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Streaming online, 'The Mark Zito Show' transitions to a national audience
By Kelina Imamura
Posted: 9/23/08, 12:41 AM EST Section: Feature
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"I can't be saying this enough," Zito said on the air that first night. "This is a soft opening. This had to happen eventually. It won't be like this in a week."
Zito takes his place behind the microphone. He takes out his laptop and starts connecting this room, the show's new home, to the rest of the world.
He plugs in and throws a pair of oversized headphones onto his head.
It's only moments before the camera turns on and "The Mark Zito Show" team - Zito, producer Matt Dangelantonio and co-hosts Dan Siegel and Courtaney Craig - goes live.
"Mark Zito's getting a little nervous," Siegel said before going on air.
"I don't get nervous," Zito replied. "I'm too good."
Zito is confident about his product, and now he has a reason to be. His radio show, now in its second official year, is broadcasting off the Hill to listeners in Daytona Beach, Fla., at the University of Maine and at George Mason University. Through self-promotion, persistence and determination, Zito has expanded his audience.
What began as just a Saturday afternoon show is now streaming live Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on the Internet and OTN, from 10 p.m. until midnight.
"I don't know of anyone who is based in this market that's syndicated elsewhere," said Zito, a junior communication and rhetorical studies major. "It's possible that some stations are syndicated to Utica or something like that. But I don't know of anyone who is also on in Florida or Maine."
Beginning with podcasting in high school, Zito has been working on some version of his creation for years. The show, originally called "Mixtape with Mark," morphed into "The Mark Zito Show" when Zito realized there was more to talk about than just play new music.
He first began interviewing girls asking them whatever he wanted to know, and now his blunt interview style translates to the celebrities he interviews for the current show - everyone from Gavin DeGraw and Sara Bareilles to "The Express" actor Dennis Quaid.
The show first aired on Saturdays last year on Z89, a campus radio station. However, there were numerous disagreements between Zito and the station which resulted in his 10-week suspension last year and ultimately his firing on Friday. During the first show on OTN, Zito called his former home a "communist regime."
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 9
Jim
posted 9/23/08 @ 10:41 AM EST
Yes. Being on in Maine and Florida is REALLY making it.
I've listened to this show. It's terrible. Don't waste your time.
Mike
posted 9/23/08 @ 11:03 AM EST
I've listened to it as well, and I really like it...
Kim
posted 9/23/08 @ 11:45 AM EST
I watch it too! It's good!
Ben
posted 9/23/08 @ 12:59 PM EST
They've been having a tough time with the equipment it seems, but the show is definitely worth watching.
Cosmo Kramer? Wtf?
posted 9/23/08 @ 1:47 PM EST
wow reads like the reporter fell in love with this guy. I guess sense of humor really does matter to chicks.
mozqito is kinda funny now and then, I'll give im that. (Continued…)
Zack
posted 9/23/08 @ 3:12 PM EST
I'm a big fan of the Mark Zito Show. Mark's interviews are great and his banter is hilarious. I think he has what it takes to make it in the entertainment industry. (Continued…)
Princess
posted 10/09/08 @ 11:07 AM EST
Mark Zito is horrible and his show sucks. All this commotion for nothing!
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