KRYSTLE KLEIN
Instructor

I started this crazy radio ride at 89.1 WIDR in Kalamazoo, first as a news reporter, then a DJ, then a morning show host, then a daily public affairs show host.

I then lived aboard a ship that had its own television studio. I worked as a news reporter for the Seawatch News, broadcasting daily for the 1,000 shellbacks that were also on a voyage around the world.

When I returned, I worked as a part-time DJ at 107.7 WRKR in Kalamazoo. While on the air on the weekends, I also worked in promotions during the week and the occasional fill-in and voicing spots. I learned everything that I could and worked up to my last stint in Kalamazoo as co-host of the morning show, and then it was on to Hawai’i.

I was a production technician at PBS Hawai’i, where I worked in the control room as the switcher.

Classes you teach: Studio Operations, Promotions, Introduction to Radio Production, Radio Production, Digital Editing

Education:
Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University--Majored in broadcast/cable production and minored in psychology.

University of Pittsburgh--Study Abroad Program Semester At Sea

Travel Channel Academy--digital filmmaking bootcamp with producers from several Travel Channel shows

Hawaii Pacific University--Worked toward Master’s Degree in Communication and Global Leadership.

Current Contributions:
Currently I am on-air at 96.3 WDVD in Detroit on the weekends and fill in on the morning show. I also currently work as a correspondent for BBC Radio in Cumbria, England, as well as a freelance travel journalist for the Travel Channel.

Favorite air personality: Diane Reams

Favorite radio station: I’m a station flipper. I’ll stop on a station if I hear a song or a great break from a DJ. Or if there’s dead air—that’s always fun. I picture the jock running around frantically while on the phone with the engineer. I’ve been there.

What would students be surprised to know about you? I was bald once. I’ll tell you the story sometime.

What do you think is the coolest job off the air? Being a travel writer.

Would you pay for satellite radio?
Definitely. Satellite radio is a genius idea. Local radio is great for local news and concerts, giveaways and talent, but the selection of music on satellite radio is infinite.

What makes a good DJ?
Someone who is informative and entertaining. A great jock will make the listener want to turn up the volume to hear what he or she has to say, instead of flip the station.

Likes: Interesting and fun people

Dislikes: Those people who pull out right in front of you while driving, then slow down.

One thing you'd like to learn: Kung Fu

Pets: A crazy calico cat named Isabelle and a sweet adorable golden retriever/cocker spaniel mix dog named Cobie.

Subjects that interest you: Languages, especially Japanese, German, Spanish and Arabic. Art and art history, travel, music, literature, media, cultural anthropology, psychology, theology, astronomy, history, communication.

Favorite writer: Dave Eggers

Favorite movie: Impossible question because there are so many…Braveheart, Walk the Line, The Big Lebowski, Wedding Crashers, Life is Beautiful, The Usual Suspects, Seven, The Wedding Singer…I could go on for a while.

Favorite place: On the water on a sunny day

Places traveled: Japan, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Singapore, India, Seychelles, South Africa, Brazil, Cuba, England, Ireland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Hawaii, Seattle, Boston, California, Las Vegas, Florida, Chicago, Vancouver, Coeur de’ Lane, New Orleans, New York

Special talents/skills/hobbies: Black and White Photography, kickboxing, writing, skydiving.