Personalities
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STEVE SAVAGE
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I have been the longtime morning host on WENT. All of that time I've been teamed up with News and Sports Director Tom Roehl. We have a good rapport on the air and for the most part keep people entertained, even when talking about gaseous planets. We even spend time together off the air, playing golf and taking part in "Neighborhood Watch" events with "The Neighbor" and "NASCAR Neighbor."
I've also participated in a number of charity events. Along with Tom I have played in the YMCA and Fulton County Chamber of Commerce golf tournaments. In addition, I have taken part in fundraisers for Cornell Cooperative Extension, proving that "Real Men Can Cook." Lab results could not prove conclusively that my food was the cause of the illness, and as a result, the lawsuits have been dropped. Despite it all, I hope to participate again next this year. I was also a "guest waiter" as part of a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society during Breast Cancer Awareness month at the Vintage Cafe in Johnstown, during their "Save the Ta Tas" campaign. I say the highlight was trying to explain to some of my customers, who happened to be four ladies from the Johnstown Senior Center, what "ta tas" are. I've also raised money for the Alzheimer Association of Northeastern New York by walking in the annual "Memory Walk." I lost my mother to this dreaded disease, so it's a very important event for me. You can help by sponsoring me in the next walk. Just listen to WENT for details as the event draws near in the spring. I'll be talking about it on the air and how you can participate. In addition, I've also been a guest speaker at the Fulton County Office for Aging's Caregivers Support Group and also have spoken at both the Gloversville and Johnstown Senior Centers.
Away from work, I enjoy playing golf, going to the movies, going to live outdoor concerts and, or course, rooting for my beloved New York Rangers.
(We apologize, Tom wouldn't part with a picture for us. Instead we had to use this uncanny likeness)
TOM ROEHL
Where are you originally from? Saginawcincinnatipittsburghbarnesboro
How did you decide to get into radio? A little voice in my head told me a low-paying job with long, strange hours would make me a stronger person.
Who was your biggest influence in that decision? My parole officer.
What do you like best about working at W E N T? Donuts and bagels! And, of course, the fabulous people who work here!
What do you like to do in your free time? Build storage sheds, paint, mow the lawn, etc.
Who are your favorite sports teams (as if we need to ask)? All Pittsburgh teams.
Who are your favorite entertainers? Styx, Carrot Top, and the program "Who's Line is it Anyway?"
How does it feel to be "Quiz Daddy"? Tingly all over.
If you could travel back in time and meet anyone, who would it be? Oral Roberts' parents to ask them why they named their son "Oral".
What is your goal in life? To be as successful as Steve Savage.
Anything else? I have had a good time working at W E N T. That's why I have been here so long.
PAUL AMMANN
W E N T "rescued" Paul from the sunny and warm Florida weather (who needs that?!!). When he joined the station in spring of 2006, it marked a return to the radio industry following an absence of more than 8 years. Paul tells us all he can say is that he's honestly happy to be back. Originally from Long Island, and having spent his college years in Uticahe currently resides just minutes from the station (he can only stand to be so far way at any given time) with his wife and 4 children. You can hear Paul delivering comprehensive newscasts on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings. He also hosts "Talk of the Town" on Saturdays. So, as long as that doesn't ultimately drive him away, Paul looks forward to serving WENT's listeners for many years to come.
JOHN MARKIEWICZ
Where are you originally from? Northville, NY
How did you decide to get into radio? I was fascinated with radio from age 7 or 8. My interest just intensified from there.
Who was your biggest influence in that decision? Not one individual but all those great personalities of AM radio in the 60's and early 70's.
What do you like best about working at W E N T? Obviously my air shift Monday-Friday. Although, I'm also an Account Executive and that gives me the opportunity to be outside the studio and meet many wonderful people in our community.
What do you like to do in your free time? I'm fortunate to have my mother living with me, so I try to make sure she gets out of the house a little; usually lunch on Saturday. My sister lives nearby so I visit her a lot and my nephew keeps me up to date on the latest video games. I'm also active in my community, where I serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals and I'm active in my church.
What kind of music do you like? My favorite musical artists include a lot of those we play, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and others; I also like some country artists, but I find myself listening to classical quite a lot. (Top Secret: John also likes to rock out to Santana).
Actors, Actresses? I don't have any favorites, when I watch TV, it's usually a talk show and I see only one or two movies a year, usually something my nephew wants to see.
TIM MURPHY
Where are you originally from? Troy, NY
How did you decide to get into radio? I fell in love with "Top 40" AM radio at the age of 12, then found out about everything else there was to listen to, and later realized, after unsuccessful attempts at finishing college that I could make a living doing what I loved.
Who was your biggest influence in that decision? The decision was completely my own. My parents were just relieved I chose something.
What do you like best about working at W E N T? Not surprisingly, the music involvement. Keeping the "current" songs fresh, adding new music, and keeping an eye out for bargains.
What do you like to do in your free time? Surfing the web, doing "family stuff" with my wife and children, biking, reading, movies, my CD collection, and of course, listening to the radio.
