Adjusting Frequencies: A Cornell Media Guild Podcast

Jim Schoonmaker's record is one few people can match. In addition to his various posts at WVBR, Jim also contributed to the startup of two international news networks (CNN and Alhurra) in his professional career. Outside of WVBR, Jim might've been the first Cornellian to learn about the biz through an opportunity with the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS). Jim is a regular face at Guild reunions, and he has one call-to-action to other fellow alumni.

Every so often, Ithaca College students would venture across the Hill to volunteer and work at WVBR. Bob Bellin ’76 was one of these students. In fact, he openly states that WVBR was cooler than WICB. Bob made the most of his time between 1973-76 as a radio DJ, Production Director, Program Director, and Newscaster. Each position introduced a new adventure like producing commercials, making edgier music choices, and even reforming how we delivered the news. Bob has had a successful career in sales, and after checking out our 2008 Symposium, he’s been a regular contributor to the Guild’s sales and technology discussions by serving on our alumni Board of Directors. Reflecting on the highlights of past decades, Bob also brings an optimistic message to the students about the potential future of the media industry and the Guild. Connect with Bob Bellin '76:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msterclean/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-bellin-7323471/ Please consider supporting the next generation of media leaders through the Cornell Media Guild Endowment Fund: https://bit.ly/cmgendowment Connect with Christopher Morales '20:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prideofmorales/

About Peter Schacknow '78:Peter Schacknow '78 is a gentleman full of charisma,  with an extensive history tied to WVBR.  As a student, Peter was a radio disc jockey and news reporter, eventually earning the role of News Director his senior year. After graduating from Cornell, he's had a great career in news, and two instances convinced him that WVBR media were taking over the world. Another amazing trait about Peter is his contributions as an alum. Beyond any monetary donation, Peter has consistently mentored students about news and talk programming, chaired our Alumni Relations Committee that led the campaign for the purchase of the Olbermann-Corneliess Studios (604 E. Buffalo), and even invites students to shadow him at CNBC Headquarters (myself included). His 14-year tenure on our alumni Board of Directors is coming to a close, but perhaps his message about alumni engagement will inspire other alumni to get involved again. Peter earned his B.S. in Communications from Cornell, MBA, Accounting from Hofstra University, and currently serves as a Supervising Producer at CNBC. Connect with Peter Schacknow '78:Twitter: https://twitter.com/peterschackLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schacknow-b069b6/ Please consider supporting the next generation of media leaders through the Cornell Media Guild Endowment Fund: https://bit.ly/cmgendowment Connect with Christopher Morales '20:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prideofmorales/

About Brian Earle '68, MPS '71:Brian Earle '68, MPS '71 is an absolute legend with the Cornell community. Local to the Ithaca region, he arrived at Cornell as a student in 1963. He was originally an engineering major but would later transition to business management, and he also earned an M.P.S. in Communication Arts. He was involved with many student organizations, including Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Phi Omega, Cornell Cinema, New York State Methodist Student Movement, Big Red Band, and WVBR. Later in life, he would serve as a senior lecturer in the Department of Communication and Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management, now maintaining a semi-retired presence. Professor Earle also served on a number of committees for Cornell, including serving as co-chair for the CALS Centennial Committee.  He may have not been a long-term, traditional engineer for WVBR, but he has certainly engineered a true legacy at Cornell with his brilliant mind and kind heart. In this interview, we talk about the transition from engineering to business, his early days at WVBR, his special connection with students and advisees, and the pride of four generations at Cornell. Connect with Brian Earle '68, MPS '71:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-o-hara-earle-a64598/ For Cornell Giving Day (March 11), please consider supporting the next generation of media leaders through the Cornell Media Guild Endowment Fund: https://bit.ly/cmgendowment Connect with Christopher Morales '20:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prideofmorales/ 

