10 Questions with ... Kenny J

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My career started in Tulsa, OK. All stops after that. Winston, NC, WAAA, Greensboro, NC WQMG, Dallas, TX, KKDA & KRNB, Indianapolis, IN, WHHH, West Palm Beach, FL, WMBX, Kansas City MO, KMJK, Waco, TX, Fayetteville, NC, WZFX & WUKS, and ABC Radio.

1. How do you see radio?

I still believe radio is unique with respect to local information, content, community involvement, and overall community relationships. Strong community relationships are key to the success of the brand especially during the times we are experiencing now with COVID, and other community concerns. Having a great, community relationship will not only help with programming but also with sales. I like to call it strong community partnership free research.

2. Why do you think your station continues to do well during the pandemic?

I believe in the old saying, “fish where the fish are,” that’s digital, and this applies pre COVID. You can still connect with P1’S with annual events in the digital space, it just requires forward thinking and being creative.

3. Has there ever been another profession that has piqued your interest?

Real Estate.

4. Would it be correct to say that you’ve had a vast broadcast background?

Yes, I started out on an AM station In Oklahoma, then Dallas, then Winston Salem, then Greensboro NC, and then I returned back to Dallas/Fort Worth. Then I was off to Indianapolis IN, where I did mornings on TV and radio in the afternoon. Then I headed off to West Palm Beach FL, where I was a radio instructor during the morning for the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, and afternoons on the radio for CBS Radio. Then I left again return to Dallas as the new Director for new campus for the Connecticut School of Broadcasting; and back to Dallas radio, now as Music Director and APD for Radio One. Next, I took an opportunity in Waco as VP of programming. Then off to Kansas City Missouri as PD. Then off to New York where I started my Consulting firm, Share Media, LLC”. I worked with my client ABC Radio. After that I headed back to the Carolinas to take on my current role as Urban Brand Manager and Program Director for WZFX & WUKS, two great radio stations with Beasley Media Group.

5. Who were some of the air personalities you grew up listening to?

Tom Joyner, Russ Pair, and Dwaine Dancer.

6. Does radio need to incorporate all platforms?

Every on-air programming initiative need to have a digital piece attached. I don’t believe audio and video are separate anymore. I believe audio with video can add extra value, just look at podcasting.

7. Would you share the names of some your mentors?

Brain Wallace, John Candelaria, Earl Boston.

8. What’s one of your ultimate goals?

Media Ownership

9. Any thoughts on what radio can do to stay relevant?

I think is starts locally first, invest back into your radio stations.

10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Be patient, have multiple streams of revenue, be a sponge, be forward thanking, smile a lot, have fun, do not worry about what you cannot control, and know your worth.