February 3, 2020, Issue 690
He Back: Mike Kennedy Q&A
Country Radio Hall of Famer Mike Kennedy retired after 40 years in the business – 30 of those at KBEQ/Kansas City – only to return after three years (CAT 9/3/19). Now programming crosstown WDAF and Hot AC KZPT, Kennedy discusses the finer points of stepping away with someone with similar experience, Country Aircheck contributor Sue Wilson. SW: What was the biggest adjustment or challenge in getting back to the dayto-day after time off? Was it physical, mental, or both? MK: Definitely not physical. I’ve been Mike Kennedy used to working a lot and playing a lot for a long time, so I kept physically active. Although I managed to stay busy, mentally I was divided in a handful of directions. Today, I am back to being totally focused on the operation of two radio stations, improving and elevating the brands in the marketplace and listening to a lot of music! I think I’m using the same amount of brain power, but have definitely reloaded the chambers with different content. As a former PD/morning talent myself, I have to ask, what has sleeping in been like for you these last three years? My wife gets up at 3am for her morning show so I am still used to waking up early. The beauty is, I could go right back to bed for a few hours, but my mornings were very consistent. I got to hang with the dogs every day, which was awesome. I was religious about listening to three morning shows in KC and a couple out of market, so I was able to offer my unsolicited opinions. I stayed up on industry news, listened to morning shows and music nearly every morning during the week and designed the rest of the day at that point. After you left, did it take a while to fully disconnect? Or did you? The short and honest answer is no. At the end of 2016 I had more than 40 years of radio, music and live events in my blood and was going to consult my first year out, so there was no full disconnect. I still had a great amount of interaction with friends on the radio and label side. (continued on page 15)
Life Of The Pardi: Capitol’s Jon Pardi celebrates his fourth No. 1, “Heartache Medication,” with some of the team that made it happen. Pictured (l-r) are the label’s Ashley Laws, Donna Hughes and Bobby Young, Pardi and the label’s Royce Risser, Chris Schuler and Katelyn Lester.
Before You Quit
[Ed. Note: Excerpted from Country Aircheck contributor Sue Wilson’s blog, this piece will likely be applicable to most professionals at some point in their career. And it’s a fitting companion to her conversation with Mike Kennedy.] Have you ever wanted to quit your day job? I just finished my first full year of selfemployment and want to share my thoughts on what to consider before you leave.
Sue Wilson
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