“A good radio host is someone who is honest,” says Karson and Kennedy radio host Kennedy Elsey. “You can be funny, outspoken, shocking, angry — anyone can do that — but it is the person who brings their REAL self to the microphone that will make radio that is worth listening to. Radio is a tough, crazy, illogical business. You live and die by the numbers. Which is tough. I see many larger companies getting rid of local talent and syndicating everything. It’s really sad. I believe the one thing we have in radio is our ability to touch people locally. To be a part of the community. To share the same concerns to talk about the same issues. I’m so thankful that CBS believes in this policy of live and local radio.”

“I got really lucky getting into radio,” says Karson and Kennedy radio host Kennedy Elsey. “Karson found me on a stage in NC and pushed me and the boss until they gave me a chance. I would suggest starting with an internship or working the street team for the station you want to work for. Our technical director is a former street teamer, and the new Amp party girl on our sister station started as our intern. Just learn everything — even things that aren’t in your immediate job description. If you are the only one who knows how to do something, and you don't complain about it, you are harder to let go.” 

“I didn’t go to school to be in radio,” says Karson and Kennedy radio host Kennedy Elsey. “I was a theater major. However, any class that puts you in front of people, that encourages you to speak in front of others, to speak your mind, or encourages you to make interesting debate will be helpful in developing your on-air personality.”

“My favorite personalities are all women,” says Karson and Kennedy radio host Kennedy Elsey. “I am a huge fan of Sheri Lynch from Charlotte, Dana DiDonato from Long Island, and Corey Foley out of Houston. These are three very strong women who lead their shows. It's very rare in radio to see a woman in the lead role, and I listen and learn from these women as often as I can.”