This edition of Salina Sees You, brought to you by Drs. Cooper & Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care (1000 E. Cloud) presents:
Shane McClintock, Salina native and 99KG's beloved program operator/director and radio host, telling his story about his love for serving people on air and how he has kept the station at #1 since he started.
By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Ever since he was 8 years of age, Shane McClintock has been listening to Salina-area's #1 station for new country, 99KG. His dream of operating 99KG, became a reality for him in 2013 and has been managing the station ever since.
However, Tuesday, September 30 will be the last day McClintock will be on the air waves for 99KG. At least for now.
Before becoming #1: The passion that drives
McClintock worked part-time for 99KG when he was a junior in high school. Every night at around 10 pm, he would walk into the radio station and just dream about becoming a part of 99KG.
His first full-time position as a radio operator was in Kansas City, where he worked there for 12 years, before fully programming 99KG in 2013. Ever since he took over 99KG, the station has been #1 and he has been the longest running Program Operator/Director in history.
Sure McClintock has the talent and work ethic (which the numbers speak for itself), but his heart for radio and most importantly people, is what drives his passion.
"It is not about how many artists that I can meet. When I put together a promotion, there is a deeper meaning behind all of it," said McClintock.
McClintock added, the reason he always puts so much passion into promotions, runs deeper than just giving away prizes.
"By the time I was 17, I do not think I traveled past McPherson. So when I create trips, tickets or experiences, I build them in a way for that kid I once was, who could not have afforded it. Now it's easy for that kid or family who is out there, to just win it."
SPONSORED:
This edition of Salina Sees You is brought to you by Drs. Cooper & Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care (1000 E. Cloud). Call (785) 823-6391 or visit today, to make an appointment.
Looking into the interest of others
On the air-waves, McClintock is known to always display a positive and enthusiastic attitude, whether it be a promotion or live with a listener. He explained how he wants to express his integrity with each person he meets, both on-air and in-person.
"It is not a different persona, it does not matter how much money someone makes, whether I meet you and you make alot of money or not," he said. "I want someone to leave a conversation with me, knowing I was pretty straightforward and honest with them. I do not want to try to be someone I am not."
McClintock has talked about the story of both his parents passing away with listeners on the air. He has met listeners that have experienced the same events and shared true, raw emotions with them over the air.
"It is kind of nice to know that someone is going through the same thing and you can share those emotions with each other," he said.
Additionally, McClintock is known to be a part of putting together events for the youth in the community. Events such as, "Dad for Day," "Toyathon" and various other giveaways. The experiences and reactions the youth expresses is what matters most to him.
"That matters more than pretty much anything. They do not know who we are, and it is not about what they say to me, but about what I get to see," he said. "Radio can be about you, but it is not all about you and the only thing that matters is what comes out of the speaker, to the listener."
What's next
As far as what is next for McClintock, there is not a clear answer. Though his love for radio will never fade, he is unsure if he will continue to do it elsewhere.
However, he vows to continue in focusing on his family, especially his two boys.
"What's next? I have no idea," he said. "I have some ideas, but I want more than anything to have consistency for my kids."
"My overall time truly at 99KG, has been some of best 12 years of my life," McClintock said.
McClintock hopes one day to have a conversation with Head Coach of the Detroit Lions, Dan Campbell.
Salina sees you, Shane McClintock.
If you would like to share your personal story or know anyone who may have a story that will inspire each reader, please email Salina Post News Director, Nicolas Fierro: [email protected] or [email protected] (during regular business hours)
You can also contact: (785) 656-9856 (during regular business hours)