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10 Questions with ... Matt Kelly
March 17, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
After graduating from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism, I was given my first part-time opportunity in late 2010/early 2011 at WVAQ. After about a year doing part-time air shifts, I became a full-time production assistant for WV Radio, working on imaging and commercials for the entire company. In late 2012, I became the full-time afternoon personality on our country sister station, WKKW. I worked on WKKW until April of 2017, becoming the interim PD my final year there. Then, I was asked to take the lead on WVAQ as Program Director in spring 2017 and have been here since.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
My first real experience in broadcasting was in college on WVU’s PHENOMENAL college radio station, U92 FM “The Moose.” I learned a lot from mentors Kim Harrison and Alex Gavula. I was one of the few kids with skills in recording software, so I started off in their “Production” department, working on station imaging. I then also transitioned into taking up air shifts too. While at U92, I learned MANY values and skills that are still a part of everything I do to this day.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
MANY things lead me to where I am today. I had always been a HUGE music fan and musician growing up. I played in local bands, recorded CDs, etc. My love for music mixed with radio when I stepped foot on campus at West Virginia University. My father nudged me in the direction of U92, to see if they had any openings. He said it might be a fun extracurricular activity. He was a teacher, but before getting his full-time gig, he worked as a substitute and worked at the local radio station WELK in Elkins, WV at night. He was so passionate about it. He even met my mother there! My love for music, interest in storytelling and a bit of family history lead me to an interest in radio.
3. How does the Jack & Nikki morning show set the table for the rest of the station’s broadcast day?
Jack and Nikki are the PERFECT combination in the morning. Jack is one of the most knowledgeable, considerate guys I’ve had the pleasure to work with...but he also knows how to entertain and push people’s buttons when he needs to. Nikki is a firecracker. She’s fun, and just hearing her on air makes listeners smile. The two of them together not only keep our listeners entertained each morning during their commute, but also make them THINK. Jack is a native West Virginian and knows pretty much EVERYTHING about our great state. Nikki is all about family, bringing in stories that relate to the listeners. The two of them carry a conversation each morning, they aren’t just talking AT our listeners. I believe they make listeners want to keep tuned in for more fun and entertainment throughout the day...from a staff who cares about their local audience on a level no others can match.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges that you face in your role as Program Director?
Whew, that’s a tough one. One of the greatest challenges is probably being honest about your time, and how you spend it. I try to make sure I plan ahead and tackle the most important, timely topics first...before getting “into the weeds” with other things.
Communication is always key too. Not just with my immediate staff, but with EVERYONE in this building. It takes a lot of great minds to make this machine work!
5. What do you enjoy the most about also doing afternoons at 102 WVAQ?
First of all, the HISTORY that comes with this position. For many years, the ONLY afternoon DJ North Central West Virginia was listening to, was Lacy Neff. He passed away a few years ago, and I never take what I have for granted. He was the PD that gave me my first chance as a part-timer in 2010/2011. I wouldn’t be here without him giving me a shot.
With that being said, afternoons are so fun! I love not only connecting with our core demographic of 20 and 30-year olds, but the kids too! I was a Boy Scout growing up. I worked day camps every summer with kids from first to fifth grades. I love kids, and how curious they are. So, the first half of my show reaches a lot of moms and dads with their kids in the car after school. It’s a blast entertaining them and getting to know them as they call/text in to the show!
I was always the guy wanting to cheer everyone up. I would find a way to lighten the mood and remind people that everything was ok. I think THAT, paired with my love of music, is a winning combo for the ride home on WVAQ!
6. "Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep the station visible and involved in the community?
Being locally owned and operated DEFINITELY helps with this. It allows us to talk about the local high school basketball state tournament scores, community events, etc. My amazing staff is great about connecting with local charities and non-profits. If there’s a way we can serve our community, we strive to do so.
7. You also voicetrack middays for sister WQZK. What do you enjoy most about that part of your day?
I enjoy the change of pace, scenery, etc. But honestly, it really allows me to kind of “workshop” some material that I can use later on my live shift that same day on WVAQ.
8. Which social media platforms do you use to engage with your listeners these days?
Facebook is HUGE for us here. Followed by Instagram and Twitter. I always say it’s “the show within the show.” I often use social media as a tool to get input from our followers that I can then use on air.
9. What was your favorite station when you were a kid? Jock?
You’re going to think I’m kidding...it was WVAQ! I lived in a SMALL town outside of Elkins, WV. Elkins is about an hour and a half southeast of Morgantown, where our studios are located. I grew up listening to the same station I now work for. How cool is that?!
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Kim Harrison and Alex Gavula first showed me the ropes. I learned about the structure and procedures in a radio station in college with them.
At WVAQ, I learned a lot from Lacy Neff when he first hired me. He’d train me and work with me a lot. After that, at WKKW, “Big” John Bowen was a HUGE influence on how to take that next step from on-air talent, to so much more. I learned how to be more of a PD from him, and some other great tips & tricks to sharpen my skills.
In all honesty though, I learn something new from my staff every day. Jack Logar, Nikki Drake, Jaime Ames, Jason Knight...we’re all so different, so I think we hear things that each other is doing and really learn from one another. One of my biggest life mottos, probably stemming from my Dad being a teacher, is that you can learn something new every day. Be open to learning. It’s ok to not always have the answer. Admit it. Use your head and resources to find/create a solution, and move on.
Bonus Questions
Tis the season…have you heard any songs that you think are possible contenders for the Song Of Summer yet?
That’s a tough one...since Spring has just sprung.
I think Justin Bieber “Intentions” has a strong chance. Plus, it’s Bieber! He was a part of some of the BIGGEST summer songs of the past couple years. (“I’m the One” and “Despacito”) -
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