Get on the Air: Z100 New York

Talented broadcasters who can riff on entertainment news are a hit at this top pop radio station

By Donya Blaze - January 10, 2012

Station name: WHTZ-FM (Z100)
City and state: New York, NY
Slogan: New York's Hit Music Station
Format: Top 40
Target demo: Women 18-34

Background: Whether playing the latest from Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars or Katy Perry or selling out Madison Square Garden for its annual Jingle Ball holiday concert, Clear Channel's WHTZ (Z100) has been a mainstay in New York radio for years. The station is so synonymous with pop music and culture that it is often the go-to source for anyone looking for expert opinions in the entertainment world. And for program director Sharon Dastur, that's no fluke.

"When people think of hit music in New York, they think of Z100 because it's the heritage station in the market. It's all about understanding exactly what the listeners are looking for from their station and delivering it to them." she explained.

Naturally, the station's position in the No. 1 market doesn't leave much room for grooming new talent, but it's not necessary for you to be Big Apple born and bred to make it as a jock. "We are a New York station, but we're pop culture. We talk about the latest things going on in entertainment and television and movies," she said. "That's the key in looking for personalities to work on the station is people that can really feed off of the environment around here and really learn about it, pick up on it quickly."...