having a dynamic, outgoing personality and not being afraid to be yourself. Make an impression and don't let them forget you!
How do you see your experience as meaningful? This might involve skills you’ve gained, information you’ve learned, mentors you’ve connected with, or projects you’ve completed.
The networking in this business is insane; in addition to the radio personalities who I have the privilege of working with every day, I am always meeting people who are well-connected and influential in the broadcasting business. We also have a very dedicated fan base; we can ask for the most outlandish thing during a show and I guarantee you that at least one person will call in and be more than willing to help us out. There is always somebody who can help you out, you just have to know where to find them!