WJPZ at 50

In this episode of WJPZ at 50, we sit down with Bella Galan and Lizzie Gottlieb, the current GM and PD of WJPZ, to talk about how they found Syracuse, how they found the station, and how they are helping shape its culture right now. Both of them came to Syracuse with strong interests in performance, media, and storytelling. Both found, in Z89, a place that brings all of those interests together. What stands out most in this conversation is how clearly they see the station as more than a radio outlet. They describe it as a place to build communication skills, leadership skills, confidence, and real relationships that last far beyond college. A major focus of the episode is how the station continues to evolve while protecting what has always made it special. Lizzie talks about the programming side and how Z89 still leads with Top 40 music while also making room for specialty shows and new ideas. Bella explains how the team has worked to expand opportunities for students who do not necessarily want to be on air, including web, press, photography, and newly created associate producer roles. Together, they make the case that the station works best when more people feel they belong there and can see a path for themselves inside it. The conversation also highlights the current culture at WJPZ. Bella and Lizzie speak with real gratitude about the mentors who guided them, and they are intentional about passing that same support to younger members. They talk about wanting freshmen to feel welcomed, included, and confident enough to take up space. That emphasis on culture comes through again when they discuss women in leadership, representation, and the importance of amplifying more voices across the station. Bella in particular reflects on how meaningful it has been to see women and women of color in visible leadership roles, and how important it is to keep building on that progress. The episode closes with a look at what is happening at the station right now. They share updates on new shows, new technology, a digital station timeline, fresh social content, and even a full April Fool’s Day format flip built around Glee covers. More than anything, the episode shows that WJPZ is still doing what it has always done best: giving students room to experiment, lead, connect, and turn passion into real work. In 2026, it remains the World's Greatest Media Classroom. (00:00) Intro (01:19) Lizzie’s path to Syracuse and Z89 (04:02) Bella’s background and early station experience (08:25) Lizzie’s first DJ shift and The Morning After (10:54) New shows and taking creative risks (14:38) Why Z89 is bigger than an FM station (17:31) Mentors who shaped Bella and Lizzie (23:52) Bella on the GM role and off air opportunities (26:04) Building station culture and belonging (30:23) April Fool’s Day and Glee89 (33:57) How Lizzie chooses music for the station (35:47) Alumni who made an impact (39:24) Women in leadership at WJPZ (44:49) Representation and diverse voices (46:08) The women’s conference and mentorship (47:57) What is happening at the station right now (51:17) Syracuse Giving Day and WJPZ support (52:49) Closing thoughts Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected] with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we explore Chris Sacchi’s journey from a sports-obsessed kid in Connecticut to becoming a “video legend” with the Savannah Bananas. We start by tracing how early exposure to Syracuse athletics (the 2000's were a good time for this) and a small sportswriting opportunity in high school helped shape his path. Chris got to Syracuse knowing he loved sports but still figuring out how to channel that passion. Through friendships and encouragement, he found WJPZ, which became his first real home and creative outlet. That welcoming environment and early responsibility gave him confidence and direction. WJPZ helped shaped Chris's growth. Experimenting with content, collaborating with peers, and stepping outside his comfort zone helped him develop both technical and creative skills. He mentions several mentors and alumni who provided guidance and opportunities, reinforcing the importance of relationships and community. Those experiences extended beyond college and directly influenced his professional path. We shift to his post-graduation journey, which took an unexpected route into video editing at MLB Network. While he wasnt' initially focused on editing, he embraced the opportunity, which became a turning point. We stress the importance of adaptability and staying open to roles outside of one’s original plan. That openness ultimately led him to the Savannah Bananas through a connection with a former colleague. As the Bananas' "video legend," he captures and edits high-energy moments in real time during games. He describes the fast-paced environment, the pressure to balance speed and quality, and the collaborative effort behind the scenes. We also explore the unique culture of Banana Ball, where entertainment and competition coexist. He explains that while the experience is fun and unpredictable, the players are still highly skilled and deeply competitive. We close