Since OCB I've been working for First Media Radio in Rocky Mount, NC. First Media has 4 stations (The Big Dawg, Jammin 99, Power 95, and ESPN). I produce a morning show on Jammin 99.
I have produced several commercials since I've been with First Media, and most recently one for a popular night club. I also am an Admin Asst in the front office, so I help with traffic, billing, production, and that sort of thing.
They have nicknamed me "409" at the station, b/c they say I am multipurpose. lol!
I'm learning a lot and love the career path that I have chosen.
My advice to you all is 2 take advantage of your time at the school.
Learn as much as you can, networking is important, and it is truly up to you to follow your dreams.
When I fell in love with Radio my life changed. I don't have a job anymore; I have a career that I am excited about!
Best of luck to all of you.

~Kat Leonard

Dear Gary, Staff and Students

Well, here it is, two months later, my official letter-on-the-wall! Sitting through class, I actually enjoyed hearing these letters because...I KNEW I was going to write one, much sooner than later. Going to OCB, was my second "college" experience. I graduated from a 4-year colloege and yup...had no idea what my future held. Four year later, I was a pipsqueak, scared 25-year old woman sitting in a room full of people from ages 18-52, not knowing that I'd still be friends with pretty much all of them today.
Students, do NOT wait to get an internship. I scrambled in the last few months of my two internships, putting in extra hours where possible, on top of a full-time job and school. I never slept! Get used to it, it makes ya stronger! However, some kds in my class had hundreds of hours and it was smooth sailing for them in the end. Network! Meet People! Make friends and NEVER BURN BRIDGES! Keep in touch with everyone. No harm to just "drop a note" and say hello!
Listen to your teachers...and understand the passion Bruce has for this industry. It should be a passion of yours too...becuase you're just wasting your time and the instructor's time if you're just (sometimes) showing up to class and not really caring. It's not a lie...this is your future. You may get a job owning a car dealership or working on Wall Street...but this experience...The Ohio Center for Broadcasting...is a stepping-stone in your life. Why not in the right direction?
Me...? Well, I'm sitting here in my own cozy office while the sun is reflecting off the freezing Colorado snow. I just finished a warm muffin, and am about to start my Noon newscast. I am the News Director of 94 Kix (KKXK), KUBC, and the Blast (KBNG) in Montrose, Colorado. I was part time in Akron at WAKR (good job!) but knew that it may take months, even years to become full time there. I was also working as a server at a local restaurant. I didn't go through two schools to have two part-time jobs. I emailed people constantly. I was willing to move. I had to. This market is considered "medium" according to the Colorado Broadcasters Association. I interviewed on the phone with the Program Director - he asked what I wanted, and I told him, straight up...this is what I'm willing to move for...etc. He conference called the General Manager and we negotiated and I agreed. They flew my out here and I met everyone at the station and it was up to me to decide whether I fit in with the station and the city...and I accepted. I moved here October 26th and have been adoring Montrose ever since. I'm learning so much, and I am eternally grateful for this opportunity. And, I'm extremely HAPPY to be working under Cherry Creek Radio because we have weekends and holidays off, and they are really a fabulous company, they really care about their employees. Granted I do go to bed at 8 pm and get up at 3:30 am to start my shift at 5 am, but I live with a cool roommate only 2.8 miles from the station. My co-workers are amazing! I am SO fortunate to be a go-getter and passionate about radio news. Ironically enough, I wanted to be a TV news anchor when I enrolled at OCB. Try everything, you never know what your niche may be.
It's true, there are lucky breaks (my window of opportunity with this job), but I worked my tail off at school. I took notes, I showed up to the classes I could (things come up...people do get sick), I listened, I imitated, and I cared. Do it. Or Leave. Seriously. But don't forget...TO HAVE FUN!!!!!
"Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon."

