10 Questions with ... Valorie Knight

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

1. 1988-1990: KXXR/Kansas City, MO (Part-time/swing)
2. 1990-1992: KUDL/Kansa City, MO (Nights/MD)
3. 1992-2000: KQRC/Kansas City, MO (Afternoons/MD)
4. 2000-2002: KRBZ/Kansas City, MO (Mornings/ PD)
5. 2002-2004: WGIR/Manchester, NH (PD)
6. 2005-2008: WQLZ/Springfield, IL (OM/PD)
7. 2008-2017: KRVI/Springfield, MO (OM/PD)
8. 2017-present: KQRA/Springfield, MO (OM/PD)

1) What was your first job in radio and early influences?

KLDN, Eldon, MO....overnights, weekends, news, empty trash cans, make coffee....anything I could do to get experience. Early influences - my first PD, at KLDN, Ken Kuenzie taught me good radio and good habits and gave me a good base to start from. After that, Doug Sorensen at KQRC/KC taught me how to be a "real" person on the air and also gave me a shot to do afternoons in Kansas City- which had never been done before with a female. He also opened up my passion to be music director and taught how to be a good programmer and not be afraid to take chances.

2) Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is what I'm going to do for a living?"

Looking back at the first Rockfest in 1992- when we didn't know if anyone would show up, as we were a brand new station, and about 10,000 people later, with traffic jams, not enough beer or portapotties, and a near-riot, it was literally the biggest event I'd ever been involved in. I realized then- this is going to be FUN!!!!

3) Being a native of Kansas City, back in the day you worked for KQRC/KC as MD/Afternoons and eventually did mornings at KRBZ/KC. How was the experience of doing radio in your hometown?

Doing radio in your hometown makes being on the air something you just do- like breathing. You know the people, the lifestyle, what's important and what matters. You don't have to think about it. I didn't appreciate that until I moved to New Hampshire to program WGIR. Wow. What a culture shock. I couldn't even pronounce half the towns. Lol. They don't pronounce R's.

4) You have experience as OM/PD of several formats outside of Rock. How has that experience helped prepare you for your current gig as Cluster Ops Manager for Mid-West Family in Springfield, MO?

It gives you a greater perspective and broader grasp of the business. I can speak intelligently with all the other PD's about their stations. I understand the demo's and the target and the core artists so I think it helps me be a stronger leader and be sympathetic to them and their goals.

5) What makes KQRA unique?

Q has the luxury of being the only active rocker in SW Missouri. In the 3rd largest market in the state- that is a huge field to play on! We have the luxury of playing the rock/alternative position in the market- which works perfectly here- with Q's history of alternative in the market- it's all in the library. The interesting thing is, the station has evolved over the last decade plus- from alternative to active and the audience has stayed with it. For the most part, it has been one of the most consistent stations in the market. It's nice to work for a company- Mid-West Family- that encourages us to be local,, create our own events/concerts etc.. to showcase our brand and our influencers. For example, we created a concert named after our afternoon guy- called Baden's Big Bad Wienerfest! We have all local jocks- outside of the morning show and a key part of that lineup is Baden in the afternoon. He is fairly new to radio, but one of the most talented people I've met. He will also give me my fair share of gray hair, but he's super creative and funny as hell.

6) Before we talk about the music on Q 102, the syndicated Lex & Terry show is running in mornings. How has that show been doing for you in the market?

Lex and Terry are very successful here - coming in #1 with men 25-54, 25-49 and #1 with Adults 25-54 in the spring book. They are the hardest working show I've worked with and love to do market visits. We have a golf tournament with them every year- the Lex and Terry Sub Par Classic that sells out every year.

7) What's your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?

Well... it's been a fun last two years to return to rock radio! Not only have several new artists broken, but there's a lot of return to guitar based rock- which is perfect for the Midwest. Seeing the success of bands like Greta, Black Moods, Dirty Honey as well as unique sounding artists like Badflower, Rival Sons, Glorious Sons and the mix of strong alt tracks from Black Keyes, Cage, 21 Pilots etc....helps us keep more broad than narrow. It's been fun to see artists like Gary Clark, Jr., Stapleton, and even Ed Sheeran get exposure at the format. I remember when I first started as MD at KQRC in KC, we were very broad- breaking music from Nirvana and Metallica to Lenny Kravitz to the Cranberries to Kenny Wayne Shepherd. All of those artists are in the library now and helped build the format. There has to be a broad base if the format is going to continue to grow and entice new audiences.

8) What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year so far and why?

Wow. That's the hardest question- it changes every day! Today I would say:

1. Shinedown- Monsters. I just saw 10,000 fans feeling and singing that song live- it's very powerful and relatable. Write a song that makes people feel and you've done your job.
2. Ed Sheeran/Stapleton/Mars- Blow- Amazing song. Perfect song for a rock summer playlist.
3. Highly Suspect- 16- Again, write a song that makes people feel and you've done your job.

9) What do you like to do for fun and relaxation when you're NOT in "radio" mode?

I like outside stuff- kayaking, hiking, running (started running 5'ks) and working out and yoga. I also have started teaching a couple night classes at the college level and I love bringing my experience to the classroom. My two sons are out of state now in Nashville and Fayetteville, so my husband and I spend a lot of weekends road tripping to hang with them!

10) Being a KC Chiefs fan (and like me, a Pat Mahomes fan), how far with the Chiefs go this year??

ALL THE WAY!!!!!