About Becky Rohr '95:Becky Rohr '95 was a dedicated newscaster for WVBR, at least after she came from The Cornell Daily Sun.  Other than the time she studied abroad her junior year, she was active with the Guild from 1991-1995, and she had a number of stories to share like debating her sportscaster as to who reports about the trial of OJ Simpson, her sense of pride when WVBR was present at President Bill Clinton's inauguration, and a distinct poster of a running man in the station (and no, not for the purpose of doing the dance move). Becky also reflects on how her skillset from WVBR complimented her career as a lawyer.Becky earned her bachelor's degree from Cornell University and Doctor of Law  from UCLA School of Law. She is Vice President, Anti-Corruption and Global Trade, Ethics & Compliance Office at Hewlett Packard Enterprise.Connect with Becky Rohr '95:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-rohr/ For Cornell Giving Day (March 11), please consider supporting the next generation of media leaders through the Cornell Media Guild Endowment Fund: https://bit.ly/cmgendowment Connect with Christopher Morales '20:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prideofmorales/

About Mark Dembo '86:Mark Dembo wore many hats with the Cornell Media Guild from 1982-1986. He was an On-Air DJ, Salesman, Sales Manager, Vice President, and General Manager. His choice of wearing ties made for a great professional look, but he didn't have the smoothest of rides (typical shenanigans for the Cornell Media Guild). He almost went into hiding following the near-disaster of a Bruce Springsteen ticket giveaway, and we finally close the book on the FM93 Coca-Cola Cruiser promotion three decades later. (Warren Kurtzman, this one's for you.)  Mark earned his bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations and currently serves as the Regional Director of Corporate Programs for eCornell/Cornell External Education. He is also an elected member of the alumni Board of Directors! Connect with Mark Dembo '86:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdembo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdembo/ For this Giving Tuesday (December 1st) consider supporting the next generation of media leaders through the Cornell Media Guild Endowment Fund: https://bit.ly/cmgendowment Connect with Christopher Morales '20:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prideofmorales/

About Deborah Brozina: Deborah Brozina is a filmmaker and content consultant, crafting stories that are meaningful to the audience as they are to the teller. She earned her B.S. in Operations Research & Information Engineering at Cornell University and an MBA in Management and International Business from New York University. While at WVBR, she made great strides for female representation as an engineer and carried on her passion for diversity and inclusion into the film industry. She is the founder and managing partner of Making Change Productions.   Follow Deborah Brozina: Twitter: @DEBrozina Instagram: @debfilm IMDB: Deborah Brozina Camera Work: brozina.net Content Creation & Strategy: making-change.net   The WVBR Shop is officially LIVE! Get your favorite WVBR, Electric Buffalo Records, and CornellRadio.com merch now at www.wvbr.com/shop.   Have you heard of our Cornell Media Guild Endowment? This fund is specifically designed to provide perpetual funding and re-investment in WVBR, CornellRadio.com, and Electric Buffalo Records. We're on a mission to reach $500,000 over 5 years. If you would like to make a gift, please visit: bit.ly/cmgendowment   Follow the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Follow Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/ Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

About Millicent Kastenbaum '16: Millicent ("Millie") Kastenbaum earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Government at Cornell University. Her undergraduate career was decorated with active roles in the Student Assembly, Youth Outreach Undergraduates Reshaping Success (Y.O.U.R.S.), theatrical productions, and the Cornell Media Guild — as an on-air personality and News Director. She also interned for the City of Ithaca Mayor, congressional candidates, and congressional representatives. She is currently pursuing her J.D. in Law at Fordham University School of Law.    About Kristi Krulcik '16: Kristi Krulcik earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Information Technologies at Cornell University. Her undergraduate career was decorated with active roles in Forté, the Communication Student Advisory Board, Kitsch Magazine, and the Cornell Media Guild — as Director of CornellRadio.com. Kristi then pursued a career in global product marketing and brand marketing, now serving as a Global Marketing Lead - Kids & Families Products at Google.   Connect with Millie Kastenbaum '16: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millicent-kastenbaum-66b599103/   Connect with Kristi Krulcik '16: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristikrulcik/   The WVBR Shop is officially LIVE! Get your favorite WVBR, Electric Buffalo Records, and CornellRadio.com merch now at www.wvbr.com/shop.   Have you heard of our Cornell Media Guild Endowment? This fund is specifically designed to provide perpetual funding and re-investment in WVBR, CornellRadio.com, and Electric Buffalo Records. We're on a mission to reach $500,000 over 5 years. If you would like to make a gift, please visit: bit.ly/cmgendowment   The Cornell Daily Sun features "Black Voices on The Hill" and Daniel James II. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/3mtiLv3   Follow the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Follow Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/ Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