Janine Mayfield
News Director
KKXK - KUBC - KBNG
Montrose, Colorado

As per our last telecon, I finally got confirmation of some very good news today. But first, let me bring you up to date on the radio job. It's been quite a ride, as you know - beginning with WSBB in November, 2004, after being graduated from OCB in July, 2004. Daytona Beach is primarily a tourist town, much different than, say, Tampa, or Miami. Therefore, the peaks and valleys of business are greater. WELE is an independent station, so I wear two or more hats, depending on the situation. My position consists of an on-air personality and also an account executive; but, I also write, voice, and produce my own commercials as well as others. This spring coming will be my fourth year writing, producing and airing my Diamond Dust Baseball Update Pre-Game Show for the Daytona Cubs minor league baseball club. As you may guess, they are affiliated with the Chicago Cubs major league team. I also write, produce and voice The Voice Of Nostalgia music show, which to date has been on the air for over seven months. I really enjoy having my own nostalgia music show and am proud to say it's been very well received. Beginning three weeks ago, I launched the Adventures In Dining Out Restaurant Show - a live, call-in program similar to the one Warren Byrne has on KEZW there in Denver. (You may recall that's the station where I interned). I really enjoy the interaction with people calling in and the guest interviews I have each week during the program. There's nothing quite like a live call-in show to keep your mind alert; lots of fun, but plenty of preparation. Now, for the news. I just found out this afternoon that I was selected to be the official spokesman for Daytona Lincoln-Mercury. During the Christmas holidays I'll be cutting four radio spots and three television spots. In addition to being the on-air personality for radio and TV, I'll also be involved in writing the copy - collaborating with the general sales manager. The deal is set up for me to receive the residuals for as often as they air. I can't say it often enough how appreciative I am of the training, assistance, and continuing relationship with OCB. It never occured to me upon being graduated at the age of 58 that all this would happen in such a short period of time - much less that this industry would be interested in hiring someone that late in a career. I had been out of radio for nearly forty years when starting classes, so everything felt different for me. Most of all, I'm grateful for the encouragement of the school staff, particularly during the computer training. It was unimaginable to me at that point how important it was; however, your course material was right on target. If I ever get back to Denver it will have to be during the warm summer months, as you know. But, you can bet one of the first places I visit will be the school. It has turned out to be one of the most satisfying experiences in life. Keep encouraging your students. Let them know that there's a place for them in the media no matter what position they're aiming for. It will be a struggle at first, as with any new job, and there are always pitfalls. The rewards are worth it, though, and here's the key: Take advantage of every opportunity, take on any job given you, and prove you can handle it. Prime example: When I first arrived at WSBB three years ago, they didn't think there was any sense to doing anything with the Cubs, that nobody cared. I took it upon myself to contact the Cubs, offered to do a show, and the rest is history. They've broken attendance records for the last three years in a row, attributing much of the credit to the Diamond Dust Show. It was worth the effort to go out on a limb and prove it was worthwhile. So, there you have it Larry. Wish I could be there to talk to the students and let them know what can be ahead of them - but also that it takes hard work and persistence. Always the best of success for OCB and your incredible instructors.

Warmest Personal Regards,
Gary "Columbo" Triolo
Ormond Beach/Daytona Beach, Florida
WELE AM 1380 Radio

