Howard Stern : Distraction Inc.

It was a productive five days in Manhattan this July where we spent a day with the great Meg Griffin at Sirius XM radio studios. Meg is our 4th and final DJ in the film and is just a great pick for the flick! She started her radio career in the early 70’s in Briarcliff Manor, New York alongside some guy named Howard Stern. Within a couple of years, she was at New York City’s legendary WNEW and her career just took off from there.

In our interview with her, we heard great stories about the 1970’s New York punk and new wave scene, the beginnings of MTV, her long-standing friendship with the aforementioned Mr Stern and of course her take on the evolution of rock radio, including her current work with Sirius XM. Meg is great on camera and we can’t wait for people to hear/watch her story.

We also talked to Sirius XM CEO (and former CEO of CBS) Mel Karmazin, as well as Rita Houston at the very cool WFUV in The Bronx and Allan Pepper, the owner of the legendary Bottom Line night club. All have long and deep connections to Meg and have great respect for her work and musical knowledge.

We of course took in a little of New York City too: drinks in the village, great Mexican food in Soho, a photo exhibit opening on Central Park West and half price wine between 8-10 pm every night in the bar of our hotel, The Shoreham. The city that never sleeps indeed. Or at least only turns in early before film interview days!

On to editing we go. Don’t touch that dial! (sorry – couldn’t resist a lame, dated phrase there)

Meg Griffin, with our Production Manager, David Jermyn. Sirius XM Studios, New York City. July 8, 2012.

We decided there was something noticeably missing from our documentary – the perspective of a female DJ. Though there were only a handful of women active in rock radio in a major market during the 60’s and 70’s , we have found one who definitely qualifies. Meg “Megless” Griffin did the free form thing at legendary New York City station WNEW during its glory years and she went on to spin tunes at WPIX, K-ROCK and now still plays what she wants on three different Sirius satellite radio channels.

She was hired as one of the first VJ’s on MTV but quit one week in because they wanted her to give up radio. She has been honored by the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame. Her close friendship with Howard Stern has lasted almost 40 years since they both began their careers in White Plains, New York. In short, we think she has some stories to tell and can’t wait to sit down with her in The Big Apple in early July. Stay tuned!

Tag Archives: Howard Stern

Meg in Manhattan

Megless!