From Student to Trailblazer: Lisa Tyler’s Inspiring Journey

Radio has been a constant in Lisa Tyler’s life, from playing pretend radio shows as a child to becoming a trailblazer in the industry. Today, Lisa, a 2003 graduate of the Illinois Media School’s Chicago Suburbs Campus (Lombard), serves as the Program Director and Operations Manager at Mid-West Family, celebrating an impressive 22-year career in radio broadcasting. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and taking risks to achieve your dreams.

From Dreamer to On-Air Talent

Lisa’s love for radio began early, inspired by listening to Chicago talk radio with her parents. By the age of eight, she had already decided that radio was her calling, spending her childhood creating mock radio shows with friends. When it came time to choose a school, Lisa selected Illinois Media School for its hands-on education and direct pipeline to internships.

She recalls, “The hands-on education and skills I gained at IMS absolutely prepared me for where I am today. From running the board to finding my radio voice, to technical skills and editing—I’m where I am today because of IMS.”

Armed with these skills, Lisa quickly secured her first full-time on-air job at 95Q in Decatur, IL, hosting middays at a country music station. Within a year, she climbed to her dream role as a morning show co-host at 104.7 The Wolf in Kenosha, WI.

Climbing to New Heights

Lisa’s trajectory exemplifies a career in motion. By the end of 2004, she achieved another milestone by becoming the morning co-host at 95 WIIL Rock, fulfilling her dream of working at a rock station. Her time on The Tom & Lisa Morning Show became a pivotal chapter, described by Lisa as “the most fun I’ve ever had.”

Over the next 15 years, Lisa thrived in morning radio, co-hosting various shows, including The Jimmy & Lisa Morning Show at 102.3 XLC. However, as Lisa’s career progressed, so did her ambitions. She decided to explore the management side of radio.

“In the summer of 2018, an instructor I had at IMS messaged me about a Program Director job in Rockford, IL. It took a couple of months to process it, but I eventually decided to go for it,” Lisa shares.

Leadership in Radio

Lisa stepped into her new role as Program Director at B103 in 2018. Six years later, she added the title of Operations Manager to her responsibilities, overseeing a thriving station while continuing to push industry boundaries.

Her advice to new students and aspiring media professionals?

• Be fearless: “Move for that first job. I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not moved 2.5 hours south for my first job, then over 4 hours north for my shot at morning radio.”
• Be open-minded: “Be willing to work with different genres of radio. I didn’t know much about country music when I started, but with just two weeks of preparation, I made it work.”
• Be kind: “Don’t burn bridges. Radio is a very small world, and everybody knows everybody!”

A Future Full of Opportunity

Lisa has achieved incredible professional success, but her curiosity and passion for growth remain. “I am very happy where I am in my career and would be satisfied staying right here…but you never know! Never say never!”

Lisa’s story is a powerful reminder that success requires not just talent but grit, adaptability, and a willingness to take chances. Her accomplishments inspire both current students and aspiring media professionals alike, and the Illinois Media School is proud to count Lisa Tyler among its most distinguished alumni.

Are You the Next Success Story?

Lisa’s career exemplifies what’s possible with the right education and determination. If you’re ready to jumpstart your media career and turn your passion into a lifelong profession, Illinois Media School is here to help. Learn more about our hands-on programs and connect with our community of professionals dedicated to achieving success.

[Learn More About Alumni Success Stories]