Conversations with Kris Daniels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Daniels.

Hi Kris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I grew up in the radio industry. My father ran KNIX radio in Phoenix for 30 years and while I didn’t think that would be the business I would go into… I did.

I started on radio at 18 and fell in love with it. I’ve lived in many different markets to chase this dream of mine. Some of the markets I’ve worked in: Bakersfield, Fresno, Louisville MD/Morning Show, Las Vegas PD/Morning Show, L.A./ The Walt Disney Company Director of Music and Programming for Radio Disney/Radio Disney Country… unfortunately due to the pandemic, they shut the doors in 2021.

Now, I’m an Executive Network Producer for Audacy and I’m on air in different markets. I am also a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, it hasn’t. You have to really love radio to understand this lifestyle and all the hard work that goes into this career. Most people, not in the industry, see only the great things about this career.

The backstage passes, the pictures with the artists, the concerts etc. They don’t understand all the work behind the scenes and not to mention…by the time you get to the concert how exhausted you probably are! You also need a very understanding significant other as well!

Early on in my career, I worked holidays and weekends all the time. Scheduling vacations revolve around events or rating periods. But if you love radio none of that matters because the payoff is the best! We have a fun job!!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I got into this business because I love music… especially country music! I love helping artists that I believe in and getting their music heard. When I worked at Radio Disney, one of the things I loved the most was the playlist on Radio Disney Country.

Radio Disney Country’s slogan was “Let the Girls Play” and we focused our playlist to reflect that. Our playlist was 65% or above female. We really empowered female artists! I love helping artists and especially female artists because I know as a female in this business it’s great to have someone rooting for you.

The other reason I got into this business is I like to have fun and talk to people. My morning shows have been about whatever is going on in my life, in the community, and in the listener’s life. It was a real morning show. We had fun! Once I became a licensed MFT intern (Marriage Family Therapy) I created “Therapy in the Morning” this was a way for listeners to ask questions and get advice from the audience and professional suggestions.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I grew up in the same house, city, school, and same friends from pre-school until I graduated high school.

Ever since I have lived in so many different cities and basically starting over… to me, that is a risk. Most people in the radio industry can tell you what it’s like to pack up your family and everything you own to move to a new town and make it your town… that isn’t easy. But now Nashville (Mt. Juliet) is my town and my home.

I think, in any business, you constantly have to push yourself and learn more about your industry and constantly grow… taking a risk could be part of a growing process.

Contact Info:

• Website: krisdaniels.com
• Instagram: @krisdanielsonair
• Facebook: kris.daniels1