 I have been asked to tell you a little about myself. As the person behind the scenes who ultimately decides what music and personalities you hear on WHUD, I guess you should get to know me. However before I tell you a little about myself and how I got to where I am, I do need to say that my job is helped greatly by the many people who work with me at WHUD and others in the industry who have taught me so much. A radio station consists of so many people with important roles that lead to the end product, what you hear whenever you listen either on the radio at 100.7FM or on-line at whud.com. However in the end, one person has to decide what we do at the radio station, and I’m that guy! The first thing you need to know is that I love working at 100.7 WHUD. My love for radio began at a very young age. It started listening to Yankees baseball on WCBS-AM in the early 60’s and voices of Mel Allen, Red Barber and Phil Rizzuto. I became fascinated with this thing called the radio and before long I was listening to the other programs on WCBS-AM, who at the time had what is called block programming with a variety of shows from Jack Sterling in the morning to Arthur Godfrey and Art Linkletter (the radio version of House Party). As I got older and began to listen to “Rock N’ Roll”, I discovered WMCA, “The Good Guys” and my first experience with Joe O’Brien and Ed Baer. Little did I know that someday I would be working with them. As the 60’s moved on, I discovered FM radio and the some great stations for those into the music of the decade, especially WNEW-FM and at the time it’s free-form album oriented rock format. I also discovered a non-commercial radio station at 90.7, WFUV licensed to Fordham University. I was determined to work in radio and when I was accepted at Fordham, working at WFUV was just as important (actually more) as my classes. It was while at WFUV, a fellow student Ken Hayes, told me about a part-time opening at a 50,000 watt radio station in the Hudson Valley, WHUD-FM. It wasn’t playing music I listened to (beautiful music at the time), but it was a chance to get my first paid job. Well, I was hired and somehow these many years later I am still here. It has been a long journey through many jobs, although for most of these years I have programmed WHUD, with three different owners and have had the chance to work with so many great people. From the legendary Joe O’Brien and Ed Baer to the current staff, I have had so much fun putting together what you hear on 100.7 WHUD. My love of music and the influence of the music I grew up listening to in the 1960’s has helped develop the mix you hear whenever you tune to 100.7 WHUD or listen on-line. We target adults who like popular music from the 60’s right up to today. Although there are a number of stations in the New York Metropolitan Area that play similar music, WHUD’s playlist is one of the deepest of stations who program adult contemporary music. That is why when you tune in you’ll hear artists like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Billy Joel and many of today’s current artists like Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, and so many others. From the old, to the new we play “One Great Song After Another”. At the same time we would like to think we keep you informed with news, weather, traffic and what is going on in the Hudson Valley with community news and events. For more than 47 years, 100.7 WHUD has laughed and cried with you as events have unfolded. Since September 11, 2001, programming a radio station and in particular 100.7 WHUD has been probably my biggest challenge. I want to thank everyone who has been on the air for the work they have done to help our nation and region understand and cope with everything that happened that day. I don’t know if we can ever do enough for those who lost friends and relatives. I only hope we somehow have made things better. If you are a long time listener, thank you for the support you have given us for so long. If you are new to the radio station, wherever you may be in this world (yes with internet listening we find people listening as far away as Japan), I hope you enjoy what you hear. If you have comments or suggestions, feel free to contact me at spetrone@pamal.com. The Vital Facts Complete Name: Steven Paul Joseph Petrone Born: Mt. Vernon, New York Married: (Cathy) with three kids, Matthew, Andrew and my princess Gabriella Favorite Sports Team: Yankees (I’ve been a fan since I was five), also root for the Football Giants, the Knicks and the Rangers. Hobbies: Love to Cook (my kids say I make the best pizza), if I had time I’d like to play some golf and when there is snow I like to Cross Country Ski. Favorite Books: Non-Fiction especially reading about Franklin Roosevelt and Robert Kennedy. Favorite Music: The Beatles |