Chris Collins
Since I was a small child, I wanted to be a professional baseball player. Since that didn’t work out, I switched to “Plan B”, which was broadcasting. I have worked at several Ohio radio stations, and two in North Carolina, in my nearly 30 years in the business. Along the way, I held a few jobs outside of broadcasting, including a couple of years as an assistant baseball coach at Sinclair Community College and as an assistant promotions director at Wright State University. During my career as a newscaster and radio host, I have also had the opportunity to call the radio play-by-play for the Wright State University men’s basketball team. I am beginning my 17th year covering the Raiders. I am not a fan of hearing the alarm clock go off at 2 am, but I do enjoy being a part of the WHIO team! You can listen to Chris every weekday morning from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. during Miami Valley's Morning News. Q & A Where were you born? Indianapolis, Indiana Where did you grow up? Huber Heights, Ohio What was your favorite TV show then? The Andy Griffith Show What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? A professional baseball player How might someone have described you in high school? Shy and naïve What was your first job? Inventory specialist What was your first job in radio? An evening disc jockey at WKTN Kenton, Ohio What do you like about your job? I enjoy the camaraderie with my co-workers What do you not like about your job? That’s easy, the early hours What might people be surprised to know about you? I’m a proud grandfather of three beautiful grandchildren What is the hardest thing you ever did? Waking up at 2 am! What would be a perfect day for you? Any day that includes 8 hours of sleep What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Always be open to continued education and absorb as much as you can from your veteran co-workers If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it? A mix of my work including, sports play-by-play, newscasts and radio show host. Favorites Favorite book: Tuesdays with Morrie Favorite radio program: Miami Valley’s Morning News Favorite dream car: Mercedes Benz CL-Class Coupe Favorite food: Italian Favorite hobby: Working in my Yard Favorite Miami Valley place: All Parks and Recreation spots Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption Favorite music: The Eagles. The best band EVER! Favorite travel destination: Anywhere warm!