KCEP Bob Bailey Internship Program

A conversation with Craig Knight, General Manager of KCEP Radio FM 88.1

By Kimberly Bailey-Tureaud

The KCEP Bob Bailey Internship Program recently graduated eight 16- and 17-year-old students. Its goal is to educate and expose young people to the field of radio broadcasting. Black Image sat down recently with the station’s general manager, Craig Knight, to discuss the program.

Why do you feel it is important to have a radio broadcasting internship at your KCEP? 
I remember when I was interested in radio and … wishing that I had a program that I could have participated in. Nonetheless, I was able to learn a lot by doing part-time work at the radio station on the weekends, and speaking on the mike — which gave me an advantage to get involved in radio. 

How did the name of the program come about? 
Dr. Bob Bailey was one of the first African-Americans in Las Vegas to have a television show, along with other accolades. It was his idea to establish our radio station and the call letters, KCEP, which stands for “Concentrated Employment Program,” which Dr. Bailey developed. 

How does the intern program assist the participating youth in securing broadcast positions? 
When the interns leave our intern program, they go on to college and some of them return during their time out of school and fall right into place here at our station, and continue developing their skills. They assist with on-air personality fill-ins and production work. Once they get out of college, if we are hiring, they can apply for a position at the station. Also, it depends on the economy. 

How do you respond to the question, “Why is there a lack of African-Americans in the broadcasting industry?” 
Well, unfortunately we are the minority in the market. But it is possible to still work in the broadcasting industry and should be encouraged by Monica Jackson on Fox 5. It would also help if more African-Americans owned their own companies in radio and television stations, and could employ more of us. Mainstream markets are more difficult to secure broadcasting employment opportunities in, but I would suggest that people look into applying for positions at TV One, Centric and BET to work on their craft and have the national work experience to bring more attention to them in the mainstream markets. Also, you can see who is really an equal opportunity employer after you perfect your skills in order to compete in the mass broadcasting market. 

What should someone do to get more involved with your KCEP Bob Bailey Internship Program? 
They can get involved with Clark County’s Summer Broadcasting Institute or keep their ears and eyes tuned in when KCEP starts promoting its new internship program. Our website is power88lv.com, or you can call 702-648-0104.