Presentation of the 11th Annual Airblazer Award Takes Place During the 2026 TALENTMASTERS MSBC
Dallas, Texas (April 16, 2026): Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, in partnership with Talentmasters MSBC (Morning Show Boot Camp) are delighted to announce Kennedy Elsey, co-host of the Karson & Kennedy morning show on Audacy’s MIX 104.1 in Boston as the recipient of the 11th annual 2026 MIW Airblazer Award.
The MIW Airblazer Award stems from an alliance formed in 2015 between MIW and Talentmasters MSBC. The recipient is carefully selected, as is tradition, by the prior year’s recipient and is recognized for her dedication and contributions to the broadcast industry and to the communities she serves. The 2026 Airblazer Award will be presented to Kennedy during the Talentmasters MSBC (Morning Show Boot Camp), on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Hilton Downtown in Cleveland, OH. To register for 2026 MSBC visit: https://radiomsbc.com/.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this year’s MIW Airblazer Award, and let’s be honest, also a little shocked they’re encouraging this level of chaos,” commented Kennedy on the announcement. “To be in the same sentence as the women who have won this award is humbling. These are the voices I learned from, the standard I’ve been chasing, and the reason I believed there was space for someone like me in this industry in the first place, so now to be mentioned alongside them is pretty surreal. This job lets me laugh, connect, and occasionally get away with saying things most people wouldn’t dare say before 9 am and I’m grateful for every second of it. Radio has given me a voice, a platform, and a front-row seat to connect with people in real life, every single day, which is not something I take lightly…even if I don’t always take myself seriously.”
She added, “Huge thanks to my team- especially Steve Salhany, Mike Thomas, Steve Reynolds, and Mike Mullaney. Thanks to my entire team here at Audacy Boston for supporting me, and most importantly, to my brothers, Karson and Dan. Karson, I would not be here without you. Period. This show is what it is because of the three of us. They challenge me, support me, call me out when I need it, and make me laugh every single day. I’m really lucky to do this with them. And our listeners, who somehow keep coming back for more. To the women out there, from your Auntie Kennedy, if there is one thing I can share: don’t shrink, don’t soften, and definitely don’t wait your turn. Take up the space.”
MIW Board President Sheila Kirby remarked, “The MIW Airblazer Award honors women who are redefining what it means to lead in radio, and Kennedy Elsey is a standout example of that evolution. She brings a rare combination of authenticity, sharp wit, and fearless honesty to the mic, while using her platform and voice to create meaningful impact in her community. Kennedy represents the future of our industry, bold, influential, deeply connected, and unapologetically herself!”
2025 MIW Airblazer Karen Carson, from Karen Carson In The Morning on Audacy’s NEW 102.7 FM (WNEW-FM) in New York said, “I’m proud to nominate Kennedy Elsey as this year’s Airblazer recipient. She has a way of connecting with her audience that feels genuine and personal, both on the air and in everyday life. What really stands out is her willingness to be open and honest about her own experiences. That kind of authenticity takes courage, and it’s something people truly respond to. Kennedy is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness. She uses her platform to start important conversations, support others, and help break down the stigma. It’s clear that this work means a lot to her, and she consistently backs it up through real action in the community. She’s also incredibly committed to giving back. Through efforts like providing 10,000 toys for girls and boys during the holidays, she helps bring joy to families who need it most. Her generosity and dedication show in everything she does. Kennedy isn’t just someone people listen to, she’s someone they feel connected to. She shows up for her audience and her community in a real and meaningful way, and that’s what makes her so deserving of the Airblazer award.”
In addition to Kennedy Elsey and Karen Carson, previous MIW Airblazers include Delilah (2024), Dana Cortez (2023), Patty Steele (2022), DeDe McGuire (2021), Angela Yee (2020), Kellie Rasberry (2019), Mercedes Martinez (2018), Roula Christie (2017), Angie Martinez (2016), and Ellen K (2015).
Kennedy Elsey is the co-host of the top-rated Karson & Kennedy morning show on MIX 104.1 in Boston, where she brings her signature blend of humor, honesty, and heart to listeners every day. Originally from suburban Chicago, Kennedy discovered her love of storytelling early, spending hours at her local library and later earning a double major in Theater and Psychology from Drake University. Beyond the mic, Kennedy is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. She serves on the board of Samaritans, a local suicide prevention organization, and leads impactful community initiatives, including “Kennedy’s Wicked Long Walk,” which has raised over $100,00 in awareness and funds for suicide prevention across Massachusetts in just 2 years. Known for her quick wit, creative content, and deep connection with her audience, Kennedy has built a platform that entertains while making a meaningful difference. Whether she’s making Boston laugh during morning drive or mobilizing listeners for a cause, she continues to use her voice to uplift, connect, and inspire.
About MIW:
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) is a volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of top-level female radio professionals, from across the country, who are dedicated to using their influence and resources to help other women in radio broadcasting develop management and leadership skills. The MIW organization is equally committed to advocating for the advancement of women to senior positions within the radio industry. For more information, please visit www.RadioMIW.com.
About the Talentmasters MSBC:
For over 30 years, Talentmasters MSBC has been recognized as the first and foremost annual gathering of top shows, producers, talent specialists, content providers, and the radio executives behind them. Attendees arrive from throughout the U.S., Canada, and abroad. For more information, visit https://radiomsbc.com.
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