Linda Lee
Air Personality
WYCD 99.5 FM
(Detroit, MI)

Some lucky breaks are perhaps too literal at the time but in Linda Lee's case she refers to the work injury that led her to Specs Howard School as a blessing. After suffering nerve damage in her hands due to her job on Ford's assembly line, Linda decided to use her disability wisely by going back to school to become a DJ. Within one year's time, she was back to work only this time it was for country radio. As one-half of WYCD's afternoon drive show (Lee is pictured above with co-host Chuck Edwards), Linda has come a long way from building F-150 pickups at the Wayne Truck Plant. While she still prefers driving a truck to a car, her career in radio is clearly the ride of her life.

What is the largest hurdle you've had to face to get where you are now?
I had to learn how to ignore the "Doomsayers" -- those who said it would never happen. I still believe, that if you work hard, set your goals high, and truly believe in yourself, all things are possible!!!

What have been some of the highlights of your career?
There have been SO many. Meeting President Clinton , and most of the big name country artists is definitely very cool!!! But the absolute BEST part of my career, has been in making a difference in my community. Raising a MILLION dollars in our St. Jude Radiothon in just 2 days was AWESOME!! Working with Special Olympics, The Rainbow Connection, MI Cops, Toys For Tots, and being in a position to help people in need is truly a blessing.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My faith in God, first and foremost. Then, I'd have to say my family and friends who have always been super supportive. Dick Kernen, Bob Schuman, and my on-air partner, Chuck Edwards still help and inspire me. There is ALWAYS room for improvement!!

What would you consider the largest challenge in the business today?
Getting your foot in the door ... with hundreds of talented people competing for an available position. This is an extremely competitive business, and you have to stand out from the crowd, and be willing to work harder than the next guy, in order to succeed.

What would be your advice to grads that are just beginning the job search?
Serving as as intern, in most cases, unpaid, to learn the business firsthand is very important, in my opinion. Learn as much as you can and diversify your skills, like production and computers, to make you valuable to a potential employer. Don't be afraid to seek advice from those who are successful in the business.

What would be your advice to students just beginning the course at Specs Howard School?
I say, you already made a GREAT choice by choosing Specs Howard, so continue making great choices. If this is what you REALLY want to do, and you want to succeed, you can!!! Pay attention and follow the advice of your teachers, they know what they are talking about. Do MORE than you have to. Reserve studio time and practice, practice, practice. Specs will teach you "the basics," but is totally up to you to become "above average." You have to be "above average" if you want to become successful in this highly competitive business. Believe in yourself and go for it!!!!

Links to MORE Linda Lee:

WYCD Detroit's Country 99.5 FM
(station web site)

WYCD Raises $502,385 for St. Jude
(AmericaJR Online, 02/15/02)

KELLY BROWN
Air Talent
WIOT 104.7 FM
(Toledo, OH)

SHELLEY IRWIN
Host/Producer
WGVU-1480 AM
(Grand Rapids, MI)

SCREAMIN' SCOTT RANDALL
Air Personality
WRIF 101 FM
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Mike Staff
DJ/Owner
Mike Staff Production(Madison Heights, MI)

CAROLYN STONE
Assistant Program Director/Air Personality
106.5 The Zone
(Toledo, OH)

GARY WANN
Promotion Writer/ Producer
Fox 2 Detroit
(Detroit, MI)