|
Ace's
Career Capsule
I just celebrated 17 years in radio this month. The first 6 were in
mainstream radio ranging in Oldies, AC, Country, Top 40 and News
Talk in the Birmingham and Huntsville Markets. After 10 years with
WAY-FM Media Group ranging from Nights in Nashville, Mornings in
Huntsville and starting the WAY FM in Tallahassee, I am the new half
to the morning show on Star 88.3.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
I’ve had to learn the hard way to really stop hiding
my time and passion for what I do behind the word ‘ministry’. I no
longer work long hours for the sake of ministry and I strive to lead
by example to my staff, by being very transparent to the listeners.
We all know that God uses broken people to create or be a part of
ministries and I want to show how broken I am so the listeners know
they are not alone in their struggles.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
I think it’s musically amazing. It’s full of artists
that want to connect heart to heart. By in large, Christian Radio is
too automated and generic. There are leader stations and
personalities breaking that mold. They are living life with the
listeners but it’s few and far between. Vision and budget have
replaced mission. I’ve also seen the entry level jobs disappear. How
are we gonna find the great talents of tomorrow if they are working
at Toyota?
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of a Christian
radio Promotion Director?
It has to be someone who gets who the listener is and
what ‘her’ needs are. They have to understand that ‘her’ life
doesn’t revolve around the radio and planning ahead is key. They
have to have their finger on the pulse of what things are coming up
and planning to make them a thread of the station. We have to get
away from last minute promotions that are half done with little to
know results in the end.
4. What criteria do you require for a promotion to air on your
station?
It has to be compelling and put points on the board.
We’ve heard it said before but it’s true, find ‘parades’ and get in
front of them. Investing into the community and the listeners lives
impacts our community and make it a better place to live.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
The kind that involve little work on the listeners
and give great results on the back side. Promotions that build a
relationship with a listener or potential new listener, like the
Family Name Game. These promotions help us get away from
‘contesting’ and show our faith and values though extending a hand
to community. Also, making any prizes something the listeners canNOT
buy.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
Return phone calls and follow through with request. Don't tell me
you'll do whatever it takes and then 3 months later you dropped the
ball. Also, build in a budget that partners with radio stations to
pull off promotional ideas that may come up much later in the fiscal
year. I’m all for planning ahead but last minute, great promotions
can birth and the labels could help make that happen.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Too many cut back/downsize and are causing people to
lose focus. We can juggle multiple hats to a point but if pulled in
too many directions, something will get dropped. It’s just a matter
of what part of the stations product suffers. Also, No entry level
positions for people who want to get into radio. We have to have an
open door and make a commitment to invest in those coming in behind
us that are teachable and show promise.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
To
relate to the listener! Nothing else! Don't tell the listener what
to think, feel or do, invite them to spend time with you and talk
about what they care about.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
Stations that are playing the local card and have live bodies on the
air always excite me. Z88 in Orlando has lead the way for Christian
radio. Hands down, they are THE station to mirror your plan after if
you want to WIN without losing connection to the ministry we are
called to do!
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
More local and mission driven.
Previous Interviews
|
