Toby Knapp

By Bob Burke

Toby Knapp and I have known each other for more than 30 years! He is celebrating those many years by still being at the top of his game with iHeartMedia. He has programmed and hosted many radio formats and shows including his main current hub, mornings on WASH in the nation’s capital. It still seems like he’s just getting started having met many challenges while overcoming some obstacles. There’s no doubt that TK is having more fun than ever with an eye on the future in a business he absolutely loves!

You are celebrating close to 30 years in the game. When did you know that a career in radio was going to be your calling?
Doing weekends, and then, producing the Morning Hotheads on WHBT/Scranton. Kid Kelly has this way of taking what you bring and unleashing it in you. The fire from my first station became a bonfire at times and a dumpster fire at times but you weren’t putting it out.

You have become an invaluable asset to iHeart being involved with multiple formats and dayparts. But what has it been like co-hosting morning drive and building a show from the ground up in Washington, DC?
An object lesson on how great coaching, patience, faith, growing pains and more can lead to trust. I love what iHR has allowed us to build here and I love, trust and respect Chilli and Kala who, when we’re together, bring individual strengths to bare. The best is just ahead.

How tough was it to transition into that lifestyle change, that morning mindset?
It seemed easier in Lancaster. This time, the transition sucked. I had to fight back against a lifestyle I’d known since 2001 at WFLZ. It’s still not easy but I’m learning the power of going to bed early and getting more than 97 minutes of commercial free sleep.

You’ve spoken with many artists over the years, who stands out the most?
Halsey. For her to say, “I hate radio interviews because they’re insulting questions with gimmicks and they ask me to say this or say that as if I don’t have a brain, so I’m calling you from London because Joe Rainey says you are NOT that person, so let’s talk about life.” That was amazing.

You’ve battle back from some health issues over the years. What did you learn the most about yourself during those times?
I am in the hospital overnight right now actually… Didn’t know this AM I’d be admitted for what I now know is an infection which had I not made a move could have been much worse. It’s okay to be sick. You are not a superhero. You matter to the company and the company will be here for you when you are up to speed. Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to use your sick days.

As a veteran in the business now. What advice would you give up and coming talent looking to advance their career in the radio business?
Learn everything about a studio and how to run the UI which makes it go. This isn’t TikTok or Insta. You gotta entertain, create, run a studio and be able to do it live because we are getting back to that in a big way, soon. Be so good at so much of it they would not want to go on without you.

We often forget that what makes this industry special is the people. Who are some of the people that influenced or mentored you coming up?
Too many names to list. From Kid, Jeff Kapugi to Thea Mitchem to Tommy Chuck to Brad Hardin to Doubledown, I’ve been blessed to have been taught by arguably the best in the business. I wish I could list them all. If you wanna know, DM me.

You’ve always been a proponent of good radio. What makes the medium so special? Where do you see its growth moving forward?
Companionship. If we stay companions who unleash the power of emotion and love and imagination with great stories, we will always outpace anyone who comes at us.

What kind of music would we find on Toby Knapp’s playlist nowadays?
Everything we play on our iHeart app. From pop to country to electronic, 80’s and 90’s. Music has no format to me. If it’s freaking good, I add it.

We miss the hearing the Football Jesus. Give us an early Super Bowl pick?
EAGLES (out of respect for our time at Q102) but I’ll hedge on the Bucs and the GOAT Tom Brady. Don’t bet against Brady. He’s got that chip on his shoulder. This post season is gonna be fun!