Take Five with Heather Cohen
We’re back with another Take Five! As we continue to promote future broadcasters, our intern, Ricky Hubert (Hofstra University, Class of 2026), spent some time with Heather Cohen, President of The Weiss Agency, an agency that provides a broad range of representation services to talent, management, podcasters, advertisers and media companies. Heather additionally serves on the BFOA’s Board of Directors and as chair of the individual giving Guardian Fund. Heather and Ricky discussed the importance of involving young people with the Broadcasters Foundation and why the BFOA’s mission is so important to Heather.
RH: What do you love most about being in broadcasting?
HC: I continue to be energized and motivated by the passionate content creators that Eric Weiss and I represent. The special connection between the broadcaster and their audience is more important than ever. I have witnessed firsthand how radio and television personalities are often the only companion a listener (or viewer) may have during a natural disaster. As a producer at WOR Radio at the very beginning of my career, I knew the impact we had in the Tri-State area when 9/11 happened. I learned the importance of engaging, informing and entertaining an audience. It is a tremendous responsibility that still excites me. Broadcasters are a large family made up of those behind the scenes, in front of the camera or behind the microphone, in sales, production or engineering. I am proud to be a member of this large and impactful family.
RH: Looking at current trends, what advice would you give to those who want to break into broadcasting?
HC: Go in with an understanding that you have to be a multi-platform performer. That means being successful over the air, in podcasting, streaming, on socials and of course, in person. You must be willing to work hard on multiple platforms to thrive in our industry. You can never stop reading, learning and evolving. I force myself to reinvent constantly, even if it is time consuming or frustrating.
RH: As a talent agent, how do we engage successful talent with the mission of the BFOA?
HC: It is our responsibility to educate and inform talent as to what this incredible foundation does. There is no one better than a personality to share our important mission with their peers and friends. Every talent at one point, or another, has needed a little help or guidance, as they have built their careers. By spreading the word of BFOA it is the perfect opportunity to pay it forward. At the Broadcasters Foundation we have started a very successful program known as Media Mixers. These are gatherings of broadcasters from Radio and TV where they can mingle, hear from those who have been helped by the BFOA, and are encouraged to spread the word. This is about media-types helping those among us who need it the most. We have been hosting broadcasters in markets across the US and plan to do more. The Media Mixers have also taken place at talent oriented industry conferences. Everything we are doing is to heighten awareness of the purpose behind the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
RH: You serve on BFOA Board of Directors and as Guardian Fund chair, why is giving back to this cause so important to you?
HC: I have been so fortunate to see how BFOA Grants have drastically changed the lives of their recipients. I have spoken to recipients, hugged them and have heard their heartwarming stories. Some have shared their gratitude to the BFOA for being the only true assistance in their lives, during exceptionally hard times. My wish is that EVERY broadcaster becomes aware of our existence. I hope they understand our mission and will spread the word and perhaps make a donation, that is meaningful to them. I was fortunate to hear about the BFOA as a very young broadcaster, from my bosses at WOR Radio, Rick Buckley and Joe Bilotta. I implore station owners and large groups to be sure to create awareness in their buildings.
RH: As an industry veteran, why do you feel that young people should be made aware of the BFOA?
HC: We need every young person to be aware of the mission and existence of the BFOA. We hope they will spread the word, get involved, and make it a part of their lives in the broadcasting industry. Sadly, I have several friends who have told me that they wished that they had been aware of the existence of BFOA years ago, when a co-worker fell on hard times. Young people entering broadcasting have an infectious energy and we need them to carry on our mission. A special thanks to you, Ricky. We are thrilled to have you as a BFOA intern and I know you know you will do incredible things for our industry. You are off to a great start!
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About our intern, Ricky Hubert: Ricky Hubert is a senior at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. He aspires to work in New York City radio and is honored to be interning with the BFOA this fall. Follow Ricky on LinkedIn.
The BFOA Intern program is generously sponsored by the New York State Broadcasters Association.