My best Matt Rocchio story
The longtime radio board op maestro got a promotion!
He didn’t have to help me, but he did. If my best Matt Rocchio story had an outline, that would be it.
It was the summer of 2016 and I was a rookie radio host with a morning show-but not just any AM slot. I was the lead-in for The Morning After. I was the movie that nobody remembered that played right before a new episode of “Game of Thrones.”
Matt Whitener and myself had about as much big time radio hosting experience as Mike Matheny had MLB managing experience before 2012. But we were ambitious and full of material. Interviews were the bread and butter for any AM radio host. I tried to reach out to every local sportswriter/pal to come on the show, and I checked the Hollywood contact sheet.
The sheet had two names on it: Frank Grillo and the cast/crew of “Banshee.” I had scored an interview with Grillo, who was a burgeoning action star at the moment with a new “Purge” sequel in theaters and doing well. Since my show came on at 5am in the crisp crack of dawn, the New York native asked for a pre-record. I said, sure. Yeah I can do that.
I didn’t know a fucking thing about prerecords, outside of watching Chris Denman and Travis Terrell do them on “We Are Live.” Enter, Mr. Rocchio.
While board-operating his ass off for Denman and Terrell’s show, which co-starred Hanna Yates at the time, Rocchio did me like 16 favors. All the while, a live radio show was happening. He was moving around like the third guy to the right in “Goodfellas,” doing six things at once.
I had to prerecord in a small room, one that the board operator can do his or her job from if chosen. But it was a gem spot for interviews, because of the small, soundproof room and interior.
Rocchio worked a switchboard with plugs and wires like a magician, and I was set up to connect with NASA… or Grillo’s cell. Matt, a fast talker who has a passion for topics and subjects that usually kickstarts a longform conversation. He will challenge you on NCAA sports, NFL fantasy stats, baseball, tv shows, movies, 89 other things, and keep it coming.
But he’s just a good dude, who does real good work. He didn’t have to do a damn thing for me that night in 2016. When you’re in the radio business, at least on the AM dial side of it, you’re essentially mercenaries at the station. Civility abounds, but individual shows and brokerages means the endgame is you’re on your own. But that day, Rocchio was a trooper.
I won’t lie and say we have become good friends. More like passing pals who respect each other. I do remember giving him a ride home after a Christmas party that was lively and fun. I found out he lived in South City near me, and we would see each other from time to time at 590 The Fan.
You remember the souls in that industry that helped you. The people who didn’t have to give a shit but did, and that’s Rocc.
He’ll have a new gig here soon. After working with 590 The Fan for many years, Rocchio will become the board operator and producer for the morning show for 101.1 ESPN. The WXOS station kicks off with Randy Karraker and Michelle Smallmon from 7-10 am, a timeslot that now sits in Rocchio’s hands.
I’ve always thought a producer had to be creative, versatile, and be able to multi-task like a boss. Rocchio fits all those bills. He’s the right guy for the role. I know it.
I found out in the summer of 2016. Good luck, Rocchio.