WJON News Team Adds Reporter, Intern

ST. CLOUD - WJON has always had a strong commitment to local news, we're reaffirming that commitment by expanding our local news team.  We have hired longtime radio professional Mark Alan as an additional part-time anchor/reporter.

Meet Mark:
From San Diego, Calif.
One thing about my life is I've had a chance to see many parts of the world, whether it be as vacation or through the military (served six years in USAF), or because of a new job.

I have two daughters, both of whom have graduated from college with honors ( they got their brains from me). My wife's name is Karli, and her son Westin is in high school.

I graduated from Brown college in Minneapolis, and am also a graduate of Long Ridge Writers Group in New Britain, Ct.

I am a SYFY freak, love horror movies, but no movie without popcorn. Love the ocean and surfing, Dallas Cowboy fan and NY Mets fan. Enjoy theater and have performed in many productions.

Without listing every radio station I've worked at, I'll at least start with the first one which essentially was the Armed Forces Radio Network (1976-77) in Turkey. That adventure eventually led me to commercial radio. Some of my favorite markets I worked were in San Antonio, Tx., (KMMX) and the Twin Cities (KEEY, KLXK, KJJO). I  have been in the radio business for about 35 years and it has been a thrill to entertain, whether it be on the air or on location or even on-stage with National recording acts.

I find being involved with Townsquare Media as an on-air talent with 103.7 The Loon and working in the news department at AM 1240 WJON to be challenging and rewarding.

We're also pleased to have a young woman with a promising journalism career join us in the newsroom this summer.  St. Cloud native Ashli Gerdes will be our summer intern, and will also be working on stories and covering local events for us.

Meet Ashli:
I was born and raised in St. Cloud Minnesota. I've lived here most of my life with the exception of the two years I lived in Sarasota, Florida between the ages of nine and 11.
I graduated with honors from Apollo High school in 2009 before attending St. Cloud State University. I am majoring in Mass Communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism, and a minor in Political Science. My interests have always been current events and journalism.

In 2009 I started out as a volunteer radio deejay at KVSC Radio. A few months after I started at KVSC I became the assistant program director. A year later I was hired on as the program director, which is a title that I currently hold.

With my interests in current events I was inspired to run for Student government. I was elected to the St. Cloud State University senate my freshman year in college. While in student government I was honored to have served as the Legislative Affairs chair, and elected as the fine arts and humanities college senator.

I started as a staff writer for the St. Cloud State Chronicle in 2010 where I had the opportunity to interview people, such as the CEO of Famous Daves. My love for journalism inspired me to also join the Society of Professional Journalists at St. Cloud State which I served as the Vice President in 2010.

My passion for journalism led me to the St. Cloud State television station, UTVS. While at UTVS I produced content for the two live broadcasts each Friday. I also anchored two live newscasts each Monday evening. I currently serve as the UTVS web director.

My involvement with Townsquare Media started in the summer of 2011.  A few months after starting my internship I became the morning show intern on MIX 94.9. I have recently started hosting the overnight show on 98 Country. I am very excited and honored to be the newsroom intern for WJON!

Mark and Ashli join a news team that includes News Director Jim Maurice, and anchor/reporters Lee Voss and Abby Faulkner.  We are proud to have the largest radio news team in greater Minnesota.