Meet Your ’26 MIW Airblazer: Kennedy Elsey!
• Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, in partnership with Talentmasters MSBC (Morning Show Boot Camp) are delighted to announce Kennedy Elsey, co-host of the Karson & Kennedy morning show on Audacy’s WBMX (Mix 104.1)/Boston as the recipient of the 11th annual 2026 MIW Airblazer Award.
The MIW Airblazer Award stems from an alliance formed in 2015 between MIW and Talentmasters MSBC. The recipient is carefully selected, as is tradition, by the prior year’s recipient — in this case, Karen Carsonof WNEW/New York — and is recognized for her dedication and contributions to the broadcast industry and to the communities she serves. Kennedy will receive her major award during the Talentmasters MSBC (Morning Show Boot Camp), on Friday, August 7, at the Hilton Downtown in Cleveland. Register for 2026 MSBC HERE.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this year’s MIW Airblazer Award, and let’s be honest, also a little shocked they’re encouraging this level of chaos,” Kennedy commented. “To be in the same sentence as the women who have won this award is humbling. These are the voices I learned from, the standard I’ve been chasing, and the reason I believed there was space for someone like me in this industry in the first place, so now to be mentioned alongside them is pretty surreal. This job lets me laugh, connect, and occasionally get away with saying things most people wouldn’t dare say before 9am, and I’m grateful for every second of it. Radio has given me a voice, a platform, and a front-row seat to connect with people in real life, every single day, which is not something I take lightly… even if I don’t always take myself seriously.”
MIW Board President Sheila Kirby remarked, “The MIW Airblazer Award honors women who are redefining what it means to lead in radio, and Kennedy Elsey is a standout example of that evolution. She brings a rare combination of authenticity, sharp wit, and fearless honesty to the mic, while using her platform and voice to create meaningful impact in her community. Kennedy represents the future of our industry, bold, influential, deeply connected, and unapologetically herself!”
Kennedy added, “Huge thanks to my team — especially Steve Salhany, Mike Thomas, Steve Reynolds, and Mike Mullaney. Thanks to my entire team here at Audacy Boston for supporting me, and most importantly, to my brothers, Karson and Dan. Karson, I would not be here without you. Period. This show is what it is because of the three of us. They challenge me, support me, call me out when I need it, and make me laugh every single day. I’m really lucky to do this with them. And our listeners, who somehow keep coming back for more. To the women out there, from your Auntie Kennedy — if there is one thing I can share: don’t shrink, don’t soften, and definitely don’t wait your turn. Take up the space.”
2025 MIW Airblazer Karen Carson, host of Karen Carson In The Morning on Audacy’s WNEW (NEW 102.7)/New York said, “I’m proud to nominate Kennedy Elsey as this year’s Airblazer recipient. She has a way of connecting with her audience that feels genuine and personal, both on the air and in everyday life. What really stands out is her willingness to be open and honest about her own experiences. That kind of authenticity takes courage, and it’s something people truly respond to. Kennedy is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness. She uses her platform to start important conversations, support others, and help break down the stigma. It’s clear that this work means a lot to her, and she consistently backs it up through real action in the community. She’s also incredibly committed to giving back. Through efforts like providing 10,000 toys for girls and boys during the holidays, she helps bring joy to families who need it most. Her generosity and dedication show in everything she does. Kennedy isn’t just someone people listen to, she’s someone they feel connected to. She shows up for her audience and her community in a real and meaningful way, and that’s what makes her so deserving of the Airblazer award.”
In addition to Kennedy Elsey and Karen Carson, previous MIW Airblazers include Delilah (2024), Dana Cortez (2023), Patty Steele (2022), DeDe McGuire (2021), Angela Yee (2020), Kellie Rasberry (2019), Mercedes Martinez (2018), Roula Christie (2017), Angie Martinez (2016), and Ellen K (2015).
