10 Questions with ... Karen Kearns

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• On air host/music librarian at WSIE/Edwardsville, IL.
• Newscaster at WHA/WERN/Madison, WI.
• Newscaster at WISM-FM/Madison, WI.
• Associate Director Education Services for NPR.
• Newscaster, "All Things Considered."
• Associate Producer, "Taylor Made Piano: A Jazz History" on NPR.
• Producer, "Contemporary Western Europe," "The Challenge of China and Japan" on NPR.
• Newswriter for VOA.
• Producer of "McTeague" for L.A. Theatreworks and KCRW/Santa Monica, CA.
• And now, GM at KCSN.

1. How long have you been involved with KCSN?

As GM, since July 2009. As a professor teaching radio, sending students to the station for internships and personally recording VOs, on-air pledge drive hosting, etc. ... since 1985.

2. The station has had many incarnations over the years. Tell about the recent decision to commit to Triple A programming.

This appeared to be a niche in the L.A. market that KCSN could fill. We will be adjacent to the new Valley Performing Arts Center and there appeared to be a natural synergy with this music format and the VPAC.

3. Give us a brief run-down of the programming schedule at the station.

Monday through Thursday, 24-hour triple A. Friday Triple A until 9p. and then eclectic, volunteer-hosted programming throughout the weekend featuring rock n roll oldies, the Beatles, Dylan, country, bluegrass, Americana and blues.

4. What has been your biggest challenge in launching the new format?

Building a large, diverse Triple A music library and marketing the station on a small budget.

5. How will the station be staffed between full-time talent and university students?

I have five full-time staffers at the moment. We have part-time student receptionists and a number of student interns.

6. If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?

Underwriting/marketing.

7. What stations do you like to keep track of?

WXPN/Philadelphia, KEXP/Seattle, KUT/Austin, KCMP (The Current)/Minneapolis.

8. How much interaction have you had with record labels so far?

We have regular conversations and e-mails with most of the record labels serving Triple A. Before becoming a reporting station, I sent monthly updates to many labels regarding our new adds.

9. The University has a couple of performance venues on campus. How are you tying in with those?

Our new studio complex is adjacent to the new VPAC. We are a media sponsor for all programming presented by both the VPAC and the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall. The station plans to invite some of the artists for interviews and studio recording sessions once the new station facilities are complete. This will be sometime in 2011.

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without....

Coffee!

What do you like to do in your spare time away from work?

Swim, visit with friends, grow orchids.

Last non-industry job:

Associate Dean, Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication, and Professor, Cinema and Television Arts, California State University Northridge.

First record ever purchased:

Hernando's Hideaway on 78 purchased in kindergarten!

First concert:

The Beach Boys

Favorite band of all-time:

The Doors