Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Equalizers: Women Behind The Boards At WNYC"
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Duration: 6:49 minutes
Introduction: Celebrating Women in Audio Engineering
In the finale of their "Equalizers: Women in Music Production" series, WNYC's All Of It delves into the pivotal roles women play behind the scenes in radio production. Host Alison Stewart sets the stage by highlighting the underrepresentation of women in audio engineering and record production. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the women who ensure that WNYC's broadcasts run smoothly and sound impeccable.
"We've talked to history makers, Grammy winners, big names like Wendy and Lisa and Patrice Rushen... but today, we're turning the spotlight to the women engineers who make WNYC radio." [00:39]
Juliana Fonda: Mastering the Audio Landscape
Juliana Fonda, a senior broadcast engineer, shares her journey and passion for audio engineering. Having worked at WQXR Radio under the New York Times and later transitioning to WNYC, Juliana discusses the challenges of being one of the few women in her field.
"I love being able to make something work... that perfect moment of audio that just. Wow, that worked." [01:36]
Juliana's dedication is evident in her ability to seamlessly integrate music beds and sound elements, ensuring that every broadcast meets the highest quality standards.
Irene Trudell: Bringing Live Music to the Airwaves
As the technical director for Soundcheck, Irene Trudell recounts her memorable experiences recording legendary artists like Jeff Buckley and Chick Corea. She reflects on the early days in engineering, where women were scarce in her field.
"It took a while for them to recognize that women could do this too." [02:35]
Irene's narrative underscores the gradual shift in perceptions, highlighting her role in live remotes and major concerts that have shaped WNYC's rich musical tapestry.
Jennifer Munson: Crafting Conversations
Jennifer Munson, the technical director for On The Media, discusses her unique role in editing and sound mixing. With a background in vocal performance and audio technology, Jennifer finds magic in transforming lengthy dialogues into engaging, seamless conversations.
"I have just received the most incredible support from other women in the industry, looking out for each other and promoting each other." [03:35]
Her emphasis on community and mentorship showcases the collaborative spirit that propels WNYC's productions forward.
Leora Noam Kravitz: From Military to Media Engineering
Leora Noam Kravitz brings a unique perspective as a senior broadcast engineer in the newsroom. Her background includes mandatory military service, where she honed her engineering skills in a radio station environment.
"I always preferred the women. I don't know, it's just like, I feel like women's brains are good. They can do a lot of things at the same time." [04:24]
Leora's leadership in training new engineers reflects her belief in the multifaceted capabilities women bring to the engineering domain.
Amber D. Bruce: Storytelling Through Sound
Amber D. Bruce, a broadcast engineer, highlights her lifelong connection to radio and storytelling. Growing up listening to WNYC, Amber resonates deeply with the station's commitment to community narratives.
"As a woman, I feel like you have to hustle a little harder. You always have to be learning new things." [05:03]
Her dedication to continuous learning and adaptability underscores the resilience required to excel in a male-dominated field.
Shana Senstock: Engineering Excellence
Shana Senstock, responsible for running the soundboard and maintenance, speaks candidly about the challenges of engineering as a woman.
"I'm just a good engineer. You need to put female and tack that onto my work and what I do." [05:50]
Shana's insistence on being recognized for her expertise rather than her gender highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and respect in technical roles.
Conclusion: Acknowledging Unsung Heroes
Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the featured women engineers—Juliana, Shana, Irene, Jennifer, Amber, and Leora—for their indispensable contributions to WNYC. She also acknowledges producer Wayne Schulmeister for his role in bringing these stories to life.
"Thanks to WNYC engineers... and also thanks to Wayne Schulmeister who produced." [06:30]
The episode serves as a powerful testament to the talent, perseverance, and essential roles women play in shaping the cultural and auditory landscape of New York City through their work at WNYC.
Listen to More:
Explore the entire "Equalizers" series and other episodes of All Of It by visiting wnyc.org or subscribing to the podcast on your favorite platform.