Board operator Lou Rufino in the foreground with Sid Rosenberg, in the studio, in the background. Summer 2025 at 77 WABC studios, New York, NY
© 77 WABC / Paige Moreno / Haley Kenny
(New York, NY) – When people listen to a live radio talk show, they usually focus on the host’s voice, the conversation, and the content on air. But what they don’t hear is just as important—behind the scenes, inside the control room, a dedicated team is working in real time to make it all happen. It’s a fast paced, high-pressure environment where even the smallest decision can make a big difference. Louis Rufino and Justin Ellick are the morning show board operators at 77 WABC – they manage audio levels, coordinate live callers and guests, time segments and keep the show on schedule.
“It is very hectic but we always make it work and we always will,” Ellick said. 
Ellick starts his day at 4:00 am, to prepare for the morning show. His early responsibilities include uploading logs, coordinating with guests, and setting up the studio. During the show, one of Ellick’s key roles is call screening. He answers incoming calls from listeners, evaluates whether their message is appropriate for air, and provides the host with the caller’s name, location, and the topic they want to discuss. After the show, Ellick shifts to post-production tasks. He edits audio content for the website, podcast platforms and social media – adjusting volume levels, removing unwanted noise, and cleaning up the audio. Once the edits are complete, he uploads the finished segments to the website.
Rufino has been dedicated to the industry for 39 years, with 25 of those spent working alongside Sid Rosenberg. As the board operator on “Sid and Friends in the Morning”, he plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role – managing the technical aspects of the show, pushing callers through, adding music and commercials, and keeping the hosts on schedule. He’s also a valued voice on the show and can be regularly heard interacting with Sid. Rufino has been working at WABC for the past four years, beginning his work day before 5:00am. He worked for WOR and WFAN before joining 77 WABC because of Don Imus. When Imus was fired and then found a way back on air – he made sure Rufino came with him. Despite the early mornings and nonstop pace, Rufino wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I wouldn’t want to be doing any other show. Our show is great and we have fun,” Rufino said. 
Jonas Jackson is another member of the production crew at 77 WABC. His biggest responsibility is creating the cut sheet – the audio segments the host will use during the show. He edits and prepares audio clips, such as interviews, news bites, or soundbites. He operates the sound board, and also handles pre-production work — as well as both pre-recorded and live shows. He edits the sound clips that play during different shows and keeps them organized in files. His passion for media grew when studying TV and Radio production at SUNY Brooklyn College. His love for sports and music make his job fun and exciting.
“The best part about working here is everyone has a great personality. We have fun, we work hard and we always help each other out.” Jackson said.
The board operators and production team have to work together and with each host. Some hosts provide structured lists of audio cuts while others like to request clips right before or even during a live show. This requires quick responses and flexibility.
“It’s almost like you’re a customer service person, and you have to adapt to the host,” Jackson said.
They may not be on the mic, but they’re the reason the mic sounds good. Whether it’s managing technical systems, timing every second, or cleaning up the final cut, Rufino, Ellick, and Jackson make sure the show runs smoothly — from the first word to the last. Their work may be behind the scenes, but without them, there is no show.
Paige Moreno and Haley Kenny contributed to this report.