Ohio Center for Broadcasting has been sound to my broadcasting career. There where a few teachers who I will always remember, one is my Promotion/Marketing teacher Candace. She had so much enthusiasm and excitement for her career in Marketing she taught us the power of making something come to life, and turning a little thing into something big. Dale Officer is another teacher I will never forget while at OCB I had 2 internships one with my instructor Dale who works for 99.5 The Fish. Dale showed me he believed in me even through my trial and error and that is something I will never forget. My second internship was with Radio One, the position with Radio One became a part time gig as a board operator, and administrative/promotions assistant. Working at Radio One eventually became a brilliant choice for me; I made lasting relationships, and learned so much that I will always be grateful for. Andrea was the financial aid director she wasn’t an instructor but she gave me hope. She and Tim Fredmonsky always helped me and my sister Brittani Tucker. My sister Brittani, also a grad from OCB is pursuing her college degree, and moving to LA to go to film school to work on screen writing, film, and editing. Chris Jones at that time was an IA with the most patient sprit and humbleness at OCB. He was encouraging to me because he helped pushed my little sister Brittani, she looked up to him and found her niche in editing film on behalf of his patience with her. Last but not least Jim S. Jim would give me a big ol hug everyday, but the one thing he notice was my drive to become a broadcaster, and he always reminded me with his encouraging affirmation how great I would be. After hard work, a College degree in Communications, Diploma in Broadcasting, and infinite hours of interning. I am now the Promotions Director of Salem Media of New York. Yes NewYork! Our signal reaches the Tri-state area New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. I oversee 2 stations WMCA & WWDJ. I absolutely love what I do and I am also pursing a Master in Media Broadcasting. In the future I plan to go to Africa to give insight to media in underprivileged countries. I thank God for all the opportunities given to me and the wisdom to maximize every opportunity. If this is your dream then go beyond the call of duty to reach for your destiny I did and look where it got me, at the number 1 market in the country! RECEIVE IT! BELIEVE IT! ACHEIEVE IT! You will have it. God Bless!

Sheeva Butler
Promotion Director
Salem Media of NY
WMCA & WWDJ

I have to write to thank you and inform you all, of this wonderful job placement. I graduated from the Ohio Center for broadcasting on August 15th of 2007 and by August 29th I was gainfully employed at C.B.S. in Cheyenne WY.I worked hard and diligently for this position as Head of Creative services, also known as the commercial department. Thanks to persistence and preparation meeting opportunity I was lucky enough to achieve my dreams and am now casting, creating, producing, shooting, and editing commercials for one of the top five broadcasting stations in the world. My ultimate dream is to direct some movies and I am well on my way. I was one of those students that had some really bad luck follow me throughout my education, and yet I overcame. This is for all of you students who think that the school doesn’t work or that you have missed too many days. I was at my limit of absences due to unfortunate events including a nasty divorce that began the day before school did. I buckled down and made sure that I was there for whoever needed me and acquired most of my intern hours on beonair.com, but I needed more so thanks to O.C.B., Colorado rock, and myself, I’m on my way. Pay attention to your teachers and don’t give up, and I’ll see you in the field one day. Looking forward to seeing you all, Brandon Parker a.k.a. Squatch

I made it! Thanks to O.C.B. I learned the basic skills and tools to get me this far, which by my standards is a lot further than I thought I would be at this point. O.C.B., determination, motivation, and patience were the keys that unlocked the door and got me in. I thought that working in a small market would be a drag and a waste of time. I thought that if I started at the bottom than it would take me forever to get where I wanted to be in this biz. But you know what? I have my own radio show that starts at 8pm and goes until 5am! And on top of that, I have three 15 minute newscasts, that run daily, and I am the sole person in charge of the sports department now! I earned all of this by using all the tools mentioned above and my own moral and personal courage. Did I mention that I earned all of this in less than a month? Being here in Craig Colorado isn't exactly the glamour job of the market, but I am learning more here than I could ever learn at a large market station. I owe The Ohio Center for Broadcasting a huge debt of gratitude for opening the door so I could walk through and start my life anew. If you strive to be the best, you will one day find yourself, THE BEST. O.C.B. will open the door, will you walk through? I have the utmost confidence that you can and will, just listen instead of talking, ESPECIALLY to Tim Sabaska, Paul White, Tim Dunbar, an Lee a.k.a Small Fry. Trust me they DO know what they're doing. ENOUGH! Good luck and don't forget to put your cigarette butts in the ashtray by the picnic table.

