PHOTOS: Behind-the-scenes at the NJ101.5 Morning Show

Usually when I'm asked to help out by engineering (pushing buttons for) "New Jersey's First News," and Jim Gearhart's morning show, my alarm goes off at the last minute...about 3:10 am!

I stumble down the hall (I am NOT a morning person, and never have been) and jump in the shower. Breakfast happens in the blink of an eye, and I am on the road for a 4:30am start.

The "Big Yellow Van(s)" in the dark...its just too early in the morning! (Craig Allen photo).

Last Monday was one of those early days...and with the threat of icy roads, I woke up extra early, and pulled into the station parking lot at 2:30am. What to do now? Walk around with my camera phone, capturing the behind-the-scenes action!

The main studio, as seen from the screener's area. (Craig Allen photo).

I immediately head to the main on-air studio, dropping off my jacket and headphones...and I say hello to J.R...

"Play that funky music," J.R! (Craig Allen photo).

..who is playing "Jersey's Favorite Hits" right up to "First News" time at 5am.

I grab a cup of coffee in the kitchen ( a "must" at this early hour), and head back to the newsroom to say good morning to Eric Scott and Annette Petriccione.

Eric Scott is putting the finishing touches on "New Jersey's First News." (Craig Allen photo).

As we approach 5:00, Annette is in the news booth with Dan Zarrow, recording and sending out the network weather forecasts...

Dan asks: "What are you doing on the other side of the glass?" (Craig Allen photo).

...and Eric will be sending the 5am network news down the line to our other Town Square stations around New Jersey!

At 5:00:00, New Jersey's First News is ON!

Eric Scott is getting you "caught up" on New Jersey's First News! (Craig Allen photo).

Roads are slick this Monday morning, especially in North Jersey...

Dan Zarrow has your all-important "Instant Weather" details! (Craig Allen photo).

And, Bob and Jill have their eyes on the New Jersey roads!

Bob Williams has New Jersey Traffic North...see Jill in the background, waiting for her turn. (Craig Allen photo).

Jill Maira smiling in her studio, in between traffic reports... (Craig Allen photo).

Starting at 6:00:00, Jim Gearhart takes your calls, New Jersey!

Jim says: "Good morning, Good morning!" (Craig Allen photo).

And, the rest of the "cast" joins in!

Dianna Gebbia takes your phone calls, and Chris Swendeman is working on our website, nj1015.com (Craig Allen photo).

Amidst all the "hustle and bustle," the New Jersey 101.5 morning show is a big "family."

Jim and Bob sharing a light moment, off-air. (Craig Allen photo).

And, your calls just keep coming all morning!

Filling up the phone banks! (Craig Allen photo).

"PARCC" testing in New Jersey's schools is an on-going "hot topic."

As seen through the glass from the main studio, you are keeping Diana busy! (Craig Allen photo).

The morning goes quickly...and before we know it...

I'm just being "artistic" behind the "board." (Craig Allen photo).

Its 10:00!

Joe Cutter is ready to deliver the 10am news! (Craig Allen photo).

I hope that you have enjoyed this behind-the-scenes peek at "New Jersey's First News," and the "Jim Gearhart Show."

SEE the faces now...HEAR your favorite voices, tomorrow morning, starting at 5am, on New Jersey 101.5 and here at nj1015.com!

Filed Under: Craig Allen, Eric Scott, Jim Gearhart Show, New Jersey's First News, Weekends

Categories: Talking About ..., Weekends