Keeping It Local: Chris Moreau on WRJN and Local Radio
By
Dakota Lavota
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How did you get your start in Radio? As long as I can remember I was fascinated with radio. When I was 12 I rode my bike to WRJN and asked for a tour. I was hooked. At 14, I was hired at 92.1 WFNY as a weekend announcer on that Easy Listening station. I also had to mow the lawn before and after my on-air times! At 16 WRJN hired me as a weekend and fill-in announcer. Just radio. No yad work!
What is a moment or moments from your radio career that have been the most memorable? While both events were tragic, the 2 most memorable was the news that John Lennon had been shot. I was the night DJ on KOIL/Omaha when the news broke. We quickly went into full-tribute programming and later won awards for the coverage. The other was 9-11. I was live on WJZI/Milwaukee that morning and saw the live TV video of the 2nd plane as I was reporting on the first. I stayed on the air for 16 hours straight providing coverage on WJZI, WLUM, and WMCS that day. Thousands of people depended on radio for facts that day. I was proud to do that, despite the tragedy.
What makes WRJN special compared to other stations? WRJN has stood the test of time and evolving technology. We remain focused on serving Racine, our listeners and local businesses. For 98 years, people have depended on WRJN and as long as I influence what we do here, that commitment remains strong. Not many cities our size are able to support this kind of “full service” radio station. Can’t wait for the 100 year anniversary.
What are the differences between working at WRJN in the past and being back now? I would have to say the advancement in technology. We can do as much or more with the staff we have. Also, how we compete with new media. In 1976, radio was THE biggest medium for local information. Now we share that duty with smart phones, websites, all kinds of TV and even billboards. WRJN has to be better than all of those when it comes to news and coverage. We also need to be on social media, smart speakers, and digital platforms. We work hard at that everyday.
What makes local radio more unique then national radio or national media? The best compliment I ever received was from another radio guy who was driving between Chicago and Milwaukee. He was from western Nebraska. He called WRJN when we were fading out north of Racine and said “I listened to you guys for an hour, and hell if I knew what you were talking about! It was SO local, that only your residents would know….and THAT is what makes local radio great” With the exception of CBS News, everything we air originates from and is targeted to Racine.
What are some of your Interests/Hobbies outside of work? My wife Roxanne and I share our home with Reagan, our rescue dog. Reagan and I spend hours at the dog park on nice weekends. I’ve been a pilot for 35 years and still enjoy short flights around the Midwest in a single engine rental plane in search of the best airport cheeseburger. We are avid boaters in the summer and enjoy spring and fall camping trips. In between those activities, we spend time after work in our flower gardens during the summer.
