![]() ![]() I take pride and responsibility in doing things that can lift and encourage others, as well as give them a kick in the rear end when needed to do something. She heard me talking on the radio about an event I was doing for breast cancer awareness, and she said, ‘I need to do that (get a mammogram).’ The mammogram found she had breast cancer, but it was caught early, and she wrote in her email that hearing me on the radio very well saved her life. She had put off having a mammogram for years. “Years ago I received an email from a lady in High Point, NC. In 30 years, you can imagine some of the people Lora has met, like two of her favorites, Captain Kangaroo and her childhood hero, football legend Jim Kelly, but it’s the everyday listeners and those she’s met at charities that mean the most to her. I want to be the voice that says, ‘it’s ne – we are going to get through it,’” Lora stated. I want to be the voice that says, ‘OK, you forgot to pack the kids’ lunch’ or ‘you used your lip liner as eyeliner because you are running late for work,’ but it’s OK we judge ourselves too harshly. So many times in life, as women, we just need someone to be real with us. ![]() For me, it was a failed rst marriage and raising two daughters many can relate to my past. They are strong, yet vulnerable enough to share their life’s failures openly. “I want to be the kind of person someone would want to have coffee with. Relating to her listeners and giving to those she meets is what keeps Lora doing what she does… It’s almost sel sh because what you get back seems like much more than you give,” said Lora. I’ve found that you go, you give, but charity work nourishes you. Giving hearts and God’s servants make the world a better place. I’ve met some of my very best friends through these groups and my involvement. I can give my time, stand behind a microphone emceeing an event when I can’t write a big check like I’d like to do. Komen,, Hospice & Palliative CareCenter of Winston- Salem, Brenner Children’s Hospital and groups that work with animals. “I’ve had the privilege of working with local organizations and charities like Susan G. It is through her 30 years of working at WMAG that Lora has not only impacted morning drive time, but also local charities, that she holds near and dear to her heart. Working together to further women in this industry I feel is very important,” Lora commented. Seeing more women in management roles is something I hope for – women not afraid to train others for fear they’ll be replaced. I’m not alone in blazing the trail for women in radio we’ve come a long way, but we have farther to go. Although there were women in the industry, they were what I liked to call ‘giggle boxes,’ partnered with a guy, who was the smart and funny one, and the female was in place to give the weather report and laugh at whatever he said. “In the beginning, we had albums, then something akin to an 8-track, and CDs, and now everything is computer based. Over the years, Lora has seen many changes in the industry. At the time, we played softer ballads, but have since become a station with songs from the ’80s, ’90s and today’s hits,” recalled Lora. Parents could be in the car with the kids and have our station on and not hear any inappropriate comments that they needed to explain, or hurriedly switch to another station. “The format for the show was all about being family oriented. During her senior year, WMAG, 99.5FM, called the college looking for a student to help write Christmas copy and Lora got the job! After graduating with a degree in English with a radio/TV concentration, Lora began working at the station on air at night, then mid-day, nally landing the coveted AM drive slot. She moved to North Carolina to attend High Point College, now High Point University. Lora Songster, a native of Ashland, Oregon, grew up in Syracuse, NY, the third child in a family of four.
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