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10 Questions with ... Priscilla Kinkaid
May 2, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KHKS 1998-2001 / KRBV 2001-2004 / KHKS 2004-current (19 years!)
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
I started in Promotions as an intern. My first event was KISS PARTY '98 where I was assigned to the autograph table for N'Sync – and told not to get any photos or autographs. (My signed KISSFM bandana is framed on my wall at home) I've always been fond of testing the limits HAHA.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I didn't realize it at the time, but it's in my blood… My dad was in radio sales at several DFW stations growing up (KKDA, KIXK, KTXQ) but I never gave radio a thought. Fast forward to college at UNT and I was taking classes hoping to be a television anchor one day when a former teacher of mine who was working in promotions at KHKS called and said he was looking for interns in radio…and a new path was started! It's fun to be able to talk about all things radio with dad now!
3. Are you currently wearing more hats than in the past?
Of course! But I have throughout my career. I've always said 'yes' when invited to be involved with little things going on in the cluster, and not always at KISS - those experiences have helped me grow overall as a programmer. As the industry is constantly changing, the more hats you're able to wear and morph to, the more opportunities open up to grow. It's not always sunshine and rainbows, but at the end of the day, I'm proud of all I have accomplished.
4. You continue to be on the radio every day. What is that part of your life like these days?
My on-air duties have morphed over the years like all of those hats I wear! Radio as a whole has changed, so I have to grow and change along with it. You can't be stagnant and stay connected with your listeners. You have to find ways to engage in what your listeners are interested in so they will, in turn, engage with what you are doing – and keep coming back to the radio.
5. Who would be a dream guest to have come to the studio and plug in across from you?
Hmmm… I've never met Beyonce, and she's had such an incredible career! I'd love to know all the stories of building her personal brand and how she balances it all
6. How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z and Generation Alpha audiences?
Z and Alpha are finding music in more ways than ever before. Instead of fighting it, we have to embrace the technology but not lose focus on why people come to the radio in the first place - the local feel you just can't get anywhere else. The streaming services aren't going to tell you where that pop-up merch store will be or how to win the impossible to get Taylor Swift tickets. I also love being OUT in the community. Being at High School Football games, helping out when there is devastation from a tornado or other tragedy, we have these unique experiences and resources to reach out and embrace our listeners as our family, and that's what will keep every generation coming back to radio.
7. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?
Watching listeners break down and cry because they just had the most amazing experience. We sometimes take the 'backstage' experience for granted, but for many listeners this is the only time they will get to meet someone famous in their lives, from Billie Eilish who I watched give bear hugs to each winner one-on-one, to Taylor Swift who has a conversation with each winner before she takes a photo with them…all of those moments I'm able to watch really are priceless, and WE get to help make those happen!
8. If you could take a spin in the custom All Access Back To The Future Delorean, which legendary station from the past would you like to work at for a week?
Honestly, I can't imagine any station or moment better than when I started at KHKS. I was doing overnights and personally watching Kidd Kraddick take over in the same studio. I didn't realize how priceless that moment was back then, but looking back, nothing can beat that.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid?
A lot of my listening was determined by what my dad had on, but the 100.3 JAMZ studio was down the street, so we listened a lot because they were 'neighbors.' Y95 was always at Wet-N-Wild and I recorded my favorite songs while listening to countdowns on KISSFM. But my favorite station growing up was 94.5 The Edge.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I've had a few pivotal moments along the way. Scott Spaulding, who got me into radio in the first place, Mr Ed who gave me a chance in Programming, Domino who helped with my first air-check, John Cook who revived my trust in radio, but ultimately Patrick Davis has been the most influential. I was his second hire when he took over KHKS and I was a swing jock. Patrick was the first person to really ask me in-depth questions about where I saw myself in the future instead of the present- and 19 years later I'm STILL learning new things about Programming from him every day. I couldn't have a better mentor!
Bonus Questions
With the venue of your choice available and an unlimited budget, which 6 artists would you pull together for a summer Kiss blast?
HAHA wow… 'unlimited' budget!? I'd consider picking a smaller venue because it's a more intimate experience and makes it more exclusive… SZA. Post Malone. Justin Bieber. Harry Styles. Miley Cyrus. And my headliner is Taylor Swift
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