with the lasting impact of WJPZ and the power of community. Returning to Banquet this year reignited Chris's appreciation for our network and reminded him of the value of mentorship and connection. Staying open, building relationships, and embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to outcomes far beyond what we initially imagine. (0:00) Introduction to Chris Sacchi (2:25) Discovering Syracuse and Early Sports Passion (4:10) Finding WJPZ and First Experiences (6:10) Mentorship and Station Culture (10:18) Building Confidence Through Responsibility (14:56) Post-Grad Journey and MLB Network (18:56) Path to the Savannah Bananas (21:13) What a “Video Legend” Does (27:33) What Makes Banana Ball Unique (31:09) Life on the Road with the Bananas (33:25) Reflections on WJPZ Banquet (36:34) Closing Thoughts Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected] with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Note: The WJPZ at 50 Podcast has returned! If you or someone you know would like to be a guest, email JAG:  [email protected] Our first guest back is Dan Girard, Class of 20120. on how WJPZ helps us find our footing, sharpen our voice, and build friendships that last long after graduation.  We start with Dan’s path to Syracuse, which begins as a sports fan in New York watching the 2003 Orange title run and dreaming about the Carrier Dome. He arrives on campus with a chip on his shoulder after not getting into Newhouse, but he soon learns that student media matters more than any label. Z89, Citrus TV, and WAER gave him the space to grow. Over time, WJPZ became the place where he realized he can truly do this work. By junior year, Dan was fully immersed in Z89 Sports and helped lead a period when the department became deeper, sharper, and more respected. He describes a class full of talent that treats the station like a real destination for sports broadcasting. He also makes clear that the best part is not just the airchecks or the broadcasts. It is the bond formed during late nights in the station, hanging out next door at Citrus, and growing alongside friends who remain close to him today. We also hear some great station stories. Dan recalls the perfect save by a producer who killed a hot mic just before an F-bomb went out over the air. He remembers Friday Night Football, Big East tournament trips, and the thrill of hosting after Syracuse beat West Virginia. One of his favorite moments came when Professor Rick Wright calls into his show.  After Syracuse, Dan chased sports talk radio and becomes a finalist in WFAN’s Fantasy Phenom contest. That led to a chance to host overnight on WFAN at age 22, which remains a career highlight. But he soon realized that radio was not the right long term fit. A master’s program and a key connection lead him to Collegiate Sports Management Group, where he has built a career in media rights, strategy, and revenue generation for sports properties. His current work blends broadcasting knowledge, business sense, and a genuine love of sports media.  We wrap with a brief chat about Esports, SU, NIL, and what the Syracuse basketball team needs to do - to get back on the map. (00:00) Intro (00:57) Welcome Dan Girard (03:14) Growing up in New York and discovering Syracuse (05:25) Choosing Syracuse after being waitlisted (10:09) First steps at Z89 and CitrusTV (12:20) Building Z89 Sports into a destination (16:10) Friendship, late nights, and station culture (18:45) Funny on air moments and the hot mic save (22:28) Hosting after Syracuse beats West Virginia (24:50) Life after graduation and WFAN Fantasy Phenom (27:32) Why sports talk radio was not the long term fit (30:20) Graduate school and finding a new direction (34:10) Career at Collegiate Sports Management Group (37:33) What Dan’s job looks like today (39:33) Esports, community, and student opportunity (41:33) Advising students on brand and content creation (44:09) Syracuse athletics, NIL, and the road ahead (45:57) Closing thoughts Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected] with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are a number of people, on the technical side, that have worked tirelessly to keep our radio station going for half a century.  Over the last 20 years though, Stephen "Tex" Kurtz is at the top of that list. Born in raised in Dallas, he wanted something different.  And having spent some time in upstate New York as a kid, he liked the area.  And when he toured the campus, despite the fact that Z89 was broadcasting from the Ostrom house that year, he immediately fell in love with the people and spirit of WJPZ. Since he was a kid, Stephen has wanted to know how things work.  And new studio was still being finished when he entered as a freshman.  This was a perfect opportunity for him to jump in and work with John Ferracane, Rob Crandall, and others on putting things together.  This included, for the first time, running the radio station from a computer. Ever heard of Jazler? You will. Eventually, the man they call Tex tired of all the snow, and headed home to Dallas to finish school.  But he was never far - always on call for the students.  