My name is Chris Malanga and I'm a 1997 graduate of our fine University. I have a B.A. in Communications (Telecommunications major with Journalism minor). The three and a half years I spent there were the happiest time of my life and I wish I wouldn't have pushed to graduate early
While at BGSU, I worked for the BG News for a semester before I discovered my true passion - radio.
I started out with the BG Radio News Organization (BGRNO) as a news reporter and anchor and moved up through the ranks as Assignment Editor, Assistant News Director and finally News Director. As part of our BG Radio News programming, I hosted a news-format talk show on WFAL (RadioActive was the name - later Front and Center). It was really great hosting that show because I got to interview great people such as Stu Givens, Larry Weiss and Sidney Ribeau (we had a live interview with him in the Union during his first semester as president).
I also worked as a DJ for WFAL doing mornings and other shifts. Spent a little time on WBGU as well.
After graduation, I moved to Bryan, Ohio and took a job with the 50,000-watt WDFM-FM in Defiance. We were purchased by Clear Channel and also aquired three other stations in Defiance. I served in many roles, including News Director, Assistant General Manager, Operations Manager, and Director of IT. I also was co-host of the "Wake Up Show" with Rick Small.
In August 1999, I married my Falcon Flame Nikki Hall ('98 grad). In 2001, we decided to move back to my hometown of Warren, Ohio. Since a transfer with Clear Channel was not possible (but that's a long story), I took a job with the United Way of Trumbull County as their Director of Communications. Our first child, Tony, was born in April of 2003.
I do miss BG very, very much. Nikki and I have been talking about moving back to the area, so if anyone has leads on jobs in the radio/PR/marketing fields (for me) or as a math teacher (for Nikki), please let me know.
I have enjoyed getting to know people on this board, and it is the sole reason I came to the WMU game and the reason I'll be coming to the Marshall game. I hope to meet many of you at the tailgate party 8)
Well, I'm sure this is much longer than anyone would like to read, but hey, I'm a communications person! If anyone would like to say hi, feel free to PM me or email me at [email protected].
Oh, and I just started a blog... where I'll comment on BGSU, computers, sports, and life. It's the inner writer in me talking, plus it's good therapy. Take a sec to check it out: http://www.malanga.net/chris/blog
