Something Good In The Hood

Congratulations to Dennis Snipe who was recently named interim Station Manager/Director of Operations of WKKC 89.3 FM that's good news coming from the hood. Mr. Snipe is a Kennedy King College graduate who was instrumental in developing "Knowledge Quest" a radio program that featured participation from Chicago high school students. Knowledge Quest exposed students to community college life and broadcasting. Dennis is an outstanding individual, announcer and radio host who also created a public affairs radio program entitled FOCUS TALK  that dealt with issues of the community.  Dennis whom I have known for nearly 3 decades is in my opinion the right person at the right time to lead WKKC FM. His history with the station and most of all dedication to the students makes Mr. Snipe the right choice in my opinion.

WKKC FM, Kennedy King College and the Communication Program has been major part of the Englewood Community over 40 years. Many great talents walked the halls of Kennedy King College. The former Speech, Broadcast and Theater program was the catalyst for the launching of several careers including my own both in radio and as a professor. The Theater Department can lay claim to a sitcom, "Room 227" which was a play written by former student Christine Houston.  Ms. Houston is now a professor at Chicago State University. You can create a who's who of students from WKKC FM who have excelled in media.  There is a WKKC alumnus working at many stations in Chicago regardless of the format.

What makes Kennedy King College and WKKC FM awesome is the access to quality training, instruction and faculty that care at an affordable price.  Although the industry of radio has changed and the job pool is shrinking a college program that offers access to a "live" on the air station with hands on training offers one of the best advantages towards a career in boradcasting. According to a very knowledgeable source, an education that provides real world experiences and theory will give students interested in broadcasting a leg up in the industry. Technology has changed radio tremendously and students with a degree will be looked at and those without a degree will be eliminated from the list of applicants immediately.

What made WKKC FM one of the Best Community College radio stations in the nation was the focus on students and the community it served. The format was eclectic, flexible and featured variety. Faculty participated in the programming. Students learned the art of broadcasting in a  free form setting that was structured. No, I am not suggesting a backwards movement to the "old days and the old ways". I am suggesting encouraging, empowering and training students to be all that they can be in the new paradigm of Social Radio. Challenging students to be innovative in broadcast and critical thought while at the same time broadcasting in the public interest. -a powerful challenge- I wish you well !!!

Professor Miles.