Kendall Moore, the host of “The Kendall Moore Show” on WVON-AM 1690, epitomizes such a personality. He is the quintessential cultural liaison, a community-oriented beacon who’s show attracts urbanites from divergent age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, educational statuses, pedigrees, experiences, political philosophies and spiritual orientations. He has the requisite worldly experience, intelligence and charisma — all attributes that make him attractive to radio listeners. The man has a knack for getting the community to understand esoteric political, government and corporate jargon so that we listeners can see things for that they really are. Then Moore gets us to see why we should care and how these issues impact our lives from a variety of fronts.
“That’s why my show is considered the radio show for the next generation,” says Moore. “I discuss issues that older generations are talking about. I get 65-year-old men and women saying I’m so on point, then someone 27 [years of age] saying ‘Kendall that’s what I’m talking about — you’re right on point’.”
Moore tells rolling out that WVON’s unique format, which promotes autonomy and unhindered creativity, is a perfect vehicle for him to wrap his brain around and represents what people are looking for today.
“WVON is the wave of the future. And my show deals with next generation empowerment politics, community activism, education and entertainment,” he says. “I bridge the gap between the young and old. This is why I love my job. I deal with top movers and shakers and the next generation of policy makers and world changers.”
Moore is not selfish with it either. He does not horde the information and merely floss the impressive portfolio of contacts he’s accrued over the years. He eagerly disseminates what knowledge he has accumulated, operating on the premise that a rising tide lifts all boats. Moreover, he regularly invites the powerful and the connected on “The Kendall Moore Show” to discuss pertinent issues of the day. Moore is a firm believer that open and honest dialogue is not only educational and essential to the perpetuation of our democracy; it is oftentimes therapeutic for the soul.
“What I love most is community activism, which would be where I really get down. Next generation empowerment, it’s our turn to get out there and stop letting people think and talk on our behalf, the 35-50 year-old group has something to say to.”
Moore also says that if talk radio doesn’t prick the public’s conscious in ways that gets them feeling a certain way and gets them moving, then talk show hosts are needlessly clogging the airwaves.
“Action would be it, we can talk until we are blue in the face, talk without action is meaningless,” he says. “I want people to take action and using the power of the media and the mic is action. We are the gate keepers. WVON gives me the platform to talk about issues that are in the community. There are people who need people to speak up for them I want to be effective for the little person and articulate what their needs are since they can’t.”
“The Kendall Moore Show” can be heard Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. –terry shropshire