About Warren Kurtzman '87: Warren Kurtzman is the President of Coleman Insights. His background in broadcasting management and media research also includes stints at Strategic Radio Research, Arbitron, Inc., WUUU-FM/Utica, and WVBR-FM/Ithaca. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Policy Analysis from Cornell University and a Masters in Business Administration from New York University. Warren is an avid sports (especially hockey) fan. At one point, Warren wanted to become a famous radio disc jockey, drawing confidence from his days at WVBR! Learn how he made the most of his time on-air, a great time he worked with the late, great John B. Hill, and who still owes him a big favor after a WVBR promotions disaster.   Follow Warren Kurtzman '87: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenkurtzman/ https://twitter.com/warrenkurtzman https://twitter.com/warrenatcoleman https://www.facebook.com/WarrenKurtzman https://colemaninsights.com/   The WVBR Shop is officially LIVE! Get your favorite WVBR, Electric Buffalo Records, and CornellRadio.com merch now at www.wvbr.com/shop.   Have you heard of our Cornell Media Guild Endowment? This fund is specifically designed to provide perpetual funding and re-investment in WVBR, CornellRadio.com, and Electric Buffalo Records. We're on a mission to reach $500,000 over 5 years. If you would like to make a gift, please visit: bit.ly/cmgendowment   Follow the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Follow Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/ Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

About Nancy Del Mar Rodriguez '19: Nancy Del Mar Rodriguez graduated from Cornell University in 2019, majoring in Communication in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. As she continues to develop her young career, she’s served as a Marketing Associate with Rocketship Public Schools and Community Event Planner at Facebook.   While at WVBR, Nancy worked in the marketing department — interviewing bands, curating playlists, writing articles, and more! Nancy is perhaps the #1 of The Killers and will make sure you know it. She’s a great friend to Christopher, and the two talk more about the fun time they had at Cornell!   Follow Nancy Del Mar Rodriguez '19: Instagram: @nancy.del.mar   The WVBR Shop is officially LIVE! Get your favorite WVBR, Electric Buffalo Records, and CornellRadio.com merch now at www.wvbr.com/shop.   Have you heard of our Cornell Media Guild Endowment? This fund is specifically designed to provide perpetual funding and re-investment in WVBR, CornellRadio.com, and Electric Buffalo Records. We're on a mission to reach $500,000 over 5 years. If you would like to make a gift, please visit: bit.ly/cmgendowment   Follow the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Follow Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/ Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

About Kyle Scott '11: Kyle Scott is the Head of Product & Production for Serhant Media Group, the marketing and production company founded by Bravo’s Ryan Serhant. Prior to joining SMG, Kyle spent nearly a decade at NBCUniversal, where he worked as a producer and content strategist across broadcast and digital news platforms, including TODAY, NBC News Specials, and Nightly News. Kyle’s experience in media has informed his approach to online personal branding and how it can best serve a person’s professional development.  A common lesson learned through Kyle's time at WVBR and his career is to keep innovating, looking for the next area of growth. He was very involved in unique projects like producing a Cornell Town Hall, simulcasting Trivia Night at Rulloff's, and even going live for 24 hours on The J & K Show!   Check out videos from The J & K Show's 24-Hour Broadcast Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsFu7D8BsTY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKg8PWCYHGY   Follow Kyle Scott '11: Instagram: @kylescottoriginal Website: https://www.kylescott.com/   The WVBR Shop is coming soon, but you can buy your face masks right now! Available at tinyurl.com/wvbrmasks   Have you heard of our Cornell Media Guild Endowment? This fund is specifically designed to provide perpetual funding and re-investment in WVBR, CornellRadio.com, and Electric Buffalo Records. We're on a mission to reach $500,000 over 5 years. If you would like to make a gift, please visit: bit.ly/cmgendowment   Follow the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Follow Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/ Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