And he returned with John, Rob, and Alex Silverman to help do another studio rebuild a decade after the previous one.  You'll hear more details about this in episodes with outgoing GM Liz Doyon and incoming GM Corey Crockett, but this group managed to build a radio station in a week and get it on the air. Stephen cites that new studio rebuild, and the upgrade to a 1,000 watt transmitter as two of the technical achievements he's most proud of.   But of course, lessons from JPZ extent much further.   He says that WJPZ taught him you can work with your friends, and how it can be done. Since returning to Dallas, Stephen did some major market radio work in his hometown, before moving to the IT world, and eventually starting his own company, Total IT, in 2009. And while he does a lot of work in that sector, Tex also works with - you guessed it - radio stations, marrying both of his passions. We close with a couple of funny stories from Stephen's time at the station, including Peterman knocking us off the air - with his rear end - and a funny moment at Josh Wollf's expense at Chili's on Erie Boulevard. The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected] with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Note: This episode originally published on February 15, 2023. In the time since, Howard Deneroff has gone on to be found Stand By Media, as well as becoming the Director of the Hall of Excellence at the Fountainebleau Las Vegas, a world-class sports and entertainment museum. More here: https://barrettmedia.com/2025/06/05/howard-deneroff-named-director-of-hall-of-excellence-at-fountainebleau-las-vegas/ Today's episode is a must-listen, especially for those of that are sports fans or ever had aspirations to get into the field. Howard Deneroff, WJPZ Class of 1989, is the EVP and Executive Producer of Westwood One Sports.  He's been with the company since immediately after graduation, and has worked the Super Bowl, World Series, Final Four, Stanley Cup Finals, and more. Like many of us, Howard decided on Syracuse because he wanted to be as involved with sports as possible.  He went to WAER, writing for the likes of Mike Tirico and others.  But when it became clear that he could get much more hands on experience at WJPZ.  This proved true his sophomore year, when in addition to calling women's sports and minor league baseball, Z89 was able to cover an undefeated SU football team (wow that seems like a long time ago), and a basketball team that made it to the NCAA Championship game. Additionally, their Saturday morning show "The Press Box" morphed into coverage of Central New York high school football. Staff would call the games, interview coaches and players, and bring the cassettes back.  Then the real work began, splicing highlights on reel-to-reel decks until 3 or 4am, to have them ready for air the next morning.  This is where Howard says he really learned the skills, attitude, and perfectionism that carried him to where he is now.   This really came to fruition when working on a piece commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier.  The desire to always make his work better led to Howard getting some unbelievable audio and previously unheard stories for the presentation. In addition to talent and hard work, sometimes you need to be in the right place at the right time.  We hear a wild story of coincidence, and how a chance meeting turned into a job at Westwood One upon graduation, and a three-decades plus career there. Deneroff started at CBS Radio in 1989, working on baseball and football, where his encyclopedic knowledge and preparation quickly impressed his coworkers.   He also learned how to think quickly on his feet - when he was in studio for an Earthquake during the 1989  World Series.  He's worked with everyone from Jim Nantz to Greg Gumbel, Brent Musburger, John Madden, Terry Bradshaw, Pat O'Brien, Vin Scully, Ernie Harwell, and more. Howard tried to learn from the best, and take pieces from folks he's worked with - this led to his "index card system" used in the booth for broadcasts - color coded index cards for promos, sponsorships, and commercial breaks.  If you are into the behind-the-scenes of broadcasting, you'll geek out of this like we did. Despite the responsibilities that come with his current title, today's guest still loves producing radio broadcasts.   He still gets the adrenaline rush and tries to do at least one game a week.  We spend some time talking about the magic of radio, and the advantages it has over television.  We also talk about the future of audio. Deneroff has made it a point to give back to Z89, after the station gave him so much.  He's airchecked play-by-players. provided internships and more.  He firmly believes what he learned at the station got him to where he is now. We close with a couple of funny stories.  Will Howard confirm Lippy's story about shaking a spatula at him?  And you won't believe Mr. Deneroff's reaction when Howie came home and played him a tape of his first sportscast. The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected] with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.