Curious about how TV and radio morning show hosts manage to get up so early - earlier than 2 a.m. in some cases -and appear so alert and happy? I polled them via email and over the phone to collect their wake-up secrets.
Here are some of their responses:
• April Madison (KGUN Channel 9): "I often wake up before my alarm even goes off. I even wear earplugs to bed to drown out basic noises - TV, doors opening or closing, someone getting something in the kitchen. As for coffee? It's my best friend. I drink about two cups each morning, one before the show and one during."
• Corinne Hautala (KGUN): "It may not sound very reliable, but my cellphone alarm has never failed me. I set an alarm for 1:15 a.m., 1:30 a.m., and the emergency 1:45 a.m. The 1:15 is: 'it is almost time to get up, so don't get too comfy.' The 1:30: is 'time to get up.' When I get up, I turn off the 1:45 backup alarm. Happy to say I haven't had to use it yet."
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• John Overall (KVOA Channel 4): "(I) stop at the convenience store for a large cup of coffee and (I'm) at the station by 3 a.m. If I'm really dragging I'll have a second cup of coffee from the break room. I rarely eat breakfast, so the coffee is my only real fuel on most days."
• Danielle Lerner (KVOA): "I switch off between coffee and green tea. I try and stay to just one cup in the morning, and maybe a Starbucks run mid-morning around 8:30 a.m. every now and then."
• Jeff Beamish (KVOA): "I have more than one breakfast - consumption equals energy. ... Breakfast No. 2, either while building weather graphics or between hits on 'Tucson Today,' usually involves Pop Tarts or yogurt with granola."
• Nichole Szemerei (KVOA): "(I) do push-ups and sit-ups before showering to wake up."
• Mark Stine (KOLD Channel 13): "My first, and normally only, alarm goes off at 2 a.m. If I hit snooze, my wife's foot is my second alarm, kicking me out of bed."
• Mindy Blake (KOLD): "The phone is a handy lighting tool as I move about in the morning, trying not to wake up the dogs, whatever kid is home from college, or my husband."
• Erin Jordan (KOLD): "I'm a total nerd & listen to BBC in the morning which has an interesting in-depth interview/story-telling program on while I am getting ready for work. I got hooked on listening to that."
• Kayna Whitworth (KOLD): "I wake up and every day run into the door as I stumble into the kitchen. Immediately drink an AdvoCare Spark. It's an energy drink with B vitamins and amino acids."
• Steve Nuñez (KGUN): "Normally, I try to fall asleep by 8. But if the Arizona Wildcats are playing basketball, forget about it. There is no sleeping for die-hard fans. How do I stay awake? I drink about two pots of coffee every morning. I've always been a heavy coffee drinker so my body is already used to a high dose of caffeine."
• Gina Trunzo (KOLD): "I usually have one or two cups of black coffee before I go to work, then hot tea and vitamin C drinks during the show to keep me pepped."
• Todd Fooks (KFMA 92.1-FM): "(I) make coffee that is generally regarded by all as 'too strong, dude.' (I) have probably two or three cups during the show."
• Frank Brinsley (KLPX 96.1-FM): "One word: Sun Drop (citrus soda). Wait. Is that two words?"
• Jon Justice (KQTH 104.1-FM): "I'm up at 2:50 a.m. via the alarm on my cellphone. I get a cup of coffee first thing before I get to work looking for content for the show. Usually I listen to podcasts I like or my friends who host a show on several stations back East since they are live. I'm usually pretty alert and awake with my cup of coffee. Ultimately I'm a morning person, so I don't need much help."
KOLD, KVOA jockey for ratings wins
According to Nielsen data, KOLD Channel 13 and KVOA Channel 4 split ratings wins in local news time slots in the age 25 to 54 demographic, which is prized by advertisers.
KOLD won the 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. slots, while KVOA notched wins at noon, 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. KGUN Channel 9 brought up the rear in most time slots.
Guthrie may be up for "Today" anchor
Former Tucsonan Savannah Guthrie continues her rapid rise up the ranks of big-time TV journalism. According to gossipy news reports citing unnamed sources, she's at the top of the list of possible replacements for Ann Curry, whom NBC is reportedly considering removing from her role as an anchor on NBC's "Today."
In July 2011, Curry replaced Meredith Vieira as Matt Lauer's co-host.
Guthrie, an Amphitheater High School and University of Arizona grad, joined NBC in 2007. Guthrie currently co-hosts the third hour of "Today" - a position Curry formerly held.
Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at pvillarreal@azstarnet.com or 573-4130.
