10 Questions with ... Nikolina

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started doing Radio at WZIP in College at The University of Akron while studying Communications. I chose to do my internship at Rubber City Radio Group at WQMX in Akron, one of the best Country stations in the area, which led to my first real radio station on-air position. Then I sought out working for Q92. Which was and still is, my favorite radio station. My love for Top 40 and pop culture could really shine. I worked my way up from weekends, to middays/Music Director, to Program Director and middays!

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

I got my first taste in having FANS. Listeners would call daily to chat with me, flirt with me lol, and that is when I really understood the loyalty of listeners.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I always knew I wanted to be in entertainment and I had a real love of music. Once I got to college, it hit me, I can do this in radio!

3. You're 20 years in to your run at the station, and now 10 in the PD chair. Congrats on all of that! What's one (or a couple) thing that you wish that your 20-years ago self had known walking in the door?

You are going to do big things here. Don't let anyone or anything stop you or mislead you.

4. You are the Midday Diva! Plus you get to be on the air in your hometown. What is that part of your day like for you?

THE BEST! My favorite part of the day. Connecting! Making people laugh! My Listeners are always thank me for brightening up their day, but little do they know, they are also brightening up my day.

5. Your artist interviews are legendary. What makes the famous want to spill so many beans to you?

I LOVE interviewing people. I like to be different. Fun. I want the artists to trust me and have fun with me. I don't want to be another lame, boring interviewer. I go in as if I am their friend. I really immerse myself into their life, their work and being a fan myself, I know what I the fans would want to know and find entertaining, so I ask the right questions.

6. You are a force for many great causes in the community. Where does that passion and energy come from and what are some recent examples of ways that you've connected listeners and a charitable concern?

I love the community I live in and I am a giver and caretaker by nature. It always feels really good, helping others. Most recently we held a Fundraiser for the Stark County Humane Society to raise money to grow our space. I talk about donating or volunteering weekly on my show. Sometimes, people just need a reminder of things they can do to help that are easy and inexpensive. I also recently hosted & DJ'd a fundraiser to raise money for children who have cancer and helping them with treatment through music. I am not afraid to get on the mic and share inspirational stories or have some fun with you and hustle you for some money for a great cause.

7. How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z and Generation Alpha audiences?

You have to stay current and in the know to the music and trends they are into. TikTok is a HUGE go to for me. I live the culture. I have to.

8. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?

Jared Leto from 30 Seconds to Mars. So gorgeous and talented! I couldn't believe it was happening. I actually became shy and just didn't want to do anything embarrassing and freak out on him! He then invited me ON STAGE! And pointed at me once I was on stage and acknowledged me. Forever, one of my best memories!

9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?

AC & Kelly on HOT 101.1 and 93.1 Cleveland's Hip Hop & R&B, back in the day.

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Scott Wynn at WQMX really took me under his wing and mentored me when I got my first radio gig. We are still friends and keep in touch to this day. Howard Stern has also been influential because of his longevity in his career and his ability to create revenue through television back in the day, and then bring his entire empire to Satellite. He really fought hard to stay on the radio back in the day, and offered listeners something different and was always himself. He's a pioneer and a fighter.

With the venue of choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 6 acts would you pull together to throw a massive listener concert?

Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, Beyonce, Eminem, Drake and BRITNEY BITCH!