10 Questions
10 Questions Revisit with Carla Ferrell
Name: Carla Ferrell
Title: Syndicated Program Director and Co-Host
Syndicated show The Steve Harvey Morning Show
Company: Premiere Networks/iHeartMedia
Her Social Media Links: Instagram, Facebook
Born: October 13- Chicago
Brief Career Synopsis:
I was the APD/Music Director at KMJQ-FM in Houston, as well as WGCI-FM and WVAZ-FM in Chicago, and Operations Manager at WQUE-FM and WYLD-AM/FM in New Orleans, and New York. In 2005, I joined The Steve Harvey Morning Show as Program Director and Co-Host, where I currently work daily to create morning drive entertainment featuring music, compelling content, sidesplitting humor, current events, topical stories, and community issues.
I have garnered numerous radio programming industry awards, including being named one of the “Ten Most Influential Women in Radio” by The National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment (NABFEME). I was also honored with a 2020 Gracie Award in the “National Radio Co-Host” category by The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, and in 2023, I was inducted as part of the of the “Inaugural 30” Black Women in Radio Historic Collection and Oral History Project in partnership with the Library of Congress.
1) Who were some of your influencers and mentors, both in and outside of radio?
I was raised by a single mother, Patricia Ann Boatner, and she did everything she could to make me happy and give me the best life possible. My mother was a hard worker, and she wanted me to be the first in my family to be a college graduate. My mother believed that with an education, you could have the opportunity to get a job that you love and are passionate about. I’ve also had many mentors throughout my career, including:
Bobrie Jefferson, the Promotions Director at KMJQ in Houston, taught me the importance of marketing and the responsibility that black radio has to constantly serve the community.
Terri Avery – I just wanted to be a boss like her. She was one of the few women in programming that I could look up too.
Doc Wynter, President, Hip Hop and R&B Programming Strategy, iHeartMedia. He always believed in my talent. He taught me more about programming and research and getting into the science of really understanding programming. He also empowered women in radio.
Elroy Smith – we loved Chicago radio and understood its history, and we worked hard to continue that legacy. Elroy also taught me how to tap into the listener – what they want to hear, what they expect from us, and the importance of keeping them informed and entertained.
Jennifer Leimgruber, EVP of Entertainment Programming, Premiere Networks. She gave me an opportunity to learn the syndication business, and the power of iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks reaching millions of people daily. We work together to make sure our affiliates and the audience trust the morning show with real conversation about social issues, culture, and humor.
Steve Harvey is also my mentor. He is so inspirational. We’ve talked daily about dreams, visions board goals, talent, and thanking God.
2) How did it feel being selected for the Library of Congress’s Inaugural 30 + 9” Black Women In Radio National Historical Collection?
It was such an honor to be a part of the distinguished “Inaugural 30” black female broadcasters, who I admire and love. I’m so thrilled that my family, especially my daughter Tosha, will see my career listed in the Library of Congress. It’s truly a blessing.
3) Would you share what you’re most proud of?
Being a mom is the greatest joy of my life. It brings out the best in me.
4) What led you to getting into radio?
It started with a love of music and my advisor at my alma mater Prairie View A&M University. When I arrived at college, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. He asked me what I loved, and I said, “music and talking.” He said, “go over to the communications building,” and the rest is history.
5) How did you wind up being on the Steve Harvey Morning Show? Weren’t you supposed to just Program it originally?
I was hired as the Syndicated Program Director, however, once the show started, Steve and I would talk about show topics and he said, “you keep it real all the time, you should be on the air with us.”
6) What do you think makes radio special?
There is nothing like radio. It can change the world with compelling content, while entertaining and engaging the masses by playing the biggest music hits, featuring major artists, and offering a one-on-one personal connection with on-air talent. And I believe Black radio has a commitment to the community.
7) How do you balance life and a radio career?
I’m blessed to work with a team and a company that allows flexibility in my work schedule to prioritize my family. Working morning-drive radio can be a lot – the hours, watching the news to stay up to date and topical, and constantly listening to music.
Self-care is key, it allows me to keep my stress in check. Often in radio, people get caught up in thinking that what they do is who they are. The balance is tough because not every day is a fun day. I’m okay with being successful and setting boundaries.
I used to feel like I wasn’t included in entertainment and industry events because of my decision to be with my family, however, I’m all good with my choice to step back when I need to because it takes work to have a healthy and loving family.
8) And the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Work smarter, not harder.
9) What’s your all-time favorite radio memory?
My favorite memory goes back to 2008, when my husband Tosh called The Steve Harvey Morning Show and announced that I had an emergency C-section and delivered our baby at 2:00 a.m. on January 17 – the same day as Steve Harvey’s birthday. Unbelievable!
10) Is there anything about you that would surprise most people?
I was the valedictorian of my kindergarten class!
BONUS QUESTION
Any words of wisdom for up-and-coming air personalities?
Believe in yourself; listen to music radio as much as possible to gain as much understanding and knowledge of the format; be dedicated to networking; and don’t post anything stupid on social media.