After 22 years of waking up at 4 a.m. to host KUT's Morning Edition, Jennifer Stayton is finally getting to hit the snooze button. But don't worry, she's not leaving the station entirely. Instead, she's trading her early morning slot for a later one, focusing on special events, and reporting on a project about aging in Austin. This marks a significant shift in her career, and it's worth exploring why this change is both bittersweet and intriguing.
The Early Years: A Blast from the Past
Stayton's journey in public radio began in Western Massachusetts, where she worked for a family-owned radio station for four years. She did it all: sales, music hosting, news reporting, and commercial producing. It was a diverse and exciting experience, but it wasn't until she moved to Syracuse for a master's degree in radio-television-film that she truly found her calling. At WAER, she interned and eventually became the Morning Edition host, enduring the challenges of cold, snow, and blizzards. This experience, as she admits, was a wake-up call, both literally and metaphorically.
A Return to Austin: The Perfect Fit
After moving back to Austin in 2001, Stayton found herself listening to KUT every morning on her drive to work. When the host of Morning Edition wasn't there, she noticed. This led her to email the station and apply for the position. Despite being out of radio for almost three years, KUT took a chance on her, and she's been there ever since. This decision, she reflects, was a turning point in her career, and it's fascinating to consider how a simple email led to such a significant opportunity.
A New Chapter: Later Hours and Special Projects
Now, Stayton is embracing a new chapter in her career. She'll be hosting Morning Edition from 9 to noon, allowing her to sleep in a bit and still contribute to the station. She'll also be focusing on special events and reporting on the aging in Austin project, a topic that's close to her heart. This shift in her schedule and responsibilities is a testament to her adaptability and passion for public radio.
The bittersweet goodbye
The decision to step away from her beloved Morning Edition is not easy. She's convinced it's the best job in public radio, and she's loved it dearly. But the opportunity to explore new avenues and contribute to the station in different ways is exciting. It's a bittersweet goodbye, as she acknowledges, but it's a chance to grow and evolve as a professional.
In conclusion, Jennifer Stayton's decision to step away from her early morning slot is a fascinating development in the world of public radio. It's a reminder that even the most beloved jobs can evolve, and sometimes, a change is necessary for growth and exploration. As she embarks on this new chapter, we can only admire her dedication and look forward to the exciting projects she'll undertake.
