New Horizons For Valorie Knight
• After a successful radio career that spans nearly four decades, Valorie Knight announced her “semi-retirement” — she is stepping down as Operations Manager of Mid-West Family’s cluster in Springfield, MO to explore new avenues of life outside of radio.
In a staff memo, Knight said, “Four years ago next month, I made the decision to extend my 30+ year radio career by returning to Mid-West Family to program [Active Rock KQRA] Q102 and take on the Operations Manager title. At that time, I promised to stay two years… that time has gone by very fast, and I’m excited, but also a little sad to announce that I will be stepping down as OM officially at the end of this month.” She added, “I’ve been super blessed to have a 35+-year radio career that included stops at KQRC & KRBZ/Kansas City, WGIR/Manchester, NH, WQLZ/Springfield, IL and now, Springfield, MO. I’m proud that I got to finish out my lifelong career with an amazing organization and such talented people. I’m happy to be a Mid-West Family stockholder and will still be around to help fill-in on air, do production and help with events and special projects as needed.”
Knight announced that Asst. OM Scott Ellis (left) will assume OM duties and program Q102 and Rhythmic KOSP (92.9 The Beat). The group also includes Classic Rock KKLH (104.7 The Cave) and Country KOMG (105.1 The Bull). “I worked with Scott for nearly 10 years at Journal/Scripps/Summit and got to see his growth in leadership over that time,” Knight said. “Scott is a gifted programmer and strong leader and will be a major asset to our continued growth in ratings, revenue and digital growth.” Ellis will be ably aided by former Q102 PD Shadow White, who is returning as APD and Event Coordinator. “Shadow is a top influencer in Springfield and a huge asset to programming,” said Knight.
Looking ahead, Knight will continue to teach Communication & Public Speaking at Missouri State University and serve as an Artist Curator for Sofar Sounds in Springfield. Oh, and she also plans to go out on tour next year with her talented son, Facet recording artist Jake Wesley Rogers, who will be the opening act on Ben Platt‘s “Reverie Tour” that kicks off in Orlando in February and wraps up at the legendary Hollywood Bowl in April.
