Hard to believe that Kannon started his broadcasting career at WFTK, a Gospel station in Butner, North Carolina. From there he went on to join Rocker WRDU/Raleigh. Then he was hired as head mixer for Superadio’s syndicated “Open House Party” in Boston. From there it was onto nights and MD duties at WJBQ/Portland, ME followed by nights at WBTS/Atlanta. Then came the call to join a new Beasley Rhythmic station that was about to sign-on in Philadelphia, WRDW (Wired 96.5), where Kannon now serves as APD/afternoon drive host today. But he also has the dream job of hosting “Open House Party” on Sundays, on 150 stations nationwide, from the friendly confines of his plush apartment in the City of Brotherly Love. Make no mistake Kannon lives eats and breathes radio. It’s his passion, it’s his life…and life is good!
e-QB presents excerpts from the September FMQB magazine Up Close with Kannon, APD, WRDW (Wired 96.5)/Philadelphia
On knowing when radio was going to become a career choice…I was listening to G105[WDCG] in Raleigh when I was about 14 years old. These larger-than-life, incredible sounds began to come out of the speakers. It was unlike anything I had ever heard before, meaning it was different than any “regular” radio I had ever experienced. The show was “Open House Party” with John Garabedian. I immediately knew I wanted to create something like that…something positive and fun that would excite and genuinely brighten up people’s day.
On the opportunity to join Wired in Philly…I literally got a random message on my cell phone one day from [consultant] Jerry Clifton. To this day, I still have no idea how he got my number! He had heard me on the air at WBTS in Atlanta, and thought I’d be perfect for a new project he had brewing in Philly. When I came to interview, I immediately knew the Beasleys meant business in doing something completely different in Philadelphia. They were totally dedicated to taking over the city, and they intended to do it on their terms, their way. That’s my kind of people! The fit was perfect, and we all could feel something special beginning to take shape.
On being a southern boy making the transition to a big city…Growing up, I could always tell I belonged in a big city. It’s just part of some people’s DNA, ya know? That being said, there’s not really too much difference in the way you do radio from a personality standpoint. Radio is a personal medium that always feels one-on-one to the listener, so the same basic rules apply…be positive, fun, and relatable, and people will like you and will be drawn in.
On being a part of the “Open House Party” franchise…I won’t lie…to follow in the footsteps of someone I respect as much as I do in Kane, was a daunting task to say the least. But I was thrilled to jump right in and put my own twist on the show. I’m extremely passionate about the philosophies “Open House Party” is built on.
On why “Open House Party” has lasted so long…Because it works! There’s a certain charm and energy around this weekly event that the audience is drawn to. It’s a larger-than-life party with the biggest celebrities, hottest mixes, and it’s totally request-driven. The listeners like it.
On the most significant changes in the market…PPM has forced us all to look inside and examine ourselves, so the overall quality of radio has greatly improved. A constantly changing and evolving radio landscape has kept things more than interesting.
On what surprised was most surprising about the PPM data…We tried to keep an open mind so there wouldn’t be too many blind-side surprises, but PPM has served as a great wake-up call in regard to how people really use radio. We honestly believe by studying the data and making adjustments instead of hiding from it or complaining about PPM’s shortcomings we have become better programmers.
On what key factors are involved in making music decisions…We use all the standard “tools” programmers use, but we are EXTREMELY careful to use them as just that…”tools.” At the end of the day, Leo is the smartest music PD I have ever worked with. A lot of people are going to think that’s the standard stroke-the-PD-in-the-trades comment, and they’re dead wrong. He just gets it! It’s honestly scary sometimes. Thank God he’s on THIS team.
On what’s it like to work under Leo Baldwin and a great programming team…This team clicks.Marian [Newsome-McAdam] is our veteran, Philly native, (newly pregnant!) MD. She keeps the boys – myself, [Programming Coordinator] Seany Mac, and Leo in check. Add to that an amazing airstaff including Chio in the Morning, Casey in middays, and Chris at night, and you’re cookin’ with gasoline. We all have a collective vision for Wired and have honest-to-God fun going for it every day. When the chemistry is right, you’re unstoppable. In the halls, it feels like that’s where we are.
*** QB Content by Bob Burke ***
| Also in the September Issue: |
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Street Scenes: Promo Only Party in Atlantic City |
