10 Questions with ... Ken Carson

1) What led you to a career in radio and was there a defining moment which made you realize “this is the career path I’ve chosen”?

At the age of 15, my parents retired to Port St. Lucie, FL and the local radio station out of Ft. Pierce (WOVV) was broadcasting a part-time opening for a high school junior or senior. I applied and landed the job. As a teenager on the air at a 100k watt station I wasn’t what you’d call focused until I met, and became a student of, Dave Brewer. Dave straightened me out and helped me focus on my skill set. Combine that with learning talent coaching from legendary broadcaster and consultant Tim Moore and I was locked on target. That’s when I realized, this is it!

2) Can you give us a career overview of stations you worked at and positions?

I have been a PD or OM since 1983: WHNN, KHTZ, WHJY, WPHD, WHTQ, WROQ, KKLZ, KHPT, WQXA, WMNT, WQLZ and WYBB.

3) What are some of your best career highlights programming in Rock radio?

1) The magical 7 years at WROQ in Greenville, SC. The most cohesive and creative staff I’ve ever worked with. 2) For 6-years I programmed WQXA in Harrisburg, PA. Another case of working with an amazing staff during tough economic times and consistently coming out on top in ratings and billing which led to being awarded 2007 Citadel station of the year. 3) Being voted Rolling Stone Station of the year in 1987 while programming WHJY in Providence, RI. Those were some crazy years as my morning show (Fox & Cheeks) pushed the limits of FCC guidelines and the ear candy was amazing! 4) At KKLZ, pulling off Bras Across the Strip in Las Vegas, NV the year after 911. 10,000 Bras strung end to end (held up by cancer survivors) along the entire length of the Vegas Strip. This event benefited the Susan G. Koman Foundation and required a logistic (and political) strategy that could never be repeated again in today’s world. Over 271 media outlets from around the world covered the event and the awareness for Breast Cancer research and funding was a huge success.

4) You recently became President of New-HD Media. Can you tell us a little about the company and what it does?

Our non-profit company was formed three years ago by my business partner, and long-time friend, Zach Martin. Zach is also known as Father Zachary, yes, a rockin’ ROC priest whose unique ministry serves the Neurodivergent community, disabled vets, people with HIV and Additional Needs families. NEW-HD Media is a registered 501c3 powered by Sophia’s Mission. Legendary singer Paul Rodgers sits on our board of directors as does football great Tiki Barber. First and foremost, we work with and train young adults with autism, special needs, blindness and other disabilities. These individuals are paid for their work by Sophia‘s Mission, work that can be done from the safety of their own home. These jobs involve all aspects of working at NEW-HD radio New York and NEW-HD radio Los Angeles. The majority of announcers you hear on-air are disabled. To hear these talented individuals discover their voice, many who would barely talk, and hear them reach what most thought were impossible goals is quite frankly a miracle. This process does not happen overnight but through coaching and specialized training it’s succeeding every day. Just like PBS and Public Radio we rely on donations and fundraising to keep us going, more on that later. Oh, by the way, we play great music and create innovative programming!

NEW-HD’s first content platform is NEW-HD NY, “Where Rock Lives”, a unique streaming audio station built on the heritage of the greatest rock stations in the U.S. The music is a blend of today’s rock and legendary rock from the past. The station features the Big Fat American Rock Show with Founder Zach Martin from 3P-7P Monday through Friday and a Christian rock show I host, The Mustard Seed, Sunday’s from 10am-3pm.

Our second platform is NEW-HD LA. which is currently the latest New Rock and Ultimate Pop. This station will be reintroduced next month with a new music format that will fill a HUGE hole in the Los Angeles market. I will be hosting mornings with another music industry veteran as my co-host, along with a team of talented disabled broadcasters.

5) What are your responsibilities as President?

Let me begin by making several things very clear. I do not take a pay check because this is a labor of love. Along with CEO Zach Martin, this is our life's mission. As a lifelong coach of successful air talent, I have an innate passion to teach radio, discover talent and challenge anyone to achieve personal greatness. What better way to use the skills I have acquired over 4+decades in the biz than give back the many blessings I have received? I am also responsible for fundraising, music selection and all marketing platforms.

Besides guiding all current and future programming I will be teaming with Zach Martin to formulate and introduce innovative plans to literally (wait for it) “change the way people use radio.” I can hear the laughter from here, but this is not some overused cliche. The plans have already been put in motion. You must understand that Zach and I have both experienced the best radio has had to offer, and we’ve also seen and lived through the worst. Our aim is to make sure our team of disabled broadcasters develop in an atmosphere of encouragement and excitement for “The Power of Radio.’

6) While you’re set in NY and LA, what are your plans for the expansion of New-HD Media?

The beauty of our platform is that we can start a new station as soon as we train the talent and build the brand for whichever format we choose. What makes us unique is that we can customize our stations to any market by actually serving each community through disabled announcers from that particular market. Local personalities…what a concept. For those wondering, yes, we pay all music licensing fees. We are currently targeting three additional markets for expansion. What we really need is access and content from the artists and labels. We have the freedom and ability to schedule an artist interview or new release immediately on any of our stations, as I don’t need anyone's permission (insert smirk here).

7) New-HD Media is also holding quarterly fundraisers in conjunction with Saint Sophia’s Mission that will benefit young adults with autism and other disabilities. What can you tell us about these events?

We will be holding three to four fundraisers a year and are in need of donated items from friends in the Music/Radio industry as well as any other memorabilia, whether it be from sports, movies or other collectibles. I’m asking all of my associates in the record/radio industry, especially those companies I helped break artists and make money for, to help us in this worthwhile cause. All proceeds go to these disabled young Americans. Our current auction ends next week however we are already stockpiling items for the next auction. You can see our current auction at www.newhd.travelpledgeauctions.com We owe a ton of gratitude to Maria Musaitef and Shauna O’Donnell, as we wouldn't be where we are without them on our team!

8) What else are you looking to accomplish at New-HD Media?

We have discovered innovative and unique ways to reward listeners for spending time with our platforms, including social media, however it can’t happen overnight. I only accepted these responsibilities last October, so could you give me say, another year to implement what is already on my plate? (insert laughter here) At the end of the line I pray I will look back and celebrate as these young people with disabilities carve out a joyful, productive and self-sufficient life. After all, as the Blues Brothers said, “we’re on a mission from God!”

9) With your successful career as a Rock programmer, and coming from the perspective of your new job, what’s your take on current Rock music and the Rock format overall?

For the first time in my career this is an easy question. Plenty of incredible bands and artists are surfacing and song quality is not the issue. The issue is commercial radio’s continued failure to get ahead of trends, create compelling content, invest in coaching local talent and programming thinkers who constantly interact with P1’s, forge relationships with rock artists and actually play new music! Don't get me wrong, there are legendary stations that “get it,” however they are certainly not the norm.

10) Finally, what do you like to do for fun and relaxation when you’re not in Radio “work” mode?

Spend as much time as possible with my children, grandchildren and travel with my beloved Shelly, while constantly listening to music.