KiKi B. Jones used to sit in the WAMO 107.3 studio as a kid, watching her father “Sly Jock” live on-air. Now, decades later, she runs the whole operation as the Pittsburgh station’s new Brand Manager. For Jones, the promotion is more than a title. It’s a homecoming.
“It’s a full circle moment for me,” Jones said. “I was maybe 8 or 9 when my dad would bring me to the station with him.”
That early exposure shaped everything that followed. She grew up surrounded by radio professionals who became family. “I grew up with his co-workers and looked at them like uncles and aunties,” she said.
A Father’s Pride, Even If the Music Isn’t His Style
Jones’s father wasn’t always thrilled by the sound of modern radio. Still, his support never wavered. “Dad isn’t a fan of the music, he’s real old school,” Jones said with a laugh. However, that generational gap hasn’t stopped him from cheering her on. “He tells me all the time that he’s proud of me,” she added. “He still gives me advice and I listen when it applies.”
That mix of humor and humility runs through everything Jones says about her career. She doesn’t separate her personal story from her professional one. Instead, they’re woven together, one influencing the other at every turn.
Mentors Who Left Their Mark
Over more than 25 years in the industry, Jones has crossed paths with countless leaders. Many of them shaped how she manages people today. When I asked her to name names, she named several, unwilling to leave anyone out. “Neke Howse, Kris Kelley, Alan Lincoln, Jay Michaels, George Cook, Al Payne, Vernon Kelson, Mark Anderson, Skip Dillard, and Mike Street,” she said.
Each mentor taught her something specific, and she remembers every lesson clearly. “Kris taught me how to smile when I talk,” Jones said. Meanwhile, “Alan taught me how to keep things a priority and never settle for less.”
The lessons kept coming from every direction. “Mark taught me the importance of analytics,” she continued, “and Kelson taught me that every moment is memorable.” Jones also credited Howse with something less technical but equally vital. “Neke taught me how to be the friend to my listeners,” she said.
Networking, joy, and resilience rounded out her education. “George taught me how to network,” Jones explained. “Jay taught me how to enjoy life, and Al taught me how to appreciate the challenges because it’s what builds character.” Altogether, those relationships built the foundation for how she leads now.
Honoring WAMO’s Legacy While Building for Tomorrow
WAMO carries deep significance in Pittsburgh’s Black community, and Jones knows that history well. Rather than treat it as a burden, she sees it as a guide. “The original WAMO was all about the community,” she said.
That community focus still drives her strategy today. Whether it’s a concert, a festival, or a high school football game, Jones wants WAMO present. “Being outside and in the community really matters to our audience,” she said.
At the same time, she’s building a team that understands younger listeners. Her staff isn’t just professional, they’re plugged in. “Having a young team works because they live the lifestyle,” Jones said. “They’re in the trenches, as am I, and they are the direct connection from the streets to the airways.”
For Jones, that connection is everything. “Who better to connect to?” she asked.
Taking On More Without Losing Her Footing
Jones now oversees content strategy, talent, operations, and branding all at once. Yet she doesn’t sound overwhelmed. Instead, she sounds prepared. “I’ve been doing the majority of the work already as the Assistant Brand Manager,” she said. The new title, she explained, mostly adds access to ratings and research tools.
Communication remains her top priority moving forward. She also credits her colleagues at Audacy’s sister stations for easing the transition. “I work with a great programming team who have guided me and made it easy for me to do what I have to do,” Jones said.
Patience defines her approach to the expanded role. “I don’t have to rush anything, and that’s comforting,” she said. “I can have a list of plans on what to do first, second, third, and so on.” Still, she’s careful not to move too fast. “If I rush it, it won’t be right,” she added. “So I’ll take each task on, one task at a time.”
Juggling Radio, Business, and Everything In Between
Beyond her new duties, Jones still hosts WAMO’s midday show. She also runs her own company and produces “What’s Good In The Hood.” Balancing all of it requires discipline, and she doesn’t pretend otherwise.
“Sleep!” Jones said, when asked for advice on managing multiple roles. “Get enough rest and stay as organized as you can be.” Even with a strong routine, she admits things occasionally slip through the cracks. “I can’t say I don’t forget things, because I do,” she said.
Nonetheless, Jones trusts her preparation and her team. “As long as I’m focused, I can do it,” she said. “And I know that if I need help, I have a supportive team that will step in when I need them.”
Facing Radio’s Challenges Head On
Streaming, social media, and AI all threaten radio’s traditional audience. Jones acknowledges those pressures directly, without minimizing them. “There are many challenges that radio currently faces,” she said.
Still, she believes consistency and human connection give radio an edge. “We just have to be in the faces of the people,” Jones said. “We are the voices that carry them through traffic, breaking news, new music, and hot topics.” Unlike satellite radio, WAMO offers something personal. “I can’t call them to ask a question or win a prize,” she said of the competition.
Local engagement, she argues, remains radio’s biggest strength. “Listeners can talk to Mike Dean at happy hour, or get the scoop on what businesses are hiring,” Jones said. “Birthday shouts, community events, we definitely have that on lock.”
Looking Toward the Future, One Year at a Time
Jones measures success in relationships, not just ratings. “My hope is that a stronger signal brings people tuning in every day because they want to hear their hometown personalities,” she said. Advertisers, too, factor into her vision. “They can trust we are what they need to help promote their brands,” she added.
Change won’t happen overnight, and Jones accepts that reality. “We can start working today and keep working so that, this time next year, we are at a consistent pace,” she said.
A Nod to Rising Talent
Even while managing her own rise, Jones keeps an eye on emerging voices. She singled out one personality in particular. “Eutopia in New York is amazing,” Jones said. “She’s funny, smart, and it’s like she’s talking directly to me.”
That kind of connection, Jones believes, defines great radio talent. It’s the same quality she has spent her career building with listeners in Pittsburgh, and it’s the standard she now carries into her new role at WAMO.
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