10 Questions with ... Kenard 'K2' Karter

NAME:Kenard 'K2' Karter TITLE:MD STATION:107.5 WGCI MARKET:Chicago COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:Chicago, IL RAISED:Chicago, IL

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

Weekend personality in Bloomington/Peoria, IL influenced by Deb Lessor, Don Cornelius, Dick Clark, Tom Joyner and Sam Sylk

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

I had recently decided I wasn't going to medical school after breaking my hand in football practice at ISU. Public speaking was one of my better talents; I thought speech communication was the only way to go and wouldn't take too long to finish the program. I took a radio class, which gave me a shot at hosting my own college radio show on Monday nights. After two weeks, GM/advisor Deb Lessor suggested I take a serious look at the field; she predicted I'd have a strong career in the radio business. Here I am...

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

I would have taken more risks -- work at doing TV and Radio simultaneously, enroll in acting classes and really develop my own talent completely.

4) Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now? How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?

Personally, I'm going back to school at some point because I desire more knowledge and information now than I ever have. So, in five years my drive will take me to being a program director, consultant or maybe managing a cluster of stations at some point.

The evolution of PPM is exciting because we'll now know exactly how people really feel about us, which will get us back to grassroots marketing and reaching as many people as we can!

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

My thoughts are balanced because this research medium represents our core audiences, but if this is all we use in the process of deciding what we play, then anybody can do a job I'm very passionate about. That's why you don't have to live the lifestyle of a format, but you can program it...Is the glass half-empty or half-full? You be the judge!

6) What is going to happen to the training of tomorrow's talent and programmers if the current trend continues? How do you feel about syndication and voice-tracking?

No comment.

7) What makes a good music director? Would you like to move up to program director someday?

Having a balanced attack makes a good music director. What you don't play can't hurt you! Being in tune with research and every tool that helps you recall the hit music tht your listeners are passionate about, is equally important -- not to mention fighting for the right promotion or record is also key. I'll be a program director someday, but it, too, will only be a stepping stone.

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

I'm so competitive that I become frustrated and always want to win. Sometimes losing balance; balance is important for success and internal peace!

9) How do you feel the current situation of fines and firings will affect future morning shows? Are air personalities going to be less creative and adventuresome because of the fear of being fired?

No comment.

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

Nothing risked, nothing gained. I would have risked more, earlier because what I thought I would lose, I grew to realize I never had it anyway. You must re-invent yourself daily personally and professionally; the moment you get comfortable you'll get cut!

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?

Staying balanced. When you get down on yourself, remember it's not you, but the chair you're sitting in. On the other hand, when you get too overconfident, remember it's not you, but it's the chair you're sitting in!

What's your favorite fast food?

McDonalds, #6 crispy with American cheese, PowerAde and a dollar double-cheeseburger.

Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?

Yes... self-help and motivational books, newspapers, history books and the Bible. I also

listen to tapes/CDs.

How do you feel about the differences between the Midwest and the south as far as music is concerned?

Depends how you look at it! Music has changed drastically because it's all popular music today. Currently it doesn't have much of the emotion it had when it was first created! The Midwest should continue to be creative and artistic without depending on movements from the East Coast and South to influence music derived from the Midwest. It's all hip-hop and eventually the world will embrace Chicago's house music, stepping and juke music as soon as it becomes completely mainstream in the Midwest.

What do you do when you're not working? Do you have any hobbies?

Swimming, reading and working out are common practices. I also love animals; I have an American Boxer and an all-white miniature American Eskimo; he looks warm, but very feisty.

You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?

I probably wouldn't mention it. I intend to gain and maintain wealth both personally and professionally. I could go to work everyday as long I love what I do, even if I'm not being paid for it.