Radio Radiance: Five Questions with Tradia McCoy (Class of 2015)

 

Five years after receiving her communications degree from SC State, Tradia McCoy has made a name for herself in the radio business. 

To date, her resume (on LinkedIn) shows her getting her foot in the door in her native Charlotte where she gained valuable experience on-air in both commercial radio and television. Then her talents took her to Richmond, Va. but this turned out to be a short stint due to her station making cutbacks because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Tradia rebounded nicely and in the fall returned to the Carolinas as the midday host of Fayetteville's WZFX-FM. She graciously took time to answer some questions about her career. Her emailed responses, we hope, will be helpful to current students hoping for careers in broadcasting.  

Question #1  Your radio work in recent years has taken you away from your hometown of Charlotte to Richmond, Va. and now Fayetteville, N.C. What has that been like for you to pick and move for new jobs? Did you expect you would be doing this in your field?

      Tradia: Yes! The world of radio has been very exciting and a whirlwind for me for sure, life moving around in radio for me has been thrilling but at the same time it's taken a toll on my mental health, if I can be very transparent.

      Moving from Charlotte to Richmond was very exciting for me because in my eyes I was getting my “BIG BREAK” not only in my career field but in my actual life. Moving from Charlotte to Virginia was the first time in my adult life that I had to face the world how it is, with no one to protect me from it and no one to guide me through it, just myself learning how to live as the adult I was. I never had my own place, never paid rent, never really had to deal with the real world until I was faced with the option to grow as a radio personality. Even though fear was there, God showed up for me in ways I wouldn't even imagine and I made it! It taught me so much. 

I stayed in that position for four months before being let go due to Covid-19 taking a toll on the radio industry and six months later I was picked back up in Fayetteville, North Carolina to continue being a radio personality serving in a similar role.  

      So for me moving a lot in the last year has been a lot. I’ve been told in radio you jump from city to city, state to state and I didn't know how real that was until I found myself jumping and moving for an opportunity in radio especially with the current climate, I’m blessed to be back but I wasn't expecting to be doing so much moving. I would love to one day be in a city where I can learn the audience and grow with my audience.

Question #2   Do you feel good with where you are in your career? Broadcasting is such a competitive field, especially for on-air jobs.

Tradia:  I feel amazing where my career is at this moment! I'm blessed to be back in especially during a global pandemic.

I've made it this far! I must be talented! I'm still
in, lol. 

Question #3: What are the best and not so best parts of working in radio for you?

      Tradia: The best part of working in radio for me is that I get to be myself. I get to speak to millions of people a day and connect with people on a different level. I’m able to bring a sense of joy to people's lives by simply providing them with their song request or concert tickets! 

      I also love the “community” aspect that comes with radio! When people call in to the radio station and talk to me then see me out and about it feels like we are family and that's what I love about radio! Not to mention it's a fun industry to be in! 

      The not so great parts are the bouncing around and the uncertainty of your position. It’s sort of like here today gone tomorrow, so my goal is to have longevity in this industry.

Question #4  What advice would you give current SC State communications students interested in getting where you are today or in other media fields?

      Tradia: The best advice I would give to the current SC State communications students who are interested in this field is to build genuine connections with people in the industry.

Start to follow people you would like to be like or study on social platforms like LinkedIn and more! 

      Connect with people who you trust who could be your mentor and take the advice of your university communication department!
Seek out radio station internship programs and opportunities! 

Question #5 How was your experience at SC State as a student? Did your courses, student life and your "Front Row" amazing experiences all help prepare you for the "Real World"?

      Tradia: My life at SC. State was an amazing one that I look back on and simply smile because that moment in my life really got me to where I am today. Cherish your college years because they go quick! All of my teachers helped to mold me into the woman I am today. The courses I took were always hands-on and helped me to really apply it in the work field. 

      And my Front Row days were my favorite because at the time no one else was really tapping into vlogging or producing like we were and it was nice to see after we left how that creativity sparked many to pursue their dreams and desires without caring what others may think! Front Row has really taken me to new heights and was a huge stepping stone for myself, Valerie and Taylor! 

Thank you so much Tradia McCoy!  Thank you for your time. Continued success to you and Happy Holidays! 

       UPDATE: In 2022 Tradia left the radio profession and now works for the news and entertainment site BuzzFeed. Congratulations Tradia! 

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