KDKA: The Next Generation
• Audacy News-Talk KDKA/Pittsburgh is proactively preparing radio’s next generation of talent by giving them some real-world on-air experience — announcing KDKA Next Take, a new local overnight show that will be hosted by students at the University of Pittsburgh.
KDKA Next Take is described as “redefining radio, and will provide news, information and talk from a different point of view, overnights.” The new show launched Monday, Feb. 19 and will air weekdays from 1 to 5am ET.
The three hosts — Pitt student Margaux Rentzel, Jaimé Ely and Ryan Tarabokia, and Producer Dylan Foster — are students of Kevin Michael Smith, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Broadcast at Pitt, who has been preparing them to broadcast on KDKA, which holds the distinction of being the world’s first commercial radio station. The Executive Producer of KDKA Next Take is KDKA’s Amy Mauk.
“This is a project that I have been developing for a few years, and it’s ready to launch,” said Michael Spacciapolli, VP/Market Manager of Audacy Pittsburgh. “It’s the right time and the right place with the right people.” He added, “This show will bring a fresh look at local news from the perspective of the next generation, which is so crucial in 2024 and beyond. Our commitment to local news and content never wavers, and being able to add significant local content overnight through this partnership and with new perspectives is a win on every level.”
Pictured, (l-r): Producer Dylan Foster, and hosts Margaux Rentzel, Jaimé Ely and Ryan Tarabokia. [Photo credit: KDKA Radio / Ben Tenuta] (Special thanks to Andy Limberg)
