Two longtime acquaintances helped Joe Lancello to his new job as a play-by-play broadcaster for R&J Broadcasting’s KRJB FM in Ada, MN.
Lancello met R&J Broadcasting Owner Jim Birkemeyer when Lancello was early in his career. “He was kind enough to let me use a production studio to make a new audition tape after I lost my first job,” Lancello smiles.
When Lancello contacted Birkemeyer about the KRJB opening, he learned that R&J had purchased radio stations in International Falls, MN. Coincidentally, that is where a general manager for whom Lancello previously worked is now employed.
“My old boss talked about me a lot and that seems to have helped my case,” Lancello grins.
In his new job, Lancello will be hosting an online coaches show and covering games throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. “I’ll be kept busy doing play-by-play.”
Lancello is a 32-year radio veteran and a 2006 charter member of STAA. Though he’s broadcast in cities like Nashville and Huntsville, Lancello has spent most of his career in small markets with names like Thief River Falls, Warroad, Shawano and Hibbing. He spent the past four years in Oskaloosa, IA
“Small towns are very passionate about their teams, so that’s a plus for me,” he smiles.
Also a plus for Lancello are the friends he’s made throughout his career, two of whom he can thank for his newest opportunity.