Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Goodbye old friend

Hearing about the end of WBCN is like hearing about the passing of a sick friend. In the back of my mind I always thought the death was coming, but I didn't know when it would be, and even though I expected it eventually, I am still shocked and blindsided when it happens.

Even 7 years ago, when I left BCN to head to California there were rumblings of the flip to sports talk. It was something that was always in the back of my mind and yesterday it finally happened. My first job, the site where I got my start as an employee, as an adult, has become Boston's new home for sports talk. The rock station I know and love no longer exists.

I remember my first day at WBCN in July of 2000. I walked in, nervous, uncertain and afraid. I had accepted the job of Continuity Director, a job that in all honesty I wasn't entirely sure that I knew how to do, at the biggest and most powerful rock radio station in Boston. It was my first job after Norwich, the first step in what would be an amazing journey.

On my first day I met people I had listened to on the air...Bill Abbate, Nik Carter, Deek, DJ Melissa. It was surreal to meet people I had listened to and admired. It was bizarre to be part of something that people listened to everyday...even if I was just making sure the commercials ran on time and in the right spots.

Over the course of the 2 years that I worked at BCN I grew not only as a person, but as an employee and a professional. I figured out what I wanted to do in the industry, I learned from the best - with people like Oedipus, Tony, Steven, John, and Chachi around I always felt like I was surrounded by professionals who were always willing to share a story or some advice. I fell in love with radio there. I fell in love with the energy, the lifestyle, and the joy it brought me to be part of something bigger than myself.

While at BCN I found love, had my heart broken, and made out. I got over my ex-fiance there and let go of the hurt he left me with. I learned how to navigate Boston after a few festive beverages in the North End. I went to rock shows on weeknights, I stayed out too late and laughed to hard. It was more than just a place I worked, it was like a second home. I always knew that I could count on seeing a friendly face there, regardless of the time of day or night.

I will always fondly remember my time there and will forever value the lessons I learned within those walls. It was more than just my first job, it was THE place that I needed to give me my start in the world.

I am honored to be a small part of a place that meant so much to so many. I will forever to be indebted to WBCN for helping build my confidence and helping me find my place in the radio industry and giving me the confidence to travel out into the world and pursue my dreams.

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