About George Hiller '73: George Hiller graduated from Cornell University in 1973 and earned an MBA from Fordham University in 1999. He has had an illustrious 50+ year-career in marketing and advertising, with previous roles as Executive Vice President of Information Resource, Inc., Director of Marketing and Sales Information at L’Oréal, and Senior Vice President, Senior Client Partner at Ipsos. He is now an Administrator of Duke-Ipsos Research Center and Think Tank.   George proclaims that WVBR changed the course of his life! He talks about WVBR's transformation during the height of the FM Revolution, how he balanced the station's sound as Program Director, and how WVBR left a lasting impression throughout all his entire career.   Join Cornell Media Guild Alumni Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8600250/   Have you heard of our Cornell Media Guild Endowment? This fund is specifically designed to provide perpetual funding and re-investment in WVBR, CornellRadio.com, and Electric Buffalo Records. We're on a mission to reach $500,000 over 5 years. If you would like to make a gift, please visit: bit.ly/cmgendowment   Follow the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Follow Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/ Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

About Whit Watson '93: Whit Watson is a play-by-play announcer at NBC Sports Group, with a few of his assignments including coverage of the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour, hosting Golf Central, and co-hosting Morning Drive on the Golf Channel. Whit has also covered the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NCAA football and basketball and is a four-time Emmy award winner.   Whit graduated from Cornell University in 1993 with honors and began his sports broadcasting career at WVBR! Learn more about his time at the Linden Ave. studios, what major Cornell/NHL hockey news he broke, and what WVBR means to him now as an alum.   Follow the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Have you heard of our Cornell Media Guild Endowment? This fund is specifically designed to provide perpetual funding and re-investment in WVBR, CornellRadio.com, and Electric Buffalo Records. We're on a mission to reach $500,000 over 5 years. If you would like to make a gift, please visit: bit.ly/cmgendowment   Follow Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/ Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

If anyone's producing a "Where Are They Now?" special, then don't forget to include the Sexiest Man in Ithaca Radio! Welcome, Jeff Anbinder '94! Learn about his amazing show "Rock and Roll Family Tree," and was there secret hate for Bon Jovi at the time?   Connect with the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Have you heard of our Cornell Media Guild Endowment? This fund is specifically designed to re-invest in WVBR, CornellRadio.com, and Electric Buffalo Records in the long-run. If you would like to make a gift, please visit: bit.ly/cmgendowment   Connect with Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/ Portfolio: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

Like your esteemed host, Matthew Golden '00 made the switch from News Director to General Manager. Of course, Matthew's experience stood out with the Linden Studios being condemned. Moreover, hear about the early struggles of filling in weekday student shifts and paying community members to help out.   Connect with the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Connect with Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

Melissa Wasserman '90 pays homage to John B. Hill's personality and power, describes a snowstorm story while seeing a show in Syracuse, and throwing on "Whipping Post" against all orders. Also, if you're reading this: Who's the late-night caller named "The Colonel ?"   Connect with the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Connect with Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales Website: https://www.prideofmorales.com/

I told Michael Dawson '84 I only needed about 20 minutes to talk about WVBR, but he was prepared to go for hours! He talks with Christopher Morales '20 about the studio transition period in the 80s', being in competition with WICB at Ithaca College, and why you shouldn't pass him the microphone for karaoke!    Connect with the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Connect with Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/

Mark Anbinder '89 is still actively contributing to WVBR today, but he talks with Christopher Morales '20 about his starting days from sports reporting on the Ithaca Lakers to his techie training days to news reporting and more.   Connect with the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Connect with Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/

Mark Paikoff '88 joins Christopher Morales '20 on Adjusting Frequencies to talk about his favorite stories from his sports reporting days, such as interviews with the legendary Ithaca College football coach Jim Butterfield, and recording ads with Herbert the Frog!   Connect with the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Connect with Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/

Mike Beyman '10 is the inaugural guest on Adjusting Frequencies! He talks with Christopher Morales '20 about his time at VBR, most notably his experience with the news department, and a reflection on re-joining our alumni Board of Directors.   Connect with the Cornell Media Guild/WVBR: Facebook: @wvbrfm Instagram: @wvbrfm Twitter: @wvbr Email: alumni@wvbr.com   Connect with Christopher Morales '20: Instagram: @prideofmorales LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoralesq/

Adjusting Frequencies: A Cornell Media Guild Podcast is a show that will feature weekly interviews with alumni to reflect and re-discover moments of the corporation's rich history. Christopher Morales '20 welcomes you as the host, talking about his own beginnings in radio and history with WVBR-FM. Connect with the Cornell Media Guild: Instagram: @cornellmediaguild Facebook: @cornellmediaguild   Connect with Christopher Morales '20: LinkedIn: Christopher Morales Instagram: @prideofmorales