Who is your favorite musical artist? Paul McCartney. Actor? Tom Hanks. Actress? Julia Roberts. Sportsteams? NY Mets, and Giants (NFL). Book? No particular author, but I like sports, science fiction and music books the most.
When people have a musical question, they come to you for the answer. How did you learn so much? Initially, from the extensive radio listening, then later from books; especially the Joel Whitburn "chart history" volumes, which are expensive, but worth it.
If you could travel back in time and meet anyone, who would it be? If it didn't alter the future, I'd want to visit a younger version of myself and reassure that insecure and constantly worrying person that everything would be alright in his life.
What is your goal in life? To make my wife and children as happy as they've made me, to be deserving of the love and pride my parents have for me, and to somehow make a positive difference (however small) in the day of at least one listener.
DAVE ELLIOTT
Where are you originally from? Gloversville
How did you decide to get into radio? Worked at my college radio station and I used to listen to West Coast Yankees Games on the radio. Loved music.
Who was your biggest influence in that decision? College teacher who was a director for children's show "ZOOM".
What do you like best about working at W E N T? Filling in for other part-timers. Also the stability and professional attitude of W E N T.
What do you like to do in your free time? Sleep! What free time? I have children. Actually, spend time with my wife Sue and daughters Sarah and Haley. Also, gardening.
Who are your favorite musical artists? The Beatles, The Rolling Stones. Actor? Robert DeNiro. Sports teams? Yankees , Giants (NFL), Bruins, and the Celtics. Singers? Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Book? "Great Expectations".
If you could travel back in time and meet anyone, who would it be? Hank Williams.
What is your goal in life? To raise my children well and retire comfortably.
Anything else? I also own and operate a mobile DJ service called Party Mix with DJ Dave.
JULIE ANTIS
Looks like the kids have got mom just where they want her!
Where are you originally from? Manchester (ManchVegas), NH
How did you decide to get into radio? Volunteered as a weather/public service announcer for a station in NH.
Who was your biggest influence in that decision? A friend and station engineer, Pete.
What do you like best about working at W E N T? The sports, especially the baseball games because the BEST way to enjoy baseball is on the radio. Reminds me of when I was a kid and used to listen to the Red Sox with my dad.
What do you like to do in your free time? I am a fulltime mom and home school my two youngest children. When I can, I like to catch a few minutes of quiet time. And I usually fall asleep on the couch after very long days! I like to read. We are regular fixtures at the Johnstown Public Library. PARENTS--read to your kids at least 15 minutes a day! I like to work in the garden...would love to live/work on a farm.
Who are your favorite musical artists? "Nostalgia" type music. WENT has a great format that reminds me, again, of my parents and the music I grew up hearing in our house. Frankie Valli, Elvis, Big Band and Frank Sinatra. Actor? Jeremy Irons (The Mission, The Lion King as "Scar"). Athletes? Dan Marino; Cal Ripkin Jr.; Bobby Orr; Kevin McHale; and Brett Farve. Book? "Stepping Heavenward."
If you could travel back in time and meet anyone, who would it be? Winston Churchill.
What is your goal in life? Run the race! Live well and long with my family. Leave a legacy of noble character to my kids.
Anything else? I enjoy reading, singing, baking biscotti (even though I am not Italian), research (usually involves curriculum for the kids); painting (not much of that right now); walks on the Rail Trail, and enjoying God's creation.
COREY BARBER
Where are you originally from? Northville
How did you decide to get into radio? I have always wanted to work in radio since I was a child.
Who was your biggest influence in that decision? I guess I would have to say myself, because everyone told me I couldn't do it. Guess you showed them, Corey!
What do you like best about working at W E N T? The people, both here at the station and the listeners. So many people have told me they listen to me on the station.
What do you like to do in your free time? Spend time with my family.
Who is your favorite writer? My favorite writer has always been Stephen King. I started reading his books in high school.
If you could travel back in time and meet anyone, who would it be? Benjamin Franklin; he seems like a colorful character.
What is your goal in life? I never really set a specific goal. I like who I am, and am satisfied where I am in life.
Tell us about your involvement in youth sports...I have been coaching both youth soccer and youth basketball since my son Ryne was eligible to play. It is very rewarding to work with children, and watch them progress from things that I have been able to teach them.
Lloyd Smith
Lloyd is our Chief Engineer. Not only does he look good, but he's got brains too. More than any of us. Put together. Lloyd is definitely a miracle-worker.
Lloyd, where did you come from?
Born in Albany and lived in nearly every town in this area at one time or another. Except Cranesville. Couldn't find it.
How long have you worked at WENT?
Been Engineer here since 1972...Chief since 1975.
You have seen many changes here over the years. What are the major ones?
Of course there have been some ownership and co-worker changes, but mostly the technical improvements are outstanding. When I arrived, everything operated with tubes--very hot and expensive to run. Now we are all solid-state and the system is far more reliable.
Ever think about retirement?
Too busy to consider that. Lots more work to do and that's a good thing. Ask again in 20 years.
JACK SCOTT, PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER
SHIRLEY CLARK, OFFICE MANAGER