Benztown Mentorship Honoree O'Brien Mentored By Seelig

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Jonathan O'Brien

Benztown and The National Radio Talent System have announced the selection of the Benztown Mentorship Program's first quarter mentee, Jonathan O'Brien, a sophomore student at Georgia College and State University. This is the third student from the National Radio Talent System to participate in the mentorship program. O'Brien, who attended the GAB Radio Talent Institute at the University of Georgia last summer, currently does the news on college station WGUR-FM.

O'Brien will be mentored by broadcast journalist Jennifer Seelig, who serves as Director of News and Programming for all News KCBS-AM and KFRC-FM in San Francisco, and a 19-year veteran of the station. Seelig will personally mentor O'Brien in Entercom's San Francisco studios during his Benztown-sponsored trip on March 15-17. She'll also mentor O'Brien virtually throughout the spring academic semester.

Benztown President Dave "Chachi" Denes said, "If Jonathan O'Brien is any indication of the future of our industry, we're in great shape. We are so pleased to be able to provide this opportunity with the assistance of our friends at the National Radio Talent System™ and the incredible Jennifer Seelig and KCBS."

The National Radio Talent System President Dan Vallie remarked, "Every broadcaster can get excited when seeing a talented, young, passionate-about-radio college student like Jonathan being mentored by such a professional as Jennifer Seelig at KCBS in San Francisco - and thinking: 'I wish I had had that opportunity when I was that age.' Thanks to Chachi and Benztown for making it happen."

Seelig said, "What an honor to play a role in the development of future radio superstars. I commend Benztown and National Radio Talent System for opening the door for Jonathan and other up and coming broadcasters."

O'Brien commented, "I am sincerely grateful to Dave "Chachi" Denes and Benztown for the opportunity to get to meet Jennifer Seelig and see the world-class operation at KCBS. It will no doubt be an incredibly valuable experience. My grandmother always says that no textbook can teach you what real-world experience can, and I think that is especially true in this case. I look forward to learning from the best in the business."

For more information about the Benztown Mentorship Program or to participate in the program as a mentor, contact Susan Aksu at sa@benztown.com.