Northwest Missourian

Last updated: 4/24/08 at 10:48 PM CST Section: University News

Rodney Harris KXCV General Manager [Click to enlarge]

After being in the industry for more than 30 years, his interest for radio led him back to his alma mater.

Rodney Harris, the new KXCV general manager, is a 1978 graduate of Northwest. He earned his bachelor of science in radio, television and film.

A native of Albany, Mo., Harris attended Northwest and dabbled in intramural sports and was heavily involved in working at KDLX, now known as KZLX, the radio station on campus, he said.

At KDLX Harris held several managerial positions including news and sales, and eventually became the student sales manager. By his final year, he was promoted to student station manager.

The day after graduating from Northwest, Harris began his career in radio. He was asked, along with another person, to start a new radio station. Together they built KAAN AM-FM in Bethany, Mo. from the ground up.

Over the years, Harris worked his way through the rankings at KAAN, becoming general manager in 1987. In 1999, he became the general manager at KMRN and KKWK in Cameron, Mo.

After 30 years in his home area, he was ready to come back to Northwest to incorporate what he has experienced in the radio business into an academic setting.

"I like the fact that I can be back at Northwest, a place that has been so important to me, and give back to the students," he said.

KXCV offers a unique opportunity to its students by providing a hands-on learning experience and a source of alternative radio, he said.

"It's always been a dream of mine that if I was ever in the position to give back what I have learned, I would," he said.

Kirk Wayman, news director at KXCV, is impressed by Harris's abilities and experience in radio, he said.

"His reputation precedes him. He is warm, interesting and is very interested in the station and even more so the people of the station," Wayman said.

John Coffey, sports director at KXCV, and long time friend of Harris, also believes he will be good for the station.

"He has a passion for radio. He knows the program and has a high regard for the students," Coffey said.

KXCV has been without a general manager for awhile and Wayman believes that Harris will be successful at the position.

"His experience in radio and specifically sales will be beneficial. He has a community connection and will be able to tell their story," Wayman said.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools