Expanding its footprint and establishing it as the radio station that instils a sense of pride and belonging in its listeners, wherever they may find themselves.
This is the vision Nicolette Kinnear, new General Manager of KC 107.7, has for Drakenstein’s community radio station.
Bringing more than 25 years of radio-station management experience to the table, she took her new post up at the start of Women’s Month, signifying the start of a strong, capable and enthusiastic female-led era at KC 107.7.
Kinnear lives in Cape Town and commutes to Paarl daily.
She is the widow of slain police Anti-Gang Unit head in the Western Cape Lt-Col Charl Kinnear, gunned down outside his home on 18 September 2020.
Kinnear told Paarl Post that although a born-and-bred Capetonian she in a very short time she has become familiar with the Drakenstein area, and specifically the Paarl Valley, and its social heartbeat.
In her two decades’ experience in radio and television she had always worked behind the scenes, she pointed out. “Although I have never been a presenter myself I do know that what people hear on air is the final product of many things happening behind the scenes.
“At the end of the day it is about providing quality content to listeners, but also ensuring advertisers get value for their money.
“I prayed to God to put me out there in the vineyards where I can make a difference. And He came and planted me right here, at a radio station with more than 500 000 listeners.
“Community radio is a different space. One truly becomes part of the community, becoming involved in various outreach projects. In the process one gets to know a radio station’s listeners personally.
“The listeners feel the station is theirs and will walk in at any given time.”
Kinnear said she was privileged to “meet the listener before the team” at a Women’s Month event on 1 August.
She said her short-term goals include expanding the footprint of the community broadcaster.
“KC has and continues to grow outside Paarl. We must continue to expand and yet bring that unique flavour the station is renowned for.
“Yes, we need to maintain our authenticity; when people tune in from outside Paarl they mustn’t feel lost when it comes to the lingo and what is happening in the valley.
“We are slowly realising we are not the sum total of our immediate areas any longer.”
Chair of KC’s board Dr Harlan Cloete said: “Nicolette brings an energising blend of vision, empathy and operational strength.
“Her dedication to inclusive storytelling and collaborative innovation aligns so powerfully with our station’s future and the community we serve.”
As General Manager Kinnear will oversee the station’s operations, spearhead strategic partnerships and help shape the broadcaster’s editorial direction as it deepens its connection to diverse audiences.
She took the reins over from Naushad Khan.
He is stepping away from day-to-day operations, but will continue to play a vital role in driving strategic business development and enhancing stakeholder engagement.
