For anyone who has tuned into a radio station across the United States, the captivating voice of Asia Chandler might feel like an old friend. A native of Virginia Beach, Chandler, affectionately known as “Your Radio Love,” has turned her childhood dreams into a thriving reality in the world of broadcasting. Inspired from a young age by local radio and the sheer joy of creating her own “broadcasts” with a hairbrush as a microphone, her journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and authenticity.
Asia’s passion for radio ignited when she received a toy from Radio Shack for Christmas at just nine years old. This toy allowed her to broadcast over AM stations, and the spark was lit. From that moment on, her dream of becoming a radio personality solidified itself in her heart. Pursuing her dream, Asia enrolled at Northeastern University in Boston, where she earned dual degrees in Communications and Journalism, graduating with honors. Her time at a student-run radio station was instrumental in honing her talents and deepening her love for the magic that radio holds.
Despite initial challenges in her career, Asia’s tenacity shone through when she clinched a victory in Radio One’s “Fresh New Voices” contest in 2001, competing against over 4,000 auditionees. This pivotal moment launched her career at WBOT (Hot 97.7) in Boston, where she quickly transitioned from entertainment reporter to midday host. As she climbed the ranks at Radio One, her roles varied from hosting “Heat Wave” to becoming the “Hot Spot” Entertainment Reporter. Her ultimate dream materialized in October 2007 when she began hosting the morning show at WBCG on Big City 101.3, a position that earned her multiple accolades, including four consecutive Best of Boston Awards.
However, the media landscape is notorious for its unpredictability, and Asia experienced the ups and downs common in the industry. When her station underwent a format change, Asia took it as an opportunity to explore new avenues. In 2011, she moved to Washington, D.C., working as a freelance entertainment reporter before returning to her roots. Rejoining Radio One in 2015 felt like coming home. Her commitment and talent soon led to promotions, including a coveted role as the entertainment reporter on The Donnie Simpson Show, working alongside one of her biggest idols.
Now, as Asia celebrates an impressive 24 years in radio, her multifaceted talents extend beyond the microphone. A trained singer and musician, she plays multiple instruments and has penned original songs, showcasing her artistic versatility. But Asia doesn’t just shine behind the mic; she also places immense value on community involvement and mentorship. She serves on the board of the American Cancer Society, advocating for cancer research and support, and is actively involved with the Prevention Re-Entry Program, guiding returning citizens toward successful societal reintegration. As a board member for the Light The Way Foundation, she inspires youth to chase their artistic dreams and has hosted seasonal community events offering resources, free services, and celebrations for families.
Asia's philosophy is simple yet profound: “Put God first, and everything else will fall into place.” Navigating this journey has allowed her to work alongside industry legends such as Russ Parr, Tom Joyner, and THE Cathy Hughes—whose influence was so strong that Asia wrote her academic thesis on Hughes, later landing her first radio gig with the company thanks to her prayers.
Her advice to aspiring radio personalities is invaluable, particularly in a world where authenticity is paramount: “In a world where people try so hard to be anything other than themselves, remember that to WIN, all you ever have to do is just be yourself… because no one can be you better than you.” This guiding principle resonates with many, capturing the essence of what it takes to succeed in a competitive industry.
In addition to her radio accolades, Asia has made a name for herself as a skilled entertainment reporter, veteran MC, and Red Carpet Correspondent. Her presence at prestigious events like the NAACP Image Awards and the American Black Film Festival has further solidified her standing in the entertainment community. As a local TV correspondent on Fox 5 and WHUT-TV, Asia constantly showcases her versatility and deep connection to the entertainment world.
Looking to the future, Asia remains as driven and passionate as the day she picked up that hairbrush microphone. With dreams of launching a podcast, syndicating her radio show, and recurring TV segments, she emphasizes that she is only just getting started. "The best is yet to come," she asserts.
Ultimately, Asia Chandler's journey is a reminder for all of us to pursue our passions with integrity, authenticity, and a spirit of giving. She is an inspiration to listeners everywhere, embodying the idea that when you follow your heart and stay true to yourself, the possibilities are limitless. As she continues to uplift and inspire, one thing is clear: the world should stay tuned because Asia Chandler's narrative is far from over.