Sincerely,
Jason Freeman

July 2007 I never thought I’d be typing a corny letter to be hung on the “Wall of Fame” in the vaunted halls of ICB, but if my letter can convince one person to attend this school then it’s worth it. I had a dream of getting into sports radio. I visited ICB in the summer of 2006, started class in July, got an internship at the only station I wanted to work for by September, and 10 months later I’m still here!!! If I didn’t go to this school, learn my craft, meet the people I needed to meet, and eventually get an internship, then I’d still be working retail somewhere completely hating my life!!! Instead I have the best job in the world!!! I’m the associate producer of the Mike North Morning Show on 670 The Score in Chicago. I talk on the air everyday on a top 5 rated show. I’ve met so many famous athletes, gone to so many sporting events, and somehow I get paid for this. Don’t get me wrong it took a lot of hard work. My typical day when I attended ICB was like this: Wake up at 3am and intern at the score from 4 until 10am. Go home and change then work retail from 11am until 4:30pm. Go home and change again, then drive through rush hour traffic for 90 minutes to get to school from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. After all that I’d drive back home and try to get 3 hours of sleep or so before doing it all over again. Somehow I fit in eating, spending time with my girlfriend, and managing to get 300 hours of studio time at school as well. Was it tough? ABSOLUTELY. But believe me, it was worth every minute of lost sleep. I hate people who preach but I will say this: Enroll at this school, put everything you have into getting an internship at the station you’re interested in, and have a great attitude. If you do those things I guarantee that you will succeed. Good Luck and I hope this letter affects someone the way the other letters on the “Wall of Fame” affected me when I went to school here. Best Wishes to Everyone!!!!

Matt Weber,
Associate Producer of the “Mike North” Morning Show
670AM “The Score” Sports Radio
April 2007 Graduate of the Illinois Center for Broadcasting

Hello and greetings to all. I would like to start my letter with a thank you to all of the OCB instructors for their support and teaching which got me to the point where I am now. I started my Photojournalist/Editing experience by finding an internship at WEWS Channel 5 which gave me hands-on experience with a lot of equipment and helped me gain a lot of experience. My work and attitude had an impression on the staff which I used as references on my resume. I was a good intern, always on time and I treated my internship as my first job as instructed by the OCB staff. My advice is always to listen to what they tell you to do because they are experienced people who know what this job needs. Also, always try to practice in the school studio during off class hours, hence developing the information and skills needed for your internship and job finding. After graduation, my trip to finding a job started by sending resumes to TV stations not just in Ohio but all over the U.S. I did not get any responses at first but that didn’t stop me. I kept on trying because trust me, patience is a virtue and that is true. Finally I got a call from WKYC Channel 3 for an interview. My interview went very well because I followed the instructions given by our instructors at OCB, especially Gary James. The most important tip in finding a job in this industry is to have the attitude to respect others and the ability to achieve the work you are required to do, always put something good in your mind because without your good achievement at OCB you will not find any jobs. Always pat attention, achieve the impossible and listen to the instructors because they know the way to get there. Finally, good luck to all and to all best wishes in achieving and pursuing your goal.

