In the first of two episodes featuring original JPZ'ers from the 1970's, we sit down with Greg Hernandez. In addition to being one of the key figures at the start of WJPZ, he's had a fascinating career since, working with some of the top names at ABC News and having a front-row seat to some significant events in history.
Like many of us, Greg first got in front of a microphone in high school, and worked his way to Syracuse. He started at WAER, but Bill Bleyle told him about a new station they were putting on 1200 AM - WJPZ. As the sales manager, Greg sold spots (yes, commercials) to Acropolis Pizza - even though they couldn't hear the station from their original location on Westcott Street! On the air, Greg hosted a Friday and Saturday night show, taking calls from students partying in the dorms and elsewhere.
Greg also sent over some perfectly preserved documents from those days - which you can link to here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gl0q0m93n2bzi2k/AABrf8_TU9oH3mcio-kQx1qua?dl=0
After a few Central New York radio gigs, Greg tired of the snow and headed south - to Washington DC, eventually landing a gig at his dream employer - ABC News. He tells us some amazing stories of working with Peter Jennings, Sam Donaldson, David Brinkley, and Ted Koppel. These include the Challenger disaster, Reagan's Iran-Contra affair announcement nearly derailing a Syracuse alumni tour, and more.
Following his time at ABC, Greg worked as a media contact for several government agencies. He was at NOAA when they recovered John F. Kennedy Jr.'s plane, and was the media contact in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He then moved on to the US Mint, where he visited Presidential homes to promote the new dollar coins. And finally, he ended up at the FDIC during the height of 2008's financial crisis.
Now, Greg narrates audio books full time (when you hear his voice you'll see why it's a perfect fit for him.)
As we wrap up, Greg reflects on what he learned at WJPZ, and how it informed his career since. And he marvels at how this little radio station he helped start 50 years ago still endures today.
Join Us in Syracuse for Banquet on March 4th: https://bit.ly/WJPZ50BanquetTickets
The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts
Want to be on the show? Email JAG at jag@jagpodcastproductions.com
Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/
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