Hubbard Radio’s 100.7 KSLX in Phoenix is known for its powerhouse Classic Rock lineup, and one of its signature voices is afternoon host Karen Dalessandro. This year, she’s added another impressive bullet point to her storied resume: a nomination for the Marconi Award for Large Market Personality of the Year.
Dalessandro’s broadcasting career spans decades, markets, and formats, from dominating Country mornings in Milwaukee to bringing her high-energy style to Classic Rock in Phoenix.
Dalessandro and I were colleagues, although with different stations at the then Clear Channel cluster in Milwaukee.
A Marconi Nomination That Came With a Hair Dryer
For many, hearing you’ve been nominated for one of the industry’s top honors would be a quiet, reflective moment. For Karen Dalessandro, it was a bit more… chaotic.
“Almost simultaneously, my husband Doug was yelling it over the sound of my hair dryer, and a text from David Moore (KSLX PD) popped up on my phone! Doug had seen it online, and David already sent out an e-mail to the Hubbard Phoenix staff,” she recalled.
The initial feeling was one of disbelief.
“Surreal moment. It’s such a momentous honor, it took a while to wrap my head around it.”
Energy as a Superpower
Those who have worked alongside Dalessandro know her drive is relentless. Even after decades in the industry, she says her motivation hasn’t waned.
“It’s my superpower! Seriously, it’s something innate to my personality as I’m always striving to learn and evolve. Sharing stories that make people feel is a big part of radio, and it fuels my energy.”
“Finding new ways to say the same liner tests my creativity and improv abilities daily. But I’m genuinely interested in people. Listeners, artists, co-workers and our station clients. Everyone is on their own personal journey.”
That genuine curiosity, she says, keeps her show fresh, and it’s part of what connects her to the audience in a way that transcends format.
From Country to Classic Rock — and Everything In Between
Dalessandro has successfully transitioned between formats, including years as a Country morning show host and now afternoons in Classic Rock. While some might think that requires a wholesale change in approach, she says it’s more nuanced.
“There is more shared audience between the Country and Classic Rock formats than anyone cares to admit! As host of a Country morning show, I targeted a 25–54 woman typically with kids. Classic rock zones in on men 25–54/35–64. I’m prepping differently for a KSLX show with topics relevant to that demographic, but my approach on air is basically the same.
“For a heartbeat, I worried my personality might be ‘too much’ for the Classic Rock audience, but being myself and having fun seems to be infectious regardless of the genre.”
Navigating the Social Media Shift
When Dalessandro and many of her peers were first building their careers, “social media manager” wasn’t even a job description. Today, it’s a non-negotiable skill set for any on-air personality.
Social Media was in its infancy when Dalessandro and I worked together, and I reminded her that we were just beginning to explore it.
“We were all trying to figure it out! (and secure our Facebook/Twitter handles so nobody else would take them!) It didn’t take long to realize the importance of social media for my own personal branding, instant feedback, content promotion, and expanding the base.
“Although I’ve always shared huge chunks of my life on the air, social media opened a window so listeners could see and interact with me directly. It allows me to take people behind the scenes through creative reels, Instagram stories and regular posts. It’s definitely added another layer of work to everything else we were all doing before its existence!”
Advice for the Next Generation
Dalessandro’s longevity and success give her a valuable perspective for those aspiring to follow her path. Her advice: think bigger than just “radio.”
“Think multi-media and be ready to adapt. It’s not enough to show up for your air shift, record spots and appear at station events. Of course, there’s podcasting and YouTube. But take it beyond radio life to your community and network with everyone.
“Also… please don’t EVER just take the 10th caller!”
The Work Behind the Recognition
Dalessandro’s Marconi nomination is a milestone, but she’s quick to note that honors like this are built on consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to evolve.
Whether adapting to a new format, learning the ins and outs of social media, or finding fresh ways to connect with her audience, Dalessandro has approached each stage of her career with the same authenticity that first made her a market leader.
That approach may be the real key to her success and one that others in the industry can learn from.
“Being myself and having fun seems to be infectious regardless of the genre.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
