Kevin Kerston

Be a part of something great, and learn valuable skills and knowledge that will help you beyond college…

I went to Fresno State after serving ten years in the U.S. Navy.  I was not your typical college student.  I completed my pre-requisites at the local community college and transferred in, needing to finish my Bachelors in two years.  I had to maximize my time while attending. 

I have always had a love for radio and camerawork - preferably in the sports field.   I did some research and found out that KFSR was right on campus and I had to be a part of it if they would have me.

A couple of weeks into the semester I walked into the KFSR business office and right into a meeting.  I was caught off guard, standing in the doorway with three people looking at me.  I immediately gave my best sales pitch as to why they should allow me to be part of the radio station.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  I was nervous, but I told them about my work experience, work ethic and how I didn’t expect to be handed anything.  I wanted to learn about audio production, and what it takes to build and run a radio show.  Thank goodness it worked; they gave me a shot to see if I meant everything I said.

I first started off working as an assistant in the Music Department, helping to alphabetize the KFSR music library for a couple hours, two times a week.   It wasn’t glamorous work, it took a long time, but I was determined to show I was serious about learning and earning my place.  After that project, I began as an assistant in the Production Department entering new music into the digital library and started to get some experience using Adobe Audition software. 

I also served as an assistant in the Promotions Department.  I was part of station events, including setting up equipment, and promoting the station.  I was part of the inaugural “KFSR Jazz & Wine Festival” at University House (that’s where the university president lives.)  It was a massive undertaking and required many moving parts and volunteers.  I got to see and learn first-hand how much work actually goes into putting something like that on. 

The second semester was incredible.  Not only did I earn my very own spot as an on-air host for a three hour show two nights a week, but I was offered an opportunity that ended up changing my entire college experience.  I became the producer of the “KFSR Fresno State Sports Report” program.  I couldn’t believe the opportunity that was being given to me.  I would produce, edit, co-host, field report and interview players and coaches of Fresno State Athletics on a weekly basis, and get to hear it on the radio every Saturday morning.  It was unbelievably cool.

I was involved with KFSR every semester while attending Fresno State.  I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be.  I mentioned earlier about maximizing my time while there and there is no way I could’ve learned more.  If all that wasn’t enough, Station Manager Julie Logan reached out to friend about a position for me at a station and I landed my very first job in radio as a full-time producer at 940 ESPN Fresno in the afternoon drive spot from 3pm to 6pm.  It was a huge deal!  Coming out of college to land a full-time gig in a prime spot in sports radio.  I ended up moving back to Pittsburgh to be with family, so it didn’t last as long as I had hoped, but the opportunity was incredible. 

To this day I speak of Julie Logan as my mentor and how much she helped me through college and into my career.  The experience and knowledge I took away from interning at KFSR was invaluable.  I landed multiple television jobs afterwards, and my current video gigs in sports.  The opportunities I was given at KFSR gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to reach for my goals.  The support system at KFSR has continued to be there for me into my career.

The most important thing I think I loved about KFSR was how I met so many good people there.  It truly felt like a family environment with people I could count on, and I still stay in touch with them all.  I am very grateful for my time at KFSR and being part of the KFSR family.

If you want to be a part of something great, learn valuable skills and knowledge that will help you beyond college and the classroom - and make friends for life - walk through that KFSR office door like I did.