Sincerely,
Imad Hijazi, OCB Graduate
WKYC Channel 3
Videographer/Editor

GREETINGS! It’s Tamika Robinson here. Wow! What can I say? It seems like yesterday when I was there with my fellow classmates starting off like the classes you are reading this letter to. I was in the same chair almost one year ago wondering what was ahead for me in this business. I have to tell you I am so grateful for the staff and teachers at OCB. Whatever you do, please listen to everything they say. Bruce always says, “It’s Your Future”, and that is so true. Those ten months of learning anything and everything about broadcasting was all worth it. Having perfect attendance helped also because I did not want to miss a single day of class. I have some pointers: LISTEN TO BRUCE AND JIM! Bruce is notorious for banging on the desks but like he says this business if fun. Jim always has a funny story to tell or an inspiration letter like mine to read to you. Please listen because he could be reading your success story in a year. YOU HAVE SOME GREAT TEACHES THERE! ASK QUESTIONS AND PLEASE LEARN FROM THEM! They have been in this business for years and have a lot of experience. LISTEN TO ALL THE JOB LEADS GARY HAS! I could not move at this time. For the ones that can, do it! Experience the small towns first and work your way up. It was just a blessing I was able find a job in the 17th market. HAVE FUN!!! If you are not having fun learning, you will not make it in this business period! I currently work at WOIO/WUAB Channel 19/43 in the new department as a Production Assistant. This is also where my internship was. I give the scripts to the director and anchors before the newscast. I run the teleprompter, I run graphics and font for the newscasts and so much more that it will take more sheets of paper to tell you. It is a fun job! I also work on Sundays during the Tailgate 19 shows and you get FREE FOOD at the end. Major perk, LOL! A lot of downtime between newscasts but it gives me time to write teases for the news and work with some of the producers who are all teaching me what it takes to be a producer, which is my goal!. I admit at this time last year when I was getting ready to attend OCB I did not know where I would be by now. The last thing I thought I would have a job in my field one month after I graduated! A bonus of my job is that I get to talk to the anchors because at one point in my life I would like to anchor. I consider Sharon Reed my mentor there. She has taught me a lot about writing stories and making sure you have all the accurate information in your stories. She is also “The Queen of Exclusives”. I went with her one time to talk to one of her sources. There are so many opportunities out here and this is an excellent field you are getting into. I learn something new everyday at the station and I get up every morning happy to go to my career, not just my job!

Smooches,
Tamika Robinson
Production Assistant
WOIO/WUAB Channel 19/43

Hey everybody, it’s me again, Brandon, just wanting to brag on you guys a little. I just started my third week at Crawford Broadcasting: WYCA/Soul 106.3 and Power 92.3 and I am loving it. Upon my hire as a Board Op, I began the wonderful world of professional radio. I am currently working as a Board Operator for WYCA “Rejoice 102.3” and Soul 106.3 and it is because of God, perseverance and all of the skills I received at ICB. To all current ICB students and fellow alumni, always remember, to reach your goal and become successful you cannot solely rely on job placement, you must be motivated enough and determined enough to succeed in the field of your choice, although the job placement program is there to help you find a job, you must remember there are a lot of students and broadcasters looking for the same thing. So, be prepared to fight, press and push to reach your goal, no one will make you successful by yourself. Hats off to the Emmy Award Winning John Wassel for his hard work. Thanks Patrick and Dave for letting me hone my skills as a PD and learning all about how the station works. I am not perfect, but I am no perfecting my skills thanks to ICB and its staff. So to all of you that are coming into ICB and have come after me, be encouraged, it does work and the staff can help you. I look forward to seeing more grads from ICB in this wonderful broadcasting field, much love, thanks ICB!

Sincerely,
Brandon Johnson

Thanks to you and the entire Cincinnati based OCB staff, I am living my dream as a full time DJ! I am on the air with my own program five days a week during the mid-day time slot on Mix 96.5 FM, a CHR station, in Cape Girardeau, MO. The training I received in Cincinnati prepared me fully to not only have the skills needed for on-air personality job, but also to know to prepare for and conduct a job interview. The support I received after graduation was outstanding. You and everyone else at OCB were great in terms of both support and active placement assistance. Your personal efforts and assistance led me to the position I now have at MIX 96.5. My time at OCB was a life-changing event and gave me the skills and confidence to pursue and achieve my dreams. I can’t thank you enough.

