Today we’d like to introduce you to Diego Ramos.
Diego, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It was the summer of 2014 when I attended a festival in Downtown Houston and little did I know that’s where my rollercoaster would begin. Growing up, I always had the desire to do something in the entertainment business, whether it was television, radio or even magazines. It was during my teenage years that the passion for radio grew more and I was decided to go for it but I had something against me that wasn’t gonna let me go as far as I wanted; being undocumented.
After graduating high school and doing some college, while working, I felt as if the dream I had growing up was never gonna happen. In 2010 while still being undocumented, I did apply to work in the field, but the ‘dream’ at that time was over within six months. It was then when I decided to give up on it, but little did I know it was just gonna be an experience that would help me years later.
In 2012, a decision was made for us the ‘dreamers,’ finally, something would put us in a position to better ourselves and that was DACA Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals. After getting work authorization to now ‘work legally’ in the country, things had changed for me, and the ‘radio dream’ woke up once again.
After attending a music festival, I was like I want to be like one of them. I decided to look into working in the industry once again, this time more mature, ‘legal’ but with the same passion I once had. I decided to apply for the ‘Promotions staff’ positions in former CBS Radio and I remember telling myself if I don’t get hired because this wasn’t for me, but if I do, I will be On-Air. And it happened.
A few months later, I got a call that would change my life. I did interviews and I was hired as part of the street team in, now known as Entercom Houston. Working events and getting to be involved in concerts, events, etc. was something I always wanted to do. Wearing a radio station gear, setting up events, working with radio personalities I had always admired was like something I couldn’t believe, but I was there, and no it wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t also always ‘fun’ as it may seem from the outside. I was now seeing both sides of the ‘entertainment business.’ Late shifts, no sleep, working double shifts or even triple sometimes, everything was part of it, and everything came as in a package. I always remember what once I was told ‘only the ones with passion for radio will make it.’ And oh yes, they weren’t wrong.
Radio events had become now a part of my life as I was working events every weekend aside from my still then, full-time job. It was a little over two years when I was offered to help on the programming side. I didn’t hesitate to give it a yes and started helping, and learning at the same time, little by little. A few months later, I was offered to co-host Mega 101’s community affairs show ‘Mi Comunidad.’ The offer came from former host Sarah Munoz, who knew I wanted to become an On-Air talent. I accepted the opportunity right away. This opportunity came to me as a blessing, like that wake-up call, that little push you need when you feel like giving up. As a co-host of ‘Mi comunidad,’ I had the opportunity to become more in touch with non-profit organizations in Houston as I interview them every week. This also helped me in both getting more closer to the people in need and also helped me on how to develop myself behind a microphone. One thing is ‘dreaming of it’ and another is doing it.
Another year or so went by. I was still working my promotion events as well as doing my part on programming until one day I received the call I will never forget. The call from Liz Arreola, music director and APD of Mega 101 FM, where she told me if I wanted to be trained to be on-air. In my head, I was like years girl but obviously I couldn’t scream right there and then, right? I honestly don’t remember my exact words because I was almost crying but I am sure I said yes.
It was probably a few days or weeks later when I was trained to do what I had always dreamed of. Honestly, during those days I could think of is like the man I’m here, Im doing this, what I once dreamed of is in front of my eyes. I will get to talk behind a mic, give news, gossip, talk about the artist, connect with people. Everything seemed surreal, but it was. All those long nights, the ups and downs, everything was worth it at the end. October 30 of 2016 was the day I will mark forever as the day my dream became true. Sunday. 4 pm. I still remember, its a special day for me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Is never a smooth road. Not for me or anybody. If it was easy, anybody would do it right? Imagine being an immigrant, a DACA recipient, and part of the LGBTQ+ community in this country. Is tough. It is. First off, you must face the no’s you’ll get up and down. Whether from people trying to stop you or just because they don’t believe in you. Add to this the no’s you’ll get because of your legal status in this country. When I started working on the radio I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, everybody told me that and they weren’t wrong.
The negativity I have received throughout the years working on the radio is crazy. You can’t make it. They won’t let you. You can’t get through this, to name a few. Pointed fingers when something goes wrong is another example and in my case some would go to me for holding the ‘least’ important position. Now let’s talk the language. Getting looked down at for my ‘broken English’ has been another one. I was questioned once if I could do it with ‘my English’. Another struggle has been working for people who, in my opinion, feel more important for holding a higher position. During my first few years I had experienced was I got treated as if I was nothing for being a newbie. People who wouldn’t even give you a ‘Hi.’
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Entercom Houston story.
Entercom Houston is the house for 6 of the most important radio stations in the city. Mega 101, Mix 96.5, The Bull 100.3, Spot 95.7 and Sports Radio 610. My job is a weekend on-air talent on the Spanish radio station of the company, Mega 101.1 FM. Aside from being on-air, I also board-up the station during different live broadcasts. Content creator for Mega 101’s website and social media assistant is also part of the stuff I do. What sets me apart from others, I think, is my dedication being available when needed and trying to always help if it is in my possibilities.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I would say there definitely will be changes in the radio industry with the internet, apps, streaming taking over. A shift, in my opinion, is people listening more to radio through different streaming devices rather than traditional radios.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mega101fm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eldiegoramos/
Image Credit:
Veronica Bonilla, Brad Wright, Robbie Green
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