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10 Questions with ... KJ Carson
May 20, 2008
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NAME:KJ CarsonPOSITION:Midday Host (12n-3pm Eastern Daily)/XM Top 20 on 20 and On-Air Contributor WIHTMARKET:USA/North America and Washington DCOWNER:XM Satellite/ Clear Channel
Please outline your radio career so far:
1994-1995 WJMH/Greensboro (mix show ... then Interim morning drive); 1995-1997 WQMG/Greensboro (morning drive); 1998-2000 WPEG/Charlotte (Interim middays, then a really crazy late show under my big brother Andre); 2000 WILD/Boston (morning drive); 2000-2002 KPRS/Kansas City (morning drive); 2002-2003 KMJK/Kansas City (promotions director); 2004-2005 KMXV/Kansas City (overnights, Interim midday and Interim nights); 2005-2007 WWWQ/Atlanta (swing, then Interim middays with my ACE Dylan Sprague); 2007-present Washington DC XM Top 20 on 20 midday and late-night, plus weekends/swing WIHT.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
I was the mix show host with a guy named Horse Raney at WJMH in Greensboro.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I was working in television as a video editor (ESPN's Black College Sports Today) and still a student at North Carolina A&T when Horse ran up to the college station and said, "I need a host for the mix show." At first I balked ... (Brian) Douglas was reluctant, too... but it all worked out. Thanks, Brian!
3) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Very competitive. Well established. It's a who'- who of the industry in all formats. Plus Baltimore is only 30 minutes away ... plenty of radio to listen to.
4) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
At XM 20, Priestly and Michelle are AMAZING at spotting music ahead of the curve. I remember Michelle talking about these kids who sold out a state fair last year and how huge they were going to be. That would be the Jonas Brothers.
At Hot 99.5, Jeff Kapugi has a system that is flawless and so easy to execute. He's a Gregg Popovich when it comes to managing. Plus, Jeff would like the b-ball reference!
Each station has a different approach from others I've worked at. The XM system works a little different than the terrestrial, but both DEMAND real content useful to the listener/fan.
5) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
Menudo's "Hold Me"!
6) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
Contestant on The Weakest Link (non-radio show) ... major league baseball prospect in high school ... had a very competitive Alternative band on the Jersey Shore back in the day!
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Hmmmm... Kelly Urich, KMXV/Kansas City. That guy's humor is so intelligent. Lucas at KDWB ... a true free spirit. Madd Hatter at KBXX/Houston ... a personal friend.
Damn ...did you say one?
8) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Mariah Carey ... quick ...before I get married.
9) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
92 KTU
WHTZ ... my dad has the launch on reel-to-reel somewhere in New Jersey.
WBLS
WPLJ
WNEW
WRKS ... and the Master Mix (Peace to Jay Dixon!)
WNBC
The old WQHT for some Freestyle! ... TKA ... Good Girls.
Stern on K-Rock10) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
The relationships that I have made over various formats, and multi-generations. There are so many to thank that it would take up a bunch of space ... ahhh, all those who've been kind to respond to e-mails from KJ Carson over the last few years, thank you. You know who you are ... or you're saying..."THAT's Him!
Bonus Questions
Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?
Larry David ... Curb Your Enthusiasm.
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