Sincerely,
Sara Jordan Stang
Middays MIX 96.5

It has been a long time since I have set foot in the Ohio and Illinois Center for Broadcasting. It has been even longer that I promised to write this letter. I am doing so now to fulfill that promise not only to the school, but to myself as well. You see, this marks the point where I have considered myself to have truly made it in the business. I now enjoy my career as many of you will. There are still some that unfortunately may not, for it takes a special kind of person to do this job. I am not talking about having a great voice or an extra finger on each hand. This person must have the drive, understanding, admiration, and love for this business in order for it to love them back. Believe me, I have seen many come and go, and there are those who miss it so much that they come back and have to start all over again. It took me nearly three years to land my first on-air job; even then it was a trying time. I almost gave up on it, but I kept on working harder than ever. Now I enjoy the business once again and it is just like I had hoped it would be. Enjoy the experiences that come your way. Good or bad, all of them make this business so much fun. So many lessons from so many instructors have come into play so very often. Remember them as you move forward into your career as there are many more lessons to come. I thank all those who took the time to help a kid’s dream to be on the radio come true. I would love to mention everyone, but that would take up too much paper. Thank you my friends. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything in this business because if I can, you can!

Sincerely,
Paul T. Leidy
Quicksie 98.3
94.3 the Wolf

I think it’s about time that I finally write the letter I’ve been waiting to write, the letter of graduate success. I graduated from ICB in July of 2005 and learned a great deal while I was there. I knew I wanted to be in the T.V. or even Radio business of course on camera or on the air waves. I was called to work as a free lancer for ESPN at a Cubs vs. Cardinals game and got to see first hand what it takes to set up a broadcast for Sunday Night Baseball. Let me tell you it is unbelievable what they unpack from the trucks! I was determined to show them how bad I wanted to work for them. So I worked till 2 or so in the morning and then drove home around 2 hours away then got up and arrived back at the ball park around 10am. Sure that part well for lack of a better term sucked - but if you want it you want it. ESPN was pleased by my hard work and called me back every time they were in the Chicago area, the next time they called they needed me for the 2005 World Series.! This time it was for Baseball Tonight, not too many people can say that they were at the World Series... even fewer can say they were down on the field. I got to go everywhere a lot of people would have killed to see, the best was being down on the field when Scott Podsednik was crossing home plate after a walk off homer. I was a production assistant for them which entailed pick up the Baseball Tonight crew: Carl Ravitz, John Kruck, and Harold Reynolds. Just being able to have a conversation with these guys was surreal - for those who are wondering they are very down to earth guys. Now being a free lancer isn’t the steadiest job in the world, so I would have games here and there sometimes there was a bit of a drought. After a long drought I was added to the crew for the 2006 Super Bowl in Detroit Michigan, I was in a state of shock when they told me of course, I think anyone would. Being at a Super Bowl is something that you can’t even begin to imagine - not just by the atmosphere, but standing next to stars like Jessica Alba (who by the way is even more beautiful in person). I think the best part for me being from Chicago was meeting DA COACH- the Chicago icon himself. I again was added to games after that as well, but like I said it wasn’t the steadiest job. I obviously had to have a steady job to go along the freelance work. Factory jobs did one thing for me and that was push me to a job in the field I dreamed about having since I was in grade school. So after send my resume out to just about everywhere I could I was having no luck, I couldn’t ge! t an interview anywhere but I was too hard headed to give up. I met the right people along the way and they handed my resume to the right people and I got my first interview. It was with ESPN! I had to fly to Bristol, CT and I got the grand tour around the campus. For those who haven’t seen ESPN it is a campus - right now they have around 20 buildings, it’s in the middle of nowhere so it really stands out. I had my interview in March and wasn’t sure if I got the job, I mean I nailed the interview but it was a long time in-between. I got a call around the beginning of June on the other end was a lady telling me I got the job, of course cardiac arrest started after that finally I was going to be able to show the world what I could do. I am currently a Production Assistant here at ESPN! There are a lot of duties I am responsible for doing the main one is producing highlights for Sportscenter, Baseball Tonight, NFL Live...just about every show that is on ESPN. Just being able to show the world your highlights and putting a memorable highlight together every night is unreal. My advice to all is best said by Jimmy Valvano: "Don’t give up don’t ever give up!" If it is what you want... go and get it... let nothing get you down, good luck to all in your dreams.

Thank you,
ICB
Jason Vicks

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