10 Questions with ... Kelson

NAME:Kelson TITLE:MD/Programming Asst./on-air personality STATION:WERQ 92Q MARKET:Baltimore COMPANY:Radio One BORN:May 17th, 1982 - Baltimore MD RAISED:Baltimore

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

My first job in radio I was a Board Op at 92Q (interned here as well). I grew up listening to Frank Ski, Rany Dennis, Shawna Renee, Karen Caughn, Ms. Tony, Egypt, Neke, Reggie Reg and Brian Carter.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

Well, what led me to radio is that I always loved music. I like to entertain. I wanted to be a singer, but I can't sing ... so that didn't work out ... too tough. Radio, to me, was the next best thing. I guess when I realized I would never be a singer (professional) that I might want to stick with introducing the music and interviewing the artist.

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?

I would still pursue radio. Once I knew I wanted to do radio (in 2000), I put my mind to it. If I would not have gone after it, I would have felt like a failure. Regardless of what happens, my first love is radio. Even with the industry going through changes from when I first got in it, I still am in love with it.

4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?

With me having experience in programming, promotions and production, that gives me a better chance of longevity. Eventually, I will be programming a BIG-market station. I am also working on being a multimedia personality, so in some aspect, I will definitely be around.

5) How you feel about being asked to wait on a record you hear until the research validates it?

Research is a good tool, but at the same time it sucks. I hate it when records aren't able to be played or opened up due to research not being back in time. It is important to me that the station's music stays fresh. A HIT record is just that ... a HIT record. Some records that are doing well in research need to be pulled because they are stale and old sounding. I believe you have to go with your gut, and have a good ear.

6) How do you feel about syndication? Does it have significant affect on the number of hours that you have control over the music that you play?

I am 100% against syndication. Listeners want to be able to touch their radio personalities. I feel that the BIG DOGS use syndication because they feel that there isn't a lot of good local talent. My question is ... how can they be great, and new talent be born, if there is syndication. A lot of times now, talented people can't use their creativity because their talent is handcuffed. I am also against it because it people lose their jobs. Syndication can affect the control over the music that a station can play. It's important that the PDs of stations that syndicated shows communicate to make sure the hits are scheduled.

7) Because of callout research are today's Urban and Urban AC programmers going to be slower in adding and playing new music? what is the maximum number of spins a record in power rotation could be expected to receive in a given week on WERQ?

I believe that it's more of a PPM issue because if a station isn't playing the HIT records, listeners will tune you out. Due to PPM, you have to be more careful with what you play. If you're not playing the best music and have the best content, you're gone in the PPM world. A record in power rotation can get anywhere from 6-10 spins a day.

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8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I would definitely like to improve in my on-air delivery.

9) How do you account for and what effect do you think WERQ has is going to continue to have on the Baltimore market? How much influence do you feel from the Washington stations that overlap such as WKYS and WPGC? Do you feel there are going to be new challengers from other formats?

WERQ has always had a HUGE impact in Baltimore. 92Q is definitely a brand name. It's a station that the Baltimore has come to love and respect. We will continue to over-serve with our product. I think WKYS, WPGC and WERQ take listeners from each other all the time. People will always flip back and forth. I believe as music continues to break their boundaries (i.e.-Urban records sounding pop, etc), there will always be competition.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

There isn't anything that I regret. I don't have any missed opportunities. If there is something I wish I would have picked up ... yes. I wish I would have taken the time to learn how to mix.

What would people who think they know you be surprised to know about you?

I think people would be surprised that even though I am a people's person and I have a lot of energy, I am very shy and a homebody (when I can be).

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

Syndication

Describe your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is anything I cook. I am a wonderful chief. My favorite foods include sweet potatoes ... hell, any type of potatoes.

What's your favorite reading material?

I do read. I'm not really a novel reader. I'm more of a magazine, gossip/blogsites ...especially mine (http://theurbaninformer.blogspot.com) lol

You're pretty passionate when it comes to new music. How do you balance personal taste with the expectations of the Baltimore audience?

I love getting new music. Being an MD, I have to separate music that I love versus music that is best for my station. Whenever I get new music, I grab five people and get their opinion.