10 Questions with ... Priscilla Kinkaid

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my radio career interning at KHKS in the summer of 1998 in promotions and moved to doing overnights shortly after. In 2000, I started at KRBV just as they flipped to WiLD 100 and stayed for about three years before coming back to KHKS. I'm currently the APD/MD and on-air personality.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

I interned for KISSFM in the promotions department -- a full Texas summer of concerts and events outside in 110* heat for free! My first event was standing by the autograph table in the venue plaza for a new band called N'Sync. It was terrible stuff ... and I was hooked.

2. Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Absolutely! But just in an official way now. From the first day I started in radio I asked "What else can I do?" That question helped me transition over to programming by the end of that first summer. It's a question I hope future generations continue to ask (no matter what their career) and push themselves to do more.

3. What is your favorite part of the job?

It's never the same. Every day is a new learning experience: positioning the major promotion in a creative way, using our resources to help in the community, or hearing the next hit for the first time. It's all exciting, different every day, and makes me look forward to what tomorrow has in store!

4. What is the most challenging part of the job?

I'm a single mom, so the crazy overnight hours were tough when I started out. I never said "no," though. My son slept on the studio floor many nights and he never knew he left his bed. I did what I needed to do to get my dream job. It's hard at times, but looking back it was all worth it.

5. What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?

HA! I have a secret love affair with Robert Smith and the Cure!

6. What made you want to get into radio in the first place?

Many don't know it, but I grew up in the radio world starting as a toddler. My dad was in radio sales and worked at numerous stations here in DFW. I had all the perks growing up but never considered radio as a career. In college, I kinda wanted to be a news anchor, but standing in the middle of the tornado reporting on how windy it was held me back ... When I got an opportunity to intern for college credit in radio, I thought it was just going to be a fun summer job! Instead my love for music revealed a hidden passion that apparently is in my blood.

7. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Scott Spaulding was a former teacher of mine who initially got me to intern. He's the one who I credit with getting my foot in the door. Mr. Ed Lambert gave me a chance in programming. Being able to stay after my shift and watch Kidd Kraddick work his magic on the radio was an opportunity like no other. But working for Patrick Davis has been the most rewarding (and I'm not just saying that cause he's still the boss -- ha,ha) He took the time to get a once shy overnight/swing jock to see that I was good enough to also be a programmer. He's taught me that my possibilities are endless and I'm honored to continue to learn from the best!

8. Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

I love to travel. It's a great feeling to get out of my comfort zone, visit a new place on the map, meet new people, see new things, and try new food. There is a beautiful world out there; we should all get out and experience more of it. It's good for the soul.

9. What advice would you give people new to the business?

It's a constantly changing industry. Find new ways to be creative, to stand out, and strive to do whatever you can to meet your goal. It won't happen overnight, but once you do achieve that goal, it's a feeling there are no words for.

10. What has been your proudest moment in radio?

I'm proud of breaking the barriers. When I first started in radio, I was told that I wouldn't last long because I was a single mom and wouldn't have time ... No one starts in a major market, even if I did I would have to move ... That opportunities weren't there for women in radio. I'm proud to say I made all of those things happen. Not because it was handed to me, or because my dad was in radio, but because of me. I worked for what I have accomplished and what I will accomplish in the future. Don't let anyone tell you "you can't do that" for any reason. Barriers are meant to be challenged and broken. All of those things made me work harder to prove them wrong

What was your last non-industry job?

Before I got a full-time gig, I waited tables at a local burger spot called Snuffers. They have the best cheese fries that you smother in ranch. I'm pretty sure I ate them almost daily ... so my doctor is happier with